Development should include
- describing essential nutrients
- macronutrients
- micronutrients
- describing non-essential beneficial plant nutrients (e.g., silicon, selenium, titanium)
- sources of nutrients
- explaining how soluble salts in the soil can increase plant drought stress
- deficiency and toxicity symptoms of the major nutrients
- overview of tools for nutrient analysis
- interpretation of soil test results and fertilizer recommendations
- methods of fertilizer application
- discussing granular and slow-release fertilizer application methods
- calibrating and discussing how to use a fertilizer spreader.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What elements are essential for plant growth?
- Why are fertilizers with many different formulations available?
- What are the benefits of using different fertilizer formulations?
- Which major elements are necessary for healthy green plant growth?
- How can a grower determine a fertilizer schedule?
- How is a fertilizer analysis interpreted?
- What are the advantages of using pre-plant fertilizers?
- How do controlled-release fertilizers work?
- What are the benefits of using silicon as a plant nutrient?
Teacher Resource:
Nutrient Management, University of Massachusetts Amherst