Introduction to the "Why" of this course

The course that you are about to start will - for the biggest part - deal with the science of using vertical growers and hybrid-hydroponics in controlled environments (tunnels), for the cultivation of vegetables in a "future-facing" manner.  This technical knowledge will be "sandwiched" between 2 modules that introduces you to entrepreneurial thinking about horticulture of the future as well as taking you on the first steps towards a business plan that can assist you to start a horticulture business of your own.  Our hope with the compilation and presentation of this course is therefore to equip you to start a productive business of your own (our biggest wish!) or to find gainful employment in this exciting and growing field.

This course consists of the following Modules (Short Courses).

Module 1 (ISBFH01) Business Thinking For The Future

Module 2 (ISBFH02) Introducing Farming For The Future

Module 3 (ISBFH03) Future Farming, Climate Change and African Grower

Module 4 (ISBFH04) Growing For The Future

Module 5 (ISBFH05) Planting For The Future

Module 6 (ISBFH06) Feeding Plants For The Future

Module 7 (ISBFH07) Plant Care For The Future

Module 8 (ISBFH08) Controlled Environment Agriculture For the Future

This course is for...

·        Aspiring vertical grower and hybrid hydroponics farmers: Individuals interested in starting their own hybrid hydroponic farms or businesses. 

·        Existing farmers: Farmers looking to diversify their operations by incorporating hybrid hydroponic techniques into their existing agricultural practices. 

·        Entrepreneurs: Individuals seeking new business ventures in the agricultural sector, particularly those interested in innovative and sustainable farming methods. 

·        Students and graduates: Students and recent graduates in agriculture, horticulture, or related fields seeking specialised knowledge and skills in hybrid hydroponics. 

·        Individuals interested in sustainable agriculture: People passionate about sustainable food production and environmental conservation. 

·        Community members: Individuals interested in contributing to local food security and community development through sustainable farming practices. 

This module provides you with an understanding of the reasons, mindset and vision of horticulture for the future.

In order to strive for personal fulfilment and success in an endeavour, we need to:

(a) have a clear vision of why we want to engage in a particular project,

(b) know to what degree we are, personally, aligned with the objectives of the endeavour,

(c) know how the outcome of our efforts will, and should, affect our surroundings and society, and

(d) acquire the necessary theoretical knowledge that informs our approach to the project.

Learning objectives:

1. Developing self-knowledge regarding farming, food production and eating habits through free writing.

2. Introducing the concept and consequences of stunting.

3. Highlighting the mindset needed for modern horticulture.

4. Introducing feasibility studies.

Learning outcomes:

1.  Motivation, direction and a sense of purpose regarding this course.

2.  An awareness of the critical importance of proper nutrition in human diets and development.

3. Developing a personal vision for your future in farming.

4. Examining and analyzing a given location and applying your knowledge of soilless farming methods to achieve optimal food production.

In this module, you are invited to acquaint yourself with innovative farming methods, both past and present. The different types of soilless vegetable farming systems are explained, and their pros and cons are discussed.  A later module will introduce you to vertical farming.

Learning objectives:

1. Learning about different innovative methods of vegetable farming in constrained spaces.

2. Studying different types of soilless farming systems and their specific advantages and disadvantages.

Learning outcomes:

1. Gain knowledge of innovative vegetable farming methods that promote food security and environmental sustainability.

2. Identify and understand various types of soilless farming, including their systems and processes.

This module touches on agriculture and climate change, vertical farming methods, their structures, benefits and challenges, and then focuses on the African Grower.

Furthermore, you will be given informal tasks, as well as a formal assessment, and will be invited to start your own small-scale vegetable container-garden. This may remain an initiative to provide fresh vegetable for yourself – or expand into a miniature profit-bearing enterprise.

Learning Objectives:

1. Exploring the relationship between environmental conditions, including climate change, and agriculture within the South African context.

2. Understanding the key components of vertical farming systems.

3a. Examining the advantages and disadvantages of vertical farming.
3b. Summarizing and comparing the pros and cons using a spreadsheet.

4. Understanding the benefits and functionality of the African Grower system.

5. Demonstrating practical skills by assembling an African Grower tower.

6. Initiating a personal container garden as a hands-on project.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Develop a deeper appreciation of the impact of climate change on crop farming in South Africa.

2. Recognize the importance of water conservation in South Africa.

3. Evaluate and determine the most suitable types of vertical farming for different scenarios.

4. Extract and systematically order information for comparison and effective evaluation.

5. Appreciate the value and potential of the African Grower vertical gardening method.

6. Assess and identify spaces which lend themselves to installing this system.

7. Demonstrate the ability to instruct others on setting up this gardening system and effectively communicate its benefits to them.

