Hydroponics is essentially the process of growing plants without soil. However, to successfully do this, you need a good understanding of how plants grow so you can control what Mother Nature does – light, humidity, water, oxygen, temperature and nutrients! This course is not intended for commercial growers. It is, however, ideal for those who want first-hand practical experience in setting up a basic hydroponic system.
The Certificate of Hydroponics is an online professional development program that will introduce you to the theory behind a space-efficient method of growing everything from berries and vegetables to herbs and cut flowers.
In this hydroponics course, you will study the types of hydroponic systems, how to manage a plant’s nutrition, control diseases and pests, and how to cool, dry, freeze and store plants.
You will also learn about hydroponic vegetable and cut flower production, how to operate and manage a greenhouse, and plan your own hydroponic enterprise.
On completion of this course, you will be able to use your passion for applying technology to grow herbs, vegetables and other plants using hydroponics … all from the comfort of your own home!
Course Structure
Unit - Hydroponics I
Unit 1 – Introduction
- Hydroponic systems
- Global industry
- Comparison to growing in soil
- Resources and contacts
Unit 2 – How a plant grows
- Plant structure
- Biochemistry
- Biochemical cell processes
- Mechanisms of nutrient uptake
- Photosynthesis; minerals and nutrients
- The role of pH in plant growth
- Hydroponic nutrient solutions
- Preparing nutrient solutions
Unit 3 – Hydroponic systems
- Location
- Equipment
- Systems
- Soilless mixes
- Rockwool
- Rockwool manufacture
- Rockwool properties
- Development of propagating blocks
- Propagation applications
- Recommended practices for propagation
- Nutrient film techniques
- Alternative layouts for NFT
- Methods of solution dispention, closed and open systems; techniques
Unit 4 – Nutrition and nutrition management
- Understanding nutrient formulae
- Atoms, elements & compounds
- Chemical names
- What does a plant need
- Calculating formulae
- Mixing nutrients
- Symptoms of nutrient deficiency
- Recommendations
- Adjusting the pH
- Using electrical conductivity measures
- Conductivity
- Conductivity and hydroponics
Unit 5 – Plant culture
- Flow charting the crop
- Controllers
- Salinity controllers
- Ph controllers
- Post harvest storage
- Cooling
- Drying
- Canning/bottling
- Controlled atmosphere storage
- Relative humidity
- Vacuum storage
- Freeze drying
- Freezing
- Pest and diseases in controlled environments
- Fungi, common fungal problems
- Cultural controls
- Current legislation
- Biological and integrated pest management
- Beneficial agents
- Economic thresholds
- Methods of introduction
- Major pests, diseases and disorders of crops identified
- Problem solving and identification of illness
- Difficult to diagnose problems
- Leaf hoppers; thrip; virus; bacteria; caterpillars; harlequin bugs and more
Unit 6 – Hydroponic vegetable production
- Commercial cultivation of vegetables
- Propagation
- Temperatures required for seed germination
- Optimum monthly temperatures for vegetable growth
- Harvesting vegetables
- Growing vegetables hydroponically
- Vegetable families
- Fresh-cut herbs in hydroponic culture
- Nutrient solution
- Materials and handling
- Notes on selected crops
Unit 7 – Hydroponic cut flower production
- Growing flowers in hydroponics
- Carbon dioxide
- Automation
- Flower varieties
- Indoor plants
Unit 8 – Solid media vs nutrient film
- Growing media
- Nft system choices
- Header tank or direct pumping
- Construction materials
- Solution delivery
- Capillary matting
- Channel width and length
- Slope
- Temperature
- Types of media
- Vermiculite; sand; perlite; expanded plastics; scoria; expanded clay
- Organic media; sawdust; peat moss; coir fibre; composted bark
- Indoor plants
- Plant directory
- Transplanting a pot grown plant into a hydroponic ‘culture pot’
Unit 9 – Greenhouse operation and management
- Growing crops in greenhouses
- Solar energy
- Greenhouses
- Nature of active solar heating systems
- Examples of solar greenhouse facilities
- Greenhouse management
- What you can grow
- Greenhouse and other growing structures
- Environmental factors that influence plant growth
- Plant needs
- Temperature control
- Heat loss
- Heaters
- Light factors
- Artificial light
- Horticultural management in a greenhouse
- Greenhouse benches
- Greenhouse cooling
- Fog
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
A straightforward course document with well defined questions. Good parameters set for answering and sufficient information in the online classes.
M. Fay, Mount Eliza, VIC | Certificate of Hydroponics
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Click Enrol Now (Credit Card) or Enrol Now (Internet Banking/BPAY)
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional development for those wishing to study hydroponics for both commercial and amateur plant hydroponics.
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