ISHS Acta Horticulturae 801: International Symposium on High Technology for Greenhouse System Management: Greensys2007
AN ON-LINE KNOWLEDGE CENTER FOR WATER AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT FOR THE NURSERY AND GREENHOUSE INDUSTRY |
| Authors: | J.D. Lea-Cox, C. Zhao, D.S. Ross, T.E. Bilderback, J.R. Harris, Chuanxue Hong, T.H. Yeager, W.L. Bauerle, S.D. Day, A.G. Ristvey, R.C. Beeson Jr., J. Ruter |
| Keywords: | substrate, irrigation, fertilization, water management, pathogens, Moodle, distance-learning |
| Abstract:
We have developed a web-based knowledge center for water and nutrient management and conservation, for the nursery and greenhouse industries. Increasing environmental concerns and legislation in the Unites States and other countries require that we take a more comprehensive approach to improving and integrating cultural best management practices, since these operations are typically intensive users of resources which are applied to relatively small land areas. The website (http://www.waternut.org) provides the general public with an overview of the project and a link to the knowledge center (http://www.waternut.org/moodle/), which provides access to more than twenty intensive learning modules over the internet, within a Moodle learning management framework. These learning modules have been designed to actively engage learners in topics on substrate, irrigation, surface water, nutrient and pathogen management, which are integral to formulating farm-specific strategies for effective water and nutrient management. Additionally, tools such as irrigation audits and water and nutrient management planning are covered in specific modules. Over fifty regulatory agency, industry and education professionals have been active in the developmental review of these resources, through face-to-face workshops and on-line reviews of content. By providing on-line access to in-depth learning modules though this knowledge center, we intend to reach out to many different audiences, to a comprehensive informational resource of best management practices, to increase the efficiency of resources used by commercial ornamental operations. | |
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