Horticulture

What is Horticulture

Horticultural science is the only plant science that

incorporates both the science and aesthetics of plants.

According to Louisiana State University (2011), horticulture is

the science and art involved in the cultivation, propagation,
processing and marketing of ornamental plants, flowers, turf,
vegetables, fruits, and nuts. 

It is unique among plant sciences because it not only involves

science and technology, but it also incorporates art and
principles of design
 General idea on what is horticulture

Horticulture is a branch of plant agriculture and is both a science

and an art. As an art, it incorporates the principles of design (as in
landscaping).

Horticulture deals with intensively cultured and high-value crops.

Horticultural crops include the vegetables, fruits, and nuts  which are
directly used by man for food, the flowers and other ornamental
plants for aesthetic uses or visual enjoyment, and those used for
medicinal purposes.
 History

Liberty Hyde Bailey (1858-1954), an American scholar

who can be considered as one of the Fathers of
Horticultural Science along with Thomas Andrew Knight
(1759-1838) and John Lindley (1799-1865).

The term horticulture is derived from the Latin

words hortus, meaning garden, and cultura, meaning
cultivation
 Importance of Horticulture

Economic value
Nutritive value
Aesthetic value
Medicinal value
Conservation value
Diversity
Research and development
 Types of Soil

“Soil” is a very broad term and refers to the loose layer of

earth that covers the 
There are various types of soil that undergo diverse
environmental pressures.
Soil is mainly classified by its texture, proportions and
different forms of organic and mineral compositions.
 Soil is classified into four types:
Sandy soil.
Silt Soil.
Clay Soil.
Loamy Soil.
Sandy Soil
 Sandy Soil

It consists of small particles of weathered rock.

Sandy soils are one of the poorest types of soil for
growing plants because it has very low nutrients and poor
in holding water, which makes it hard for the plant’s roots
to absorb water.
This type of soil is very good for the drainage system.
Sandy soil is usually formed by the breakdown or
fragmentation of rocks like granite, limestone, and quartz.
Silt Soil
 Silt Soil

Silt, which is known to have much smaller particles compared

to the sandy soil and is made up of rock and other mineral
particles which are smaller than sand and larger than clay.
It is the smooth and quite fine quality of the soil that holds
water better than sand.  
Silt is easily transported by moving currents and it is mainly
found near the river, lake, and other water bodies.
The silt soil is more fertile compared to the other three types
of soil. Therefore it is also used in agricultural practices to
improve soil fertility.
Clay Soil
 Clay Soil

Clay is the smallest particles amongst the other two types

of soil.
The particles in this soil are tightly packed together with
each other with very little or no airspace.
This soil has very good water storage qualities and
making hard for moisture and air to penetrate into it.
It is very sticky to the touch when wet, but smooth when
dried.  
Clay is the densest and heaviest type of soil which do not
drain well or provide space for plant roots to flourish.
 Loamy Soil

Loam is the fourth type of soil. It is a combination of sand,

silt, and clay such that the beneficial properties from each is
included.
For instance, it has the ability to retain moisture and
nutrients, hence, it is more suitable for farming.
This soil is also referred to as an agricultural soil as it
includes an equilibrium of all three types of soil materials
being sandy, clay, and silt and it also happens to have humus.
 
Apart from these, it also has higher calcium and pH levels
because of its inorganic origins.
Preparation of soil beds
Fertilizers
 Fertilizers

Fertilizer, natural or artificial substance containing the chemical

elements that improve growth and productiveness of plants.
Fertilizers enhance the natural fertility of the soil or replace the
chemical elements taken from the soil by previous crops.
Modern chemical fertilizers include one or more of the three
elements that are most important
in plant nutrition: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Of
secondary importance are the elements sulfur, magnesium, and
calcium.
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, or NPK, are the “Big 3”
primary nutrients in commercial fertilizers
 Types

Straight
Complex
Mixed
1.Straight fertilizers:  Straight fertilizers are those which supply only one primary
plant nutrient, namely nitrogen or phosphorus or potassium. 
eg. Urea, ammonium sulphate, potassium chloride and potassium sulphate.

2. Complex fertilizers:  Complex fertilizers contain two or three primary plant
nutrients of which two primary nutrients are in chemical combination. These
fertilisers are usually produced in granular form. 
eg. Diammonium phosphate, nitrophosphates and ammonium phosphate.

