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

The course will contain information that is broadly applicable to vegetable farming but is specifically aimed at supplying the know-how to use the African Grower hybrid-hydroponics platform and processes. The material therefore contains highlighted contents as shown below:

Note:

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. You develop self-knowledge regarding farming, food production and eating habits through free writing.

2. You will be introduced to the concept and consequences of stunting.

3. This module will highlight the mindset needed for modern horticulture.

4. You will be introduced to feasibility studies.

Learning outcomes:

1.  Motivation, direction and purposefulness regarding this course.

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

3. Initiate your own vision regarding your farming future.

4.  You examine and analyze a given location and apply 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. You learn about different innovative methods of vegetable farming in constrained spaces.

2. You study different types of soilless farming and their specific advantages and disadvantages.

Learning outcomes:

1. You are familiar with different methods of innovative vegetable farming which promise food security and environmental sustainability.

2. You can identify different types of soilless farming and understand 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. You investigate the connection between environmental conditions (including climate change) and agriculture in the South African context.

2. You learn about the various components of vertical farming.

3.a. You will familiarise yourself with the pros and cons of such farming.

3.b. You will summarise and compare the pros and cons in a spreadsheet.

4. You will learn about the benefits of the African Grower system and how it works.

5. You will be guided to assemble an African Grower tower (practical assessment).

6. You will start your own container-garden.

Learning Outcomes:

1.  You will have a greater appreciation of the impact of climate change on crop farming in South Africa.

2. You will realise the importance of water preservation in South Africa.

3. You will be able to evaluate which types of vertical farming would best suit different scenarios.

4. You have extracted and systematically ordered information for comparison and evaluation.

5. You will appreciate the value of the African Grower vertical gardening method.

6. You will be able to evaluate spaces which lend themselves to installing this system.

7. You will be able to instruct others in how to set up this gardening system and explain 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. You will be introduced to concepts regarding the sugar (glucose) and starch production process in plants.

2. Specifically, the process of photosynthesis and how to calculate its efficiency is explained.

3. You will learn how to calculate the photon conversion efficiency which depends on the plant’s photosynthesis efficiency and its respiration efficiency.

4. Moreover, you will learn what a harvest index is.

5. You will also understand the important roles which the root system, stem and leaves play in a plant’s growth and food production cycle.

6. You will be introduced to the pros and cons of various growing media for soilless vegetable farming.

7.  You learn how coconut coir is processed.

8.  The 3 components of coco coir are described.

9.  The salt content of coir and the importance of the CEC of coir regarding nutrient absorption are discussed.

10.  Rinsing and buffering of coco coir – and whether and when to do this – is explained.

11.  The pros and cons of reusing coir are considered as well.

Learning Outcomes:

1. You will develop an appreciation for the sugar (glucose) production process in plants.

2. You will be able to determine more accurately which types of vegetables need more or less sunlight to develop sugar and then convert this into carbohydrates.

3. You are able to determine which types of vegetables to grow for the highest return in edible product per plant - the harvest index.

4. You will be able to create the right conditions for the roots, stems and leaves of vegetables to function optimally.

5. You know which growing media are best suited to which plants you wish to grow.

6.  You are also able to choose a growing medium with its pros and cons in mind.

7.  You appreciate the value of coco coir and why it is best suited to the African Grower system.

8.  You understand the link between the coir’s CEC, its salt content and how this may affect the development and food production of the plants grown in this medium.

9.  You will be able to obtain the maximum use out of the coir you have purchased.

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.

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. You learn about the 6 major elements and 6 trace elements which plants need, and why.

2. The causes and symptoms of nutrient de-ficiencies in plants are discussed – including specific examples.

3. The difference between the uptake of active and of passive nutrients is explained – and how to determine a remedy for relevant deficiencies.

4.  You are introduced to the importance of controlling various aspects of the environment inside a greenhouse.

5. The pros and cons of organic, inorganic and controlled-release fertilizers are discussed.

Learning Outcomes:

1. You develop an ‘inside’ understanding of

the connection between the type and amount of nutrients which a plant needs and the resultant optimal harvest.

2. You are equipped both to diagnose and rectify nutrient deficiencies.

3. You control the various elements of the en-vironment in your greenhouse according to the needs of your plants.

4. You choose wisely which fertilizers to use at which stage of plant development.

5. This leads to greater food production and greater benefits, both health-wise and eco-nomically.

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.

Learning Objectives:

1. You are introduced to the different types of water sources and their pros and cons.

2. You learn how to rectify (or ward against) any imbalances in the mineral content of the water, as well as pathogens and bacteria.

3. You learn to evaluate water test results and how to correct pH and EC imbalances.

4. Next you are familiarized with irrigation practices.

5. You will come to appreciate the advantages of trellising as a vertical growing system.

6. Harvesting and storage basics are explained to you.

7. You will learn to recognise various types of insect pests and plant diseases.

8. You will find out how to pre-empt the development of insect infestations and the spread of diseases.

9. Safe and eco-friendly methods of removing such infestations and diseases will be explained.

Learning Outcomes:

1. You have the knowledge to choose (if possible) the safest water sources.

2. You are able to correct any imbalances in the water which you have at your disposal by knowing how to evaluate water tests.

3. You are able to set up an efficient irrigation system which can assist with balancing the nutrient content of the water.

4. In this manner you ensure, as far as is possible, optimal vegetable production in your African Grower system.

5. Keeping track of the stages of plant and fruit development so as to ensure the best possible harvest yield, and you will know how to store your harvest, when necessary.

6. You will have greater control over the well-being of your crops.

7.  You will contribute positively to eco-friendly and sustainable farming methods.

8. You will have a healthy return on your in-vestment, both in time and finances.