207-110 The Horticultural Environment

Nil

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of:

• climate and the nature of the urban environment including atmospheric processes;

• the role of urban landscapes in urban water management;

• the interaction between vegetation and the environment;

• the use and management of vegetation in modifying urban environments; and

• the principles and techniques available for the modification of plant microclimates.

Topics include:

• defining the environment, physical processes governing weather;

• effects of solar radiation, temperature, relative humidity on plant growth and development;

• principles of energy balance in urban context;

• role of landscape planning and vegetation in urban energy balance;

• measurement and modification of plant environments;

• utilisation of weather and climate data;

• environmental horticulture - urban heat islands, green-roof technology, enviroscaping;

• modification of plant environments; and

• urban water management, urban catchments and stormwater management.

A two-hour written examination (50%), a 2000-word assignment (20%), practical reports equivalent to a total of 3000 words (30%).