3. Mixed fertilizers: are physical mixtures of straight fertilisers. They contain two
or three primary plant nutrients. Mixed fertilisers are made by thoroughly mixing
the ingredients either mechanically or manually.
 Fertilisers can also be classified based on physical form:

Solid
Liquid fertilizers
 Solid fertilizers are in several forms viz.
 Powder (single superphosphate),
 Crystals (ammonium sulphate),
 Prills (urea, diammonium phosphate, superphosphate),

 Granules (Holland granules),

 Supergranules (urea supergranules) and
 Briquettes (urea briquettes).
Urea Prills Granulated
Crystals
Liquid fertilizers:
Liquid form fertilizers are applied with irrigation water
or for direct application.
Ease of handling, less labour requirement and possibility
of mixing with herbicides have made the liquid fertilisers
more acceptable to farmers.
 Types-Components present

Nitrogenous
Phosphatic
Pottasium
Complex
Nitrogenous fertilizers
 Nitrogenous fertilizers take the foremost place among fertilizers
since the deficiency of nitrogen in the soil is the foremost and crops
respond to nitrogen better than to other nutrients.

 More than 80 per cent of the fertilizers used in this country are made
up of nitrogenous fertilizers, particularly urea.

 It is extremely efficient in increasing the production of crops and the

possibilities of its economic production are unlimited
 Nitrogen fertilizers

Nitrogen fertilizers contain nitrogen necessary for the

development of crops.
Nitrogen is the main constituent of chlorophyll that
maintains a balance in the process of photosynthesis.
It is also a part of amino acids in plants and constitutes
protein.
Nitrogen fertilizers improve the production and quality of
agricultural products.
Eg: Ammonium nitrate,  urea 
Ammoniacal fertilizers
Ammoniacal fertilizers contain the nutrient nitrogen in
the form of ammonium or ammonia.
Ammoniacal fertilizers are readily soluble in water and
therefore readily available to crops.
Except rice, all crops absorb nitrogen in nitrate form.
These fertilizers are resistant to leaching loss, as the
ammonium ions get readily absorbed on the colloidal
complex of the soil.
Eg: Ammonium sulphate
 Nitrate Fertilizers
Nitrate fertilizers contain the nitrogen in the form of NO3
These ions are easily lost by leaching because of the
greater mobility of nitrate ions in the soil.
Continuous use of these fertilizers may reduce the soil
acidity as these nitrogenous fertilizers are basic in their
residual effect on soils.
Eg: Sodium nitrate
 Ammoniacal and nitrate fertilizers

These fertilizers contain nitrogen in both ammonium and

nitrate forms. The nitrates are useful for rapid utilization
by crops and the ammonical is gradually available. 
Eg: Ammonium nitrate
 Amide fertilizers
Amide fertilizers are readily soluble in water and easily
decomposable in the soil.
The amide form of nitrogen is easily changed to
ammoniacal and then to nitrate form in the soil.
Eg: Urea
 Phosphorus fertilizer

Phosphorus is a vital component of DNA, the genetic

"memory unit" of all living things.
It is also a component of RNA, the compound that reads
the DNA genetic code to build proteins and other
compounds essential for plant structure, seed yield and
genetic transfer.
The structures of both DNA and RNA are linked together
by phosphorus bonds.
 Phosphorus fertilizer

Phosphorus is a vital component of DNA, the genetic "memory

unit" of all living things.
It is also a component of RNA, the compound that reads the
DNA genetic code to build proteins and other compounds
essential for plant structure, seed yield and genetic transfer.
The structures of both DNA and RNA are linked together by
phosphorus bonds.
Phosphorus is a vital component of ATP, the "energy unit" of
plants. ATP forms during photosynthesis, has phosphorus in its
structure, and processes from the beginning of seedling growth
through to the formation of grain and maturity.
 Phosphatic fertilizers
Phosphatic fertilizers are chemical substances that
contain the nutrient phosphorus in absorbable form
(Phosphate anions) or that yield after conversion in the
soil.
Eg: Super phosphate
 Potassic fertilizers
Potassic fertilizers are chemical substances containing
potassium in absorbed form (K+).
There are two potassium fertilizers viz., muriate of potash
(KCI) and sulphate of potash (K2S04).
They are water soluble and so are readily available to
plants.
Eg: Potassium chloride, Potassium sulphate
Secondary Micronutrient fertilizer- Magnesium,
Calcium
Eg: Magnesium Sulphate

Micronutrient Fertilizers-iron, manganese, zinc, copper,

chlorine, boron and molybdenum
