Syllabus

LECTURE SCHEDULE

Duration: 3 Hours Lecture; 3 Credits
Time: 6:30-9:30PM on Tuesdays

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Joseph H. Rule
Associate Dean College of Sciences
Professor, Department of Ocean, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
Office: Ocean/Physics Bldg 143, Old Dominion University
Phone: 683-3277(work); 554-0440(home)
E-mail: jrule@odu.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday, 6:00-6:30 PM in OCNPS 143; other hours by appointment.

COURSE TEXT

Mengel et.al., 2001, Principles of Plant Nutrition (5th Ed), Kluwer Academic Publishers, Norwell, MA
Biol695 LAB Book  Click Here

PREREQUISITE:

Permission of the Instructor; Plant Physiology suggested 

REFERENCES: 

 

A Reference Book List is attached.  Additional references and class handouts will be provided.
 

COURSE STRUCTURE

Lectures by instructor with possible lecturers from outside. Class discussion and participation is expected. There will be selected laboratories, both as demonstrations and hands-on exercises. The laboratories will be held during the Tuesday evening sessions. Students will prepare laboratory reports on the various exercises following guidance provided separately.

GRADING

Exam/Item	Grade	Exam/Item	Grade
Exam 1	18	Final Exam 3	21
Exam 2	18	Laboratory	15
Exam 3	18	Class Participation	10

COURSE OBJECTIVE

The major course objectives are understanding basic concepts and principles of plant mineral nutrition as a basis for solving practical problems related to plant growth and development. Mineral nutrient deficiency and toxicity of plants will be discussed. The application of lime, fertilizers and other soil amendments to optimize yield and quality of horticultural crops will be emphasized. The approach will be whole-plant nutrition, rather than cellular, with concern for sustainable fertility management of soils.

LABORATORY EXERCISES AND NOTEBOOK

Several laboratory or greenhouse experiments will be conducted during the semester. Separate directions are provided for the specific exercises and for maintenance of the laboratory notebook. Please keep this information with your syllabus and always bring it to class.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

1. Understand the underlying principles governing plant mineral nutrition.
2. Understand the basis and methods used to evaluate soil fertility status, including nutrient deficiency symptoms, soil analysis and plant analysis
3. Recognize the characteristic nutrient deficiency and toxicity symptoms displayed by typical horticultural crops
4. Understand the factors affecting nutrient availability and uptake and know appropriate soil and plant management techniques to control them.
5. Understand the basics of crop physiology and particularly the effects of plant nutrition on yield responses and crop quality
6. Understand the specific nutritional and crop physiological aspects of each nutrient and know individual and balanced nutrient applications to enhance yield and quality of horticultural crops