Practicum focusing on greenhouse venting and temperature control, maintaining outdoor gardens, harvesting of floricultural crops, post-harvest handling of floricultural crops, fertilization, propagation (by seed, cuttings, division), greenhouse maintenance, operation of greenhouse equipment (fertilizer injector).

Guided practicum experience providing students with practical experience in growing crops, as well as managing and marketing these crops in support of their educational goals. Students will develop, use and evaluate crop plans including all aspects of production and marketing. Students will gain practical experience in management of soil fertility, water, and pests using IPM and organic methods. Weekly seminar and field work participation required. . Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 105 and 325; and Junior standing. Enrollment limited. Offered in Spring term.

The UMass HydroFarm Practicum is largely organized and run by students, who select crops, set up growing apparatus in the greenhouse, maintain it and grow the crops, then market and harvest them.

Description not available at this time

Description not available at this time

Internship or other pre-professional work experience in the field of plant and soil sciences. Requires prerequisite course work in plant biology, soil science, and at least two mid-level PLNTSOIL courses.

Internship or other pre-professional work experience in the field of plant and soil sciences. Requires prerequisite course work in plant biology, soil science, and at least two mid-level PLNTSOIL courses.

Permaculture mimics ecological systems to design gardens, farms and homesteads which have the resilience and benefits of natural systems. Human designed systems however cannot function without social systems such as decision making, communications, organizational structure, and policy. This course will use case studies, guest speakers and in class exercises to explore how to apply permaculture ethics and principles to a variety of social systems. Students will engage with methods and strategies that build capacity and resilience while leading to long term systemic change.

This course will build upon STOCKSCH 297AL through deepening students' understanding of teaching methodologies and community-building strategies for Sustainable Food and Farming majors.

Not available at this time