This module introduces you to the basic chemistry of photosynthesis and the production of glucose (sugars) in plants. It also discusses the functions of the root, stem and leaf components of plants.

The second part of this module discusses the pros and cons of various soilless growing media. As coco (or coconut) coir is particularly well-suited to the African Grower system, the module goes into a fair amount of detail regarding its composition, what to consider when choosing coco coir from a particular manufacturer, and how to obtain optimal use out of this growing medium.

Learning Objectives:

1. Introduction to concepts regarding the production of sugar (glucose) and starch in plants.

2. Explanation of the photosynthesis process and methods for calculating its efficiency.

3. Calculation of photon conversion efficiency based on photosynthesis and respiration efficiency.

4. Understanding the concept and significance of the harvest index.

5. Exploration of the roles of root systems, stems and leaves in plant growth and food production.

6. Overview of the advantages and disadvantages of various soilless growing media for vegetable farming.

7. Insight into the processing of coconut coir.

8. Description of the three key components of coco coir.

9. Discussion on the salt content of coir and the importance of its cation exchange capacity (CEC) for nutrient absorption.

10. Explanation of rinsing and buffering coco coir, including when and why these processes are necessary.

11. Evaluation of the benefits and drawbacks of reusing coco coir.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Develop an understanding and appreciation of the sugar (glucose) production process in plants.

2. Accurately determine which vegetables require more or less sunlight to produce and convert sugars into carbohydrates.

3. Identify vegetables that offer the highest edible yield per plant by applying the concept of the harvest index.

4. Create optimal growing conditions for the roots, stems, and leaves of vegetables to support healthy development.

5. Select the most suitable growing media for different plant types.

6. Make informed choices about growing media, considering their advantages and limitations.

7. Recognize the benefits of coco coir and its suitability for the African Grower system.

8. Understand how the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and salt content of coir influence plant growth and food production in this growth medium.

9. Maximize the lifespan and efficiency of the coco coir used.

In this module the plant propagation basics section covers seven methods of plant propagation. The use of seedlings or seeds is then discussed, and attention is paid to the steps needed in producing your own seedlings. Vegetable crop selection and production guidelines are also covered. The outcome of these discussions is a set of guidelines for the African Grower crop selection.

Learning Objectives:

After completing this learning activity, the student should be able to:

1. Understand the different plant propagation methods.

2. Understand microgreens and their use.

3. Explain the tools needed to grow own seedlings.

4.  Know and explain the process for growing seedlings.

5. Consider a range of factors to determine best crops to be produced by seedlings.

Learning Outcomes:

Learners should be able to make informed decisions about:

1. Using seeds or seedlings for propagation.

2. Different tools and materials needed for seedling growing.

3. Successfully growing their own seedlings.

4. Prioritizing the appropriate factors which would influence their crop selection.

5. Selecting the right crops for their venture based on technical and business considerations.

This module discusses the 12 most important nutrients which plants need for growth and the production of food, as well as the causes and symptoms of nutrient deficiencies. It goes into some detail regarding how one establishes which nutrient is deficient and how to trace and rectify the cause of this deficiency. Next it discusses the pros and cons of organic and inorganic fertilizers, as well as the application of controlled-release fertilizers.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn about the six major and six trace elements essential for plant growth and their specific roles.

2. Explore the causes and symptoms of nutrient deficiencies in plants, with real-world examples.

3. Understand the difference between active and passive nutrient uptake and how to address related deficiencies.

4. Recognize the importance of controlling environmental factors within a greenhouse for optimal plant growth.

5. Examine the advantages and disadvantages of organic, inorganic, and controlled-release fertilizers.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Develop a deep understanding of how nutrient types and quantities impact plant growth and resultant optimal harvests.

2. Gain the skills to diagnose and correct nutrient deficiencies effectively.

3. Regulate greenhouse environmental conditions to meet plant-specific needs.

4. Make informed decisions on fertiliser selection based on different stages of plant development.

5. Enhance food production while maximising both health and economic benefits.

In this module, the different types of sources of water, their pros and cons and how to correct the latter are discussed. You learn how to analyze and rectify, where necessary, water test results. The issue of irrigation is put under the magnifying glass as well. Trellising is touched upon, as well as harvesting and storage. 

Note: A wealth of information is available via the links shared in this module. You will be asked to do some further research, using the suggested articles.