Introduction to Plant & Soil Science

Objectives:

A. Define Horticulture and its related fields;

B. Identify the various roles of plants in everyday life;

C. Identify agriculturally important plants, and explain their uses;

D. Describe how horticulture is related to science and technology.

A. Define Horticulture and its related fields;

Horticulture originates from Latin

hortus = gardening

culturea = cultivation Together they literally translate:

“Garden cultivation”

Agricultural Plants

Agriculture Plants

Forestry Agronomy Horticulture

Divisions of Horticulture

Fruit Production Pomology =

Fruit Production Propagation

of fruit trees, vines, plants

Harvest of Fruit

Marketing

Vegetable Production

Olericulture = Vegetable Production

Vegetable Production

Home Gardens

Large Scale Gardens

Harvest

Marketing

Floriculture

Floriculture=

Production of Flowers

a. Cut Flowers

b. Bedding Plants

c. Potted Plants

Marketing Florists

Landscape Horticulture

Landscape Construction &

DesignIrrigation

systems Plant

Installation Flower BedsLandscape

Design

TurfTurf =

Ground coverTurf FarmsInstallationGolf coursesSport’s

fields

Arboriculture Arboriculture=

Cultivation & Care of trees,

shrubs, & Vines

ProductionTree Pruning

and CareAs part of

landscape Maintenance

B. Identify the various roles of plants in everyday life;

Meeting basic human needsFood Clothing Shelter

Roles of Plants

Plants are direct or indirect sources of these three needsDirect Plant Source – Plant or plant

products are used by humansIndirect Plant Source – Plants are

used as animal feed and the animals or animal products are used by humans

Food

Solid and liquid material we eatProvides the nutrients we need to

grow and live healthy livesAmericans expect their food to be:

Readily availableWholesome/promote healthConvenient/Easy-to-use

Clothing Includes the garments, accessories and ornaments we

ware

Garments are the most important area of clothing Garments – worn to cover and protect the body and give it a

certain appearance

Exe. skirt, jeans, shirt

Accessories - worn to supplement basic clothing

Exe. tie, belt, scarf

Ornaments – Worn for a certain appearance or to represent status

Exe. rings and pins

Clothing made from natural fiber can come from both direct and indirect plant sources. Direct – Cotton, Flax

Indirect - Wool

Shelter

Protect us from the elements and from harm

Our homes and the items that make our homes comfortable

Wood products are widely used in building construction

C. Identify agriculturally important plants, and explain their uses;

Field Crops

Plants grown in large fields

Used for:

Oil

Fiber

Grain

Similar products

Often grown for their seed, but other parts may be used

Example: corn, wheat, cotton, barley, safflower, soybean

C. Identify agriculturally important plants, and explain their uses;

Horticultural Crops

Grown for food, comfort, and beauty

In some cases appears to overlap field crops

Ornamental Horticulture Growing and using plants for their beauty

Includes Floriculture and Landscape Horticulture

Food Crop Horticulture Growing plants for food

Includes Olericulture (Vegetable Crops) and Pomology (Fruit and Nuts)

C. Identify agriculturally important plants, and explain their uses;

Forestry

Growing frees and producing wood products

Lumber, paper, plywood, furniture, and similar products

Also includes specialty products like maple syrup, rosin, and oil

Involves Native Forests and Tree Farming

D. Describe how horticulture is related to science and technology.

Science: Successful Horticulture is an

application of science– Growing plants takes more than just a daily watering

– Must understand:

Effects of heat, light, and photosynthesis

Cell division, osmosis, transpiration, etc…

Science + Technology +

Plant Production = THE

HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY

Development of Agriculture and Society

Plant & Soil Science

Civilization

In the beginning, Nomads followed herds of animals and gathered food.

When they discovered that they could seed grain and harvest it, they no

longer needed to follow a food source. This allowed people to live in one place,

thus the beginning of civilization.

Origins of Grain

Wheat = Egypt, Iran, TurkeyCorn = MexicoExplorers would bring

wheat to North America, and return with corn.

Agriculture 250 Years Ago 95% of the US Population Farmed Each Farmer produced enough feed to

feed and clothe 3 people Most of the work was done by hand-

some animal power was used People used the barter system to

exchange goods and services.

250 Years Ago Families were self-sufficient by

producing their own Tobacco, sugar cane, rice, and cotton Clothing Soap Candles Medicines Shoes Farming Implements

Significant Events- 250 Years Ago 1793- Eli Whitney invented the cotton

gin. The cotton gin helped remove seeds form

the short staple of cotton, and the demand for cotton grew. Cotton was used in the US and exported as well!

Agriculture 200 Years Ago 92% of the population still farming Each farmer produced enough to feed

and clothe four people The barter system was used mostly for

trading soap, candles, medicines, and shoes

Families were becoming less self-sufficient

Significant Events- 200 Years Ago 1831- Cyrus McCormick developed the

mechanical reaper. Mechanical reaper was the forerunner of the grain combine and was used for wheat.

