GREENHOUSE MANAGER – ONLINE COURSE
This training program is an educational pathway through which SITIF (International School for Growers) aims to train professionals specialized in this sector – specifically Hydroponic and Soilless Greenhouse Managers – by providing all the necessary information to make this a successful career choice. The big news this year is the addition of new topics, leading to the course being divided into two levels. Both levels are broken down into specific modules that cover fundamental subjects for the hydroponic and soilless cultivation sector.
This program is aimed at all agriculture professionals (business owners, technicians, growers, consultants, farm managers) interested in optimizing production parameters, with a specific focus on greenhouses and soilless systems typical of the Mediterranean basin. The intention is to impart not only theoretical knowledge but, more importantly, practical skills, leveraging Ageon’s over thirty years of experience in this field.
FIRST LEVEL - main topics
This teaching module aims to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for efficient management of nutrient solutions used in soilless cultivation. Specifically, it will focus on interpreting chemical laboratory analyses of drainage and/or slab extracts, as well as delving into different approaches for defining and calculating the most appropriate nutrient solution for various needs and types of soilless crops.
This module will delve into the fundamental principles and strategies behind irrigation techniques for soilless cultivation. Starting with an analysis of water behavior in substrates, we’ll explore the interaction between the nutrient solution and roots, ultimately defining the criteria for setting up an irrigation strategy. Various case studies will also be presented and examined. Through this module, you’ll learn to manage irrigation efficiently, optimizing water usage and maximizing crop yield.
This module provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of climate control in soilless cultivation. Specifically, it will focus on the crucial role of climate in plant growth and productivity. Through this module, students will gain the necessary skills to effectively monitor and control the climate, ensuring high-quality yields. Finally, several case studies will be presented to serve as a starting point for developing a precise climate strategy.
This teaching module focuses on the importance of hygiene practices for the health of soilless crops. We’ll present real-world case studies to underscore the significance of an adequate preventive strategy. Additionally, we’ll analyze the most critical points to address regarding hygiene and prevention within environments dedicated to soilless cultivation. Finally, we’ll examine an example of a hygiene protocol to apply in a production setting.
This teaching module focuses on the principles of nutrient management for soilless crops, with particular attention to nutrient deficiencies and excesses. Specifically, the lesson will cover recognizing the main visual symptoms of nutritional deficiencies and excesses, measuring and managing the physicochemical parameters of nutrient solutions, and implementing correction and prevention strategies. Finally, the module will present several practical, real-world case studies related to crop nutritional management.
SECOND LEVEL - main topics
This teaching module aims to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for efficient management of nutrient solutions used in soilless cultivation. Specifically, it will focus on interpreting chemical laboratory analyses of drainage and/or slab extracts, as well as delving into different approaches for defining and calculating the most appropriate nutrient solution for various needs and types of soilless crops.
This module analyzes the most frequent errors encountered in soilless greenhouse cultivation. Through a photographic sequence, it will illustrate common mistakes resulting from inadequate choices or erroneous evaluations. The objective is to provide practical tools for recognizing and preventing these errors, thereby optimizing greenhouse management and maximizing crop yield.
This module addresses and delves into non-parasitic and non-pathogenic disorders that can affect plants, often caused by environmental or nutritional imbalances. Through this lesson, you’ll learn to recognize symptoms, understand causes (deficiencies, excesses, stress), and apply preventive and/or curative remedies where possible. The objective is to provide the tools to diagnose and prevent these issues, ensuring crop health and productivity.
This module focuses on providing the skills needed to transform a traditional greenhouse into an efficient and productive hydroponic or soilless cultivation environment. The lesson is divided into several sections, covering all fundamental aspects of greenhouse conversion. It starts with an analysis of minimum-optimal requirements and extends to include production and economic evaluations. We’ll examine the various options available on the market, along with the most suitable materials and equipment for the conversion process.
This teaching module focuses on the principles of nutrient management for soilless crops, with particular attention to nutrient deficiencies and excesses. Specifically, the lesson will cover recognizing the main visual symptoms of nutritional deficiencies and excesses, measuring and managing the physicochemical parameters of nutrient solutions, and implementing correction and prevention strategies. Finally, the module will present several practical, real-world case studies related to crop nutritional management.