- - AGRICULTURE CORE CURRICULUM - -

(CLF6000) Advanced Core Cluster: ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE

 (CLF6600) Unit Title: GROWTH AND MAINTENANCE OF NURSERY STOCK

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 (CLF6605) Topic: WATERING NURSERY STOCK     Time              Year(s) 
                                               2 hours              3 / 4 
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         Topic Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson, the student
                            will be able to:

         Learning Outcome #:

           (K-5) - Demonstrate the proper techniques for watering nursery
                     stock.

         Special Materials and Equipment: 
                     

         References: Ingels, J. (1985). ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE: 
                       PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES. Albany, NY: Delmar 
                       Publishers.

         Evaluation: By observation and/or quiz.

TOPIC PRESENTATION: WATERING NURSERY STOCK

REVIEW: 

A. Types of Systems

   1. Hand Watering

       a. The advantages of hand watering are:

          1) It allows for variation in watering different stock with
             different water needs.

          2) It allows for a careful survey of the growing stock.

       b. The disadvantages of hand watering are:

          1) It is time and labor consuming.

          2) It must be done regularly, including weekends and holidays.

   2. Overhead Sprinklers

       a. They can be operated either manually or with an automatic time
           clock.
       b. Timing must be carefully monitored to avoid either underwatering
           or overwatering.

       c. The cost of installation is high.

       d. Sprinklers are inefficient in the application of water and
           fertilizers.

   3. Drip (or Spaghetti) System

       a. This system can be operated either manually or by time clock.

       b. Tubes should be periodically checked for mineral buildup so they 
           don't clog.

       c. Moisture around plants should be routinely checked to make sure 
           drip system is working properly.

B. Watering frequency depends on a number of factors:

   1. Temperature - The warmer it is, the more often the containers need 
       water.

   2. Type of soil mix - The more porous the soil, the greater the amount
       of water needed.

   3. Size of container - The larger the container, the greater the amount 
       of water needed. Smaller containers usually dry out more quickly.

   4. Size of the plant - The larger the plant the more rapidly water is 
       used.

   5. Species of plant - Different plant species have different water
       needs.

   6. Season - Plants grow faster in spring and summer because the 
       temperature is higher and plants receive more light.


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         ACTIVITY: 
 
         1. Show different types of tools and equipment that are used
             for watering and have the students identify the items.

         2. Demonstrate proper watering of plants and nursery stock.
             Have all the students practice watering. This can be done
             over a period of time.
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1/7/91 MT/clh

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