Standards

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster

Nursery and Landscape

Course Number 01.47000

Course Description

This course is designed to provide students with the basic skills and knowledge utilized by the green industry in nursery production and management and landscape design and management. Classroom and laboratory activities are supplemented through supervised agricultural experiences and leadership programs and activities.

Course Standard 1

AFNR-NL-1

Demonstrate employability skills required by business and industry.

The following elements should be integrated throughout the content of this course.

1.1 Communicate effectively through writing, speaking, listening, reading, and interpersonal abilities.

1.2 Demonstrate creativity with multiple approaches to ask challenging questions resulting in innovative procedures, methods, and products.

1.3 Exhibit critical thinking and problem solving skills to locate, analyze, and apply information in career planning and employment situations.

1.4 Model work readiness traits required for success in the workplace including integrity, honesty, accountability, punctuality, time management, and respect for diversity.

1.5 Apply the appropriate skill sets to be productive in a changing, technological, and diverse workplace to be able to work independently, interpret data, and apply team work skills.

1.6 Present a professional image through appearance, behavior, and language.

Course Standard 2

AFNR-NL-2

Modify behavior to work safely in the agriculture lab and work sites, demonstrate selected competencies in leadership through the FFA and agricultural industry organizations, and develop plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAEP).

2.1 Explain the role of the Agricultural Education program and the FFA in personal development.

2.2 Demonstrate knowledge learned through a SAEP.

2.3 Develop leadership and personal development skills through participation in the FFA.

2.4 Explore career opportunities in horticulture/plant science through the FFA and Agricultural Education Program.

2.5 Explore the professional agricultural organizations associated with the course content.

Course Standard 3

AFNR-NL-3

Explore and formulate a logical discussion about the green industry including its scope, importance, and careers available in the nursery and landscape industries.

3.1 Define and describe the overall structure, scope, and importance of the green industry.

3.2 Discuss the scope and importance of the nursery and landscape industries.

3.3 Explore career opportunities in the green industry related to nursery and landscape.

Course Standard 4

AFNR-NL-4

Identify tools and equipment and explain their function in the nursery and landscape industries.

4.1 Identify hand and power tools and equipment used in landscape operations.

4.2 Demonstrate proper tool and equipment safety procedures in nursery and landscape operations.

4.3 Demonstrate proper maintenance and storage for tools and equipment.

Course Standard 5

AFNR-NL-5

Describe plant nomenclature, identification, and plant environmental needs.

5.1 Define the history and purpose of botanical nomenclature.

5.2 Identify common landscape and nursery plants by common and scientific names.

5.3 Classify plants using horticultural characteristics (e.g. trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers).

5.4 Categorize plants by their environmental needs (e.g. sun, shade, drought tolerant).

Course Standard 6

AFNR-NL-6

Investigate the properties of soils and determine the factors that affect crop productivity and plant health.

6.1 Describe soil structural characteristics that affect fertility and plant growth.

6.2 Identify types, characteristics, and uses of soil amendments.

6.3 Demonstrate soil testing procedures and prescribe treatments based on the interpretation of soil test results.

Course Standard 7

AFNR-NL-7

Design new and existing landscape planting sites for nursery and landscape plants.

7.1 Discuss the importance of preparing beds for planting.

7.2 Determine ways to calculate the area of varying shaped planting sites.

7.3 Calculate the amount of fertilizer, lime, and/or other soil amendments needed for the planting site.

7.4 Demonstrate preparation of the planting site using hand tools and power equipment.

7.5 Modify an existing landscape site to renovate and improve its aesthetics and function.

Course Standard 8

AFNR-NL-8

Install and maintain landscape plants to industry standards and recommended practices.

8.1 Identify and demonstrate proper planting procedures.

8.2 Identify and demonstrate correct mulching applications.

8.3 Identify and demonstrate accurate fertilizer applications.

8.4 Describe and demonstrate appropriate pruning techniques.

Course Standard 9

AFNR-NL-9

Create and interpret landscape plans based on industry standards and recommended practices.

9.1 Identify equipment used in site analysis and landscape drawing processes.

9.2 Assess client and site needs.

9.3 Measure and draw to scale a given landscape using field notes and desired specifications.

9.4 Utilize standard landscape drawing practices including landscape symbols, computer programs, hand tools, etc.

9.5 Apply the principles of landscape design.

9.6 Select appropriate landscape plant materials.

9.7 Produce a landscape plan.

Course Standard 10

AFNR-NL-10

Develop a pricing strategy for landscape planning, design, and installation.

10.1 Calculate the cost of a landscape plan and installation.

10.2 Identify different methods used to price landscape plans and installation.

Course Standard 11

AFNR-NL-11

Identify plant pests, pest control practices, and prescribe the use of cultural, biological and chemical materials and methods to protect nursery crops and landscape plantings.

11.1 Identify and describe landscape pests.

11.2 Analyze damage to landscape plants from pests.

11.3 Identify different types of management approaches to control pests.

11.4 Describe the concepts of integrated pest management.

Course Standard 12

AFNR-NL-12

Compare and contrast the use of various plant irrigation methods based on plant needs, effectiveness and economic feasibility.

12.1 Investigate the relationship between water and plant growth.

12.2 Judge types of irrigation systems based on plant needs, effectiveness, feasibility, ease of use, etc.

12.3 Demonstrate effective watering methods and techniques.

Course Standard 13

AFNR-NL-13

Identify and recommend turf grasses for various landscape situations.

13.1 Describe characteristics of turf leaves, seeds, and stems.

13.2 Classify turf grasses species.

13.3 Select turf grasses for specific purposes (e.g. athletic fields, golf courses, lawns, shade areas).

Course Standard 14

AFNR-NL-14

Prepare an annual calendar of activities for nursery and landscape operations.

14.1 Evaluate labor needs of landscape and nursery jobs based on seasons.

14.2 Create a growing and maintenance calendar for nursery and landscape plants.

14.3 Develop an annual calendar of activities for a nursery and landscape operation.