ES2S57 - Nursery Crop Production 01 Sep 2018 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: ES2S57
Module Title: Nursery Crop Production
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Chemical and Environmental Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Earth and Environmental Science
Module Leader: Anthony Davies
Module Team:
First Intended Intake: SEP 2013 Final Year of Intake: 2023
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100529 - horticulture
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2018
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

This module aims to provide students with knowledge of how to understand and manage nursery crop production systems in practice. The learner will be able to prepare and plan for nursery stock production in containers, in protected and outdoor situations.

  • Modern nursery production techniques.
  • How plant growth principles are applied within nursery production.

Content Summary

  1. Establishment, planting/potting methods including mechanisation and automated systems.
  2. Post planting/potting operations
  3. Timing and management of operations and techniques.
  4. Materials used (e.g. pots & growing media).
  5. Integrated crop protection programmes.
  6. The effect of water on crops and its availability.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 15
Project supervision 20
Supervised time in studio/workshop 13
Independent Study 40
Directed Study 40
Formative Assessment - Independent 72
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically evaluate a range of production systems appropriate to a range of nursery crops.
LO2 Utilise practical skills to carry out nursery operations.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 Prepare crop plans for a number of crops to include timing, growing media, and point of sale 0 3500 70 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Practical Coursework (Onsite) 1 Carry out nursery tasks such as irrigation, nutrient management and potting 0 N/A 30 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report 1
Practical Coursework (Onsite) 1

Reading List

Arbury, J, et al. (1997) The Complete Book of Plant Propagation. London: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 1561582344

Clarke, G., Toogood, A. (2001) The Complete Book of Plant Propagation. West Sussex: Ward Lock Ltd. ISBN 1841881447

Toogood, A.R. (2006). RHS Propagating Plants. Essex: Dorling Kindersley Publishers.

Adams, C.R., Early, M.P. (2004) Principles of Horticulture. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN 0750686945.

Dawson, P. (2011). A Handbook for Horticultural Students. Rushden: Dawson Books. ISBN 0952591111

Lamb, K., Kelly, J., Bowbrick, P. (Current Edition). Nursery Stock Manual: Grower Manual 1. London: Grower Books. ISBN 0901361 801.

Selected journals to include:

Horticulture Week

Plant Propagation Magazine

A list of useful databases can be found at:

http://www.hortweek.com/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/

http://www.rhs.org.uk/

http://www-saps.plantsci.cam.ac.uk

http://www.the-hta.org.uk/