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Information
| Unit | INSTITUTE OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES |
| AGRICULTURAL STRUCTURES AND IRRIGATION (MASTER) (WITH THESIS) | |
| Code | TS522 |
| Name | Fertigation Management in Soilless Culture |
| Term | 2025-2026 Academic Year |
| Term | Fall |
| Duration (T+A) | 3-0 (T-A) (17 Week) |
| ECTS | 6 ECTS |
| National Credit | 3 National Credit |
| Teaching Language | Türkçe |
| Level | Yüksek Lisans Dersi |
| Type | Normal |
| Mode of study | Yüz Yüze Öğretim |
| Catalog Information Coordinator | Doç. Dr. Eser ÇELİKTOPUZ |
| Course Instructor |
The current term course schedule has not been prepared yet.
|
Course Goal / Objective
To provide comprehensive knowledge on fertigation techniques in soilless agriculture, principles of nutrient solution preparation, irrigation and fertilization practices, and modern fertigation management systems, enhancing students' theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Course Content
In this course, we will first explore the fundamentals of soilless agriculture, emphasizing the concept and significance of fertigation management. Students will gain a clear understanding of essential plant nutrients, types of fertilizers, and their roles in promoting plant growth within soilless systems. Next, we will focus on the characteristics and selection criteria of various growing media used in soilless agriculture. Students will learn how to choose the optimal growing medium based on specific plant requirements and environmental conditions. We will then delve into the practical aspects of preparing and managing nutrient solutions, particularly emphasizing the use of the A-B tank system. Water quality is another critical topic of this course. We will evaluate the impacts of irrigation water quality on plant performance and discuss advanced water treatment methods, such as reverse osmosis systems and various disinfection techniques, to ensure high-quality irrigation water. One of the most vital aspects of fertigation management involves controlling electrical conductivity (EC) and pH. Therefore, we will thoroughly discuss effective strategies to maintain these parameters within optimal ranges, ensuring nutrient availability and uptake by plants. Midway through the course, we will analyze ion balances, antagonistic interactions, and synergistic relationships among nutrient elements within solutions. Students will explore how to manage nutrient solutions effectively to avoid deficiencies or toxicities and to optimize plant nutrition. On the technical side, we will address the design principles and practical considerations of fertigation systems, particularly drip and micro-irrigation systems. We will also explore how fertigation programs should be adjusted according to specific plant growth stages to achieve optimal yield and quality. From a technological perspective, the course will introduce students to automated fertigation systems, focusing on IoT-based solutions, sensors, and data-driven approaches. Students will discuss innovative technologies that improve efficiency, precision, and sustainability in fertigation management. Additionally, we will cover drainage management practices, emphasizing how recirculation and recycling systems contribute to environmental sustainability and resource efficiency in soilless agriculture. Towards the end of the course, common fertigation issues encountered in practical applications will be examined. Students will gain valuable insights into identifying these problems and implementing effective solutions. Furthermore, we will review successful commercial and academic case studies worldwide, providing real-world examples and best practices in soilless agriculture and fertigation management. Finally, students will present their course projects, applying the knowledge and practical skills acquired throughout the semester. These presentations will facilitate comprehensive evaluation, reflecting students' overall understanding and capabilities gained from the course.
Course Precondition
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Resources
Soilless Culture: Theory and Practice., Michael Raviv, J. Heinrich Lieth (2019). Soilless Agriculture and Plant Nutrition Techniques., Editor: Prof. Dr. Dilek Anaç
Notes
Hydroponic Food Production: A Definitive Guidebook for the Advanced Home Gardener and Commercial Hydroponic Grower., Howard M. Resh, 2022.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Order | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| LO01 | Understands the importance of soilless agriculture and fertigation. |
| LO02 | Identifies plant nutrients and fertilizers. |
| LO03 | Compares different growing media and selects the appropriate one. |
| LO04 | Prepares and manages nutrient solutions effectively. |
| LO05 | Evaluates irrigation water quality and knows purification methods. |
| LO06 | Effectively manages EC and pH values in fertigation. |
| LO07 | Can design and evaluate fertigation systems |
| LO08 | Develops fertigation programs suitable for plant growth stages. |
| LO09 | Utilizes automated fertigation systems and sensor technologies. |
| LO10 | Applies drainage water management and recycling techniques. |
| LO11 | Identifies and solves common fertigation problems. |
| LO12 | Analyzes and interprets successful fertigation applications. |
| LO13 | Transforms acquired knowledge into a project and presents it. |
| LO14 | Understands ion balance and antagonistic interactions. |
Relation with Program Learning Outcome
| Order | Type | Program Learning Outcomes | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLO01 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Has the ability to develop and deepen the level of expertise degree qualifications based on the knowledge acquired in the field of agriculture and irrigation structures | |
| PLO02 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Has the ability to understand the interaction between irrigation and agricultural structures and related disciplines | |
| PLO03 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Qualified in devising projects in agricultural structures and irrigation systems. | |
| PLO04 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Conducts land applications,supervises them and assures of development | 4 |
| PLO05 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Has the ability to support his specilist knowledge with qualitative and quantitative data. Can work in different disciplines. | 5 |
| PLO06 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Solves problems by establishing cause and effect relationship | 4 |
| PLO07 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Has the ability to apply theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of agricultural structures and irrigation department | |
| PLO08 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Able to carry out a study independently on a subject. | 4 |
| PLO09 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Has the ability to design and apply analytical, modelling and experimental researches, to analyze and interpret complex issues occuring in these processes. | 4 |
| PLO10 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | Can access resources on his speciality, makes good use of them and updates his knowledge constantly. | |
| PLO11 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Has the ability to use computer software in agricultural structures and irrigation; can use informatics and communications technology at an advanced level. |
Week Plan
| Week | Topic | Preparation | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction: Soilless Agriculture and Fundamentals of Fertigation | Research the definition of soilless agriculture, its advantages, and the basic principles of fertigation. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım |
| 2 | Plant Nutrient Elements and Fertilizers Used in Soilless Culture | List macro and micronutrients and study the types of fertilizers used in soilless culture. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Gösteri |
| 3 | Growing Media: Properties and Selection Criteria | Compare the physical and chemical properties of growing media such as perlite, rockwool, and cocopeat. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Gösteri, Anlatım, Tartışma, Soru-Cevap |
| 4 | Preparation and Management of Nutrient Solutions (A-B Tank Systems) | Study the working principles of A-B tank systems and the steps for preparing nutrient solutions. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Gösteri, Alıştırma ve Uygulama, Gösterip Yaptırma |
| 5 | Irrigation Water Quality and Water Treatment Techniques (Reverse Osmosis and Disinfection) | Research the desired quality criteria for irrigation water and the working mechanism of reverse osmosis systems. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Gösteri, Örnek Olay, Deney / Laboratuvar |
| 6 | Management of EC (Electrical Conductivity) and pH in Fertigation | Study the effects of EC and pH on nutrient uptake and their optimal ranges. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Alıştırma ve Uygulama, Örnek Olay, Deney / Laboratuvar |
| 7 | Ion Balance and Antagonisms in Nutrient Solutions | Research examples of antagonism and synergy among nutrient elements. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Tartışma, Alıştırma ve Uygulama, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 8 | Mid-Term Exam | Study all the topics covered until the midterm exam. | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Ödev |
| 9 | Design of Fertigation Systems (Drip and Micro-irrigation Systems) | Compare the advantages and disadvantages of drip and micro-irrigation systems | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Alıştırma ve Uygulama, Gösterip Yaptırma, Grup Çalışması, Problem Çözme, Proje Temelli Öğrenme |
| 10 | Fertigation Scheduling According to Plant Growth Stages | Study the nutrient requirements of plants at different growth stages. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Alıştırma ve Uygulama, Gösterip Yaptırma, Örnek Olay, Bireysel Çalışma, Problem Çözme, Proje Temelli Öğrenme |
| 11 | Automated Fertigation Systems and Control Technologies (Sensors and IoT-based Solutions) | Research the role of IoT-based sensors in fertigation management | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Tartışma, Gösteri |
| 12 | Drainage Management and Recirculation Systems in Soilless Culture | Study the environmental and economic benefits of drainage water recycling. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Gösteri, Örnek Olay |
| 13 | Common Fertigation Problems in Soilless Agriculture and Recommended Solutions | List common fertigation problems in soilless agriculture and their solutions. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Tartışma, Gösteri, Örnek Olay |
| 14 | Case Studies and Success Stories (Commercial and Academic Examples) | Research successful commercial and academic fertigation applications worldwide. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Örnek Olay, Beyin Fırtınası, Benzetim |
| 15 | Final Project Presentations and Overall Evaluation | Complete your project slides and rehearse your presentation. | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Gösteri, Alıştırma ve Uygulama, Örnek Olay, Proje Temelli Öğrenme , Problem Çözme, Bireysel Çalışma |
| 16 | Term Exams | Study all the topics covered until the end of the semester exam. | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Proje / Tasarım, Performans Değerlendirmesi |
| 17 | Term Exams | Study all the topics covered until the end of the semester exam. | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Proje / Tasarım, Performans Değerlendirmesi |
Student Workload - ECTS
| Works | Number | Time (Hour) | Workload (Hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Related Works | |||
| Class Time (Exam weeks are excluded) | 14 | 4 | 56 |
| Out of Class Study (Preliminary Work, Practice) | 12 | 4 | 48 |
| Assesment Related Works | |||
| Homeworks, Projects, Others | 6 | 6 | 36 |
| Mid-term Exams (Written, Oral, etc.) | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Final Exam | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Total Workload (Hour) | 150 | ||
| Total Workload / 25 (h) | 6,00 | ||
| ECTS | 6 ECTS | ||