505 / 861
Course Prefix/Number/Title:
HORT 246 - Compost Production and Use
Number of credits:
1 Semester Credit
Course Description:
A study of basic principles of composting based upon a naturally occurring
process of decay. This course includes the composting process, methods to assure safe use of
materials, proper mixing procedures and a brief introduction to vermiculture. The course
activity involves making of a compost pile and a returning a week later to examine the results.
Objectives:
1.
To learn the basic principles of composting.
2.
Be able to explain the difference between commercial fertilizers and compost.
3.
To describe the benefits of composting.
4.
To build a compost pile using methods learned.
5.
To properly blend compost based on plant nutrient requirements.
Pre-/Co-requisites:
None
Instructor:
Keith Knudson
Office:
519 Main Street, Suite 5; Bottineau, North Dakota 58318 – Bottineau Technology Center
Office Hours:
11 – 12 AM – MWF or by appointment
Phone:
701-228-2160
Email:
Keith A Knudson
Lecture/Lab Schedule:
Two Thursdays – 8 hours each
Textbook(s):
Compost Production and Utilization: A Growers’ Guide by Mark Van Horn
Course Requirements:
Grading will be based on the following to obtain points. There will be 4
lecture quizzes each worth 50 points, a student project worth 200 points and a final exam
worth 150 points. Points for quizzes and final exam may be adjusted using a curve method.
Total possible points for the course are 550. The final grade is based on the following criteria:
A = 89.5% to 100% of the total points
B = 79.5% to < 89.5% of the total points
C = 68.5% to <79.5% of the total points
D = 59.6% to <69.5% of the total points
F = < 59.5% of the total points