Offered in both English and Spanish from 5-30 Oct 2015, the course is designed to help horticulturists understand and manage aspects of pH management including lime, water quality, species, nitrogen form, and root substrate. Participants can learn know how to convert fertiliser units and formulate a fertiliser from individual salts. In addition, they can learn to diagnose nutritional problems and recommend corrective actions.

Over 230 growers from the U.S., Europe, Africa, Latin America, and other countries have completed the university’s new Greenhouse Training Online courses so far this year, offered by the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Courses are designed for people already working in the greenhouse or nursery industry. The courses run for four weeks, cost $USD 200 per participant, have lectures and assignments in English and Spanish, and include a personalised Certificate of Completion.

The university says that its Advanced Nutrient Management is not a simple course. It is designed for experienced growers, technical managers, and sales staff. Many of the examples used are ornamental crops, but principles apply equally to edibles. It suggests that participants must already know how to use Excel, email, how to do a pH and electrical conductivity (EC) test, calculate ppm of a chemical, and read a basic fertilizer level (the knowledge covered in our online Nutrient Management Level 1 course).

Each week, there are two streaming classes and one activity (about 3-4 hours commitment per week), which can be accessed at any time of day. There are live instructors available using text chat and discussion features.

For more information, visit: www.ufl.edu