1837- John Deere began manufacturing plows. With this invention the fertile ground could be plowed under and cultivated

Agriculture 150 Years Ago 90% of the population farmed

Each farmer produced enough for five others

Significant Events- 150 Years Ago 1855- Michigan and Pennsylvania

established the first state agriculture colleges. Justin Morrill a senator from Vermont introduced a bill to provide funds to establish schools to teach practical methods of producing food and fiber. These schools would also be conducting scientific research.

Significant Events- 150 Years Ago 1862- President Lincoln created the first

Department of Agriculture. (USDA) The Morrill Act passed providing land to

each state to build a college for common people. The purpose was to teach agriculture and mechanical arts.

Significant Events- 150 Years Ago 1869- Transcontinental railroad was

completed. 1872- Congress passed the Hatch Act.

This allowed states with land grant colleges to establish experiment stations.

1875- The first grain silos were built 1881- Hybrid Corn, which is produced by

crossing different varieties was introduced

Agriculture 100 Years Ago Only 50% of people farmed Each farmer produced enough for seven

others Gasoline tractors were introduced Banks began loaning money to farmers

to purchase land and equipment Farm families produced most of their

own food and wood, and consumers had more needs.

Significant Events- 100 Years Ago 1914- The Smith-Lever Act was passed by

congress. 1917- The Smith-Hughes Act was

established. This allowed agriculture to be taught in high schools.

1933- The Farm Credit Administration was established

1940- The school milk program was initiated 1947- A general agreement on tariffs and

trade was negotiated

30% of the US Population was farming

Each farmer produced enough for 11 others

Gas tractor was in general use, horses still outnumbered tractors as the main source of farm power

Banks provided capital to farmers. Farmers tried to avoid borrowing because of massive farm losses and foreclosures in the 20’s and 30’s.

Agriculture 50 Years Ago

Significant Events 50 Years Ago 1959- The mechanical tomato harvester

was developed. 1964- The national food stamp program

was passed. 1991- More farmers used Integrated

Pest Management (IPM) 1993- Passage of the North American

Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Agriculture Today Less than 2% of US population is involved

with production agriculture Each farmer produces enough for 148 others Many gov’t programs are available to help

stabilize production and processing, insure supplies, limit soil erosion and regulation.

For every dollar produced by agriculture, 6-8 other dollars are generated in a community

Significant Events The US supplies ½ of the grain sold on

the world market The number of farmers have declined,

but related agriculture jobs has increased

Introduction to Utah’s Agricultural Crops

Mr. Wilson

Uintah High School

Student Learning Objectives

As a result of this lesson, the student will …

Objective #1 Appreciate the Diversity of Agriculture Production in Utah.

Objective #2 Understand the Scope and Value of Agriculture Production in Utah.

Are plants important to these people?

How much money does Utah agriculture generate each year?

Can you believe it?

Utah, in 2010, agriculture generated

$1.5 BILLIONTo Utah’s economy.

Top Utah Commodities

The top four crop commodities

for Utah are hay, barley, wheat,.

Fruit crops The top four livestock

commodities are cattle, sheep/lambs, hogs and dairy.

Utah Cash Receipts by Commodities

32%

23%11%

5%

3%

2%

10%

2%4%

3%2% 3%

Cattle

Milk

Other Liv.

Hogs

Sheep

Eggs

Hay

Feed Grains

Fruits & Vegs

Floriculture

Food Grains

Other Crops

Utah’s Livestock IndustryCategory # Utah’s Rank

All Cattle & Calves

850,000 36

Beef Cattle 365,000 28

Breeding Hogs 80,000 16

Milk Cows 85,000 25

Trout Sold 1,697,000 10

Mink Pelts 675,000 2

All Sheep 400,000 6

Chickens, Layers

1,913,000 25

Utah’s Rank in Feed Production

Category # Utah’s Rank

Barley 6,806,000 Bu 12

Oats 490,000 Bu 28

Corn Grain 3,024,000 Bu 39

Corn Silage 840,000 Tons 27

Alfalfa Hay 2,200,000 Tons

15

All Hay 2,500,000 tons 27

Number of Farms and Ranches

1. Texas 2. Missouri 3. Iowa 4. Kentucky 5. Minnesota Utah’s Rank 36th

Land in Farms and Ranches

1. Texas 2. Montana 3. Kansas 4. Nebraska 5. New Mexico Utah’s Rank 28th

Utah’s Rank in Other Areas

Mink Production 2nd Trout Production 6th Honey Production 24th

How important is agriculture in Utah?

Let’s explore this:Complete the Utah Plant Statistics

assignment.

Agriculture and Utah

It’s essential!