Agr, Lndscp & Envir: Greenhouse Operations & Mgmt

Principles and practices of commercial greenhouse management including construction, heating, cooling, container media, watering, fertilization, light and temperature, growth regulators, integrated pest management and disease control. Prerequisite: ALE 1100, ALE 1210, one semester of Biology, or Instructor permission.

Prerequisites enforced by the system: PSS/ALE 1100 or 1210; Students must attend both lecture (TR) and lab (M) Open to Degree and PACE Students

This course provides an applied overview of greenhouse operations, crop production, and environmental control. Students will learn to integrate horticultural, biological, and engineering principles to design and manage greenhouse systems. Key topics include plant production practices, greenhouse design and construction, heating and cooling systems, lighting and CO₂ enrichment, water and nutrient management, pest and disease control through Integrated Pest Management (IPM), hydroponic production, and business planning. The course incorporates lectures, laboratory work, field trips, and guest lectures. Students gain hands-on experience managing live crops and troubleshooting greenhouse systems throughout the semester. Course goals and objectives include: Identify and compare greenhouse structures, systems, and environmental controls. Demonstrate knowledge of plant production practices including propagation, irrigation, fertilization, and IPM. Explain how heating, cooling, and lighting systems function to maintain plant growth environments. Apply IPM principles to diagnose and control greenhouse pests and diseases. Integrate production, management, and business planning to design a functional greenhouse operation.

This course combines lecture and laboratory formats. Lectures emphasize applied theory and discussion, while labs provide hands-on experience with crop management, irrigation, pest control, and environmental monitoring. Students should expect to spend approximately 6–8 hours per week outside of class on readings, quizzes, project work, and plant care. The semester-long final project requires additional time to design a full greenhouse operation plan. Required materials include access to the course Brightspace site and greenhouse facilities.

Grades are based on participation and discussions (10%), quizzes (20%), a midterm exam (20%), laboratory activities (25%), and a final project (25%). Participation includes engagement in lectures, lab work, and Brightspace discussions. Quizzes and the midterm assess understanding of readings, problem sets, and in-class content. The final project integrates design, environmental management, crop production, and business planning for a self-designed greenhouse operation. Late assignments without prior approval are penalized 10% per day. Students may earn up to 5% extra credit through approved practical experience.