ENGR2801 Horticultural Production Systems

2017

4.5

1 x 120-minute lecture weekly
1 x 120-minute workshop weekly
1 x 1-day field trip per semester

This topic focusses on sustainable engineering systems from fruit and vegetable production through to final product. Areas to be studied include: Biology of horticultural plants. Irrigation design. Harvesting mechanisation. Glass house construction and management. Hydroponics. Vertical farming. Packaging. Controlled atmosphere storage. Cold chain handling. The design of engineering systems related to the use of selected products - wine, vegetables and, dried fruit and nuts. Understanding of associated professional disciplines (soil science, agricultural science, nutrition). This topic may involve field trips.

This topic aims to develop a deep understanding of the engineering problems and solutions in horticultural production systems including both building and logistics issues associated with horticulture.

At the completion of this topic, students are expected to be able to:

1. Understand the basic biological processes associated with horticultural production
2. Understand the complete product cycle of fruit and vegetable products
3. Explain the reasons behind the design of current horticultural production systems
4. Appreciate the environment in which horticultural production systems are used
5. Contribute towards the design of horticultural production systems and demonstrate an understanding of the choice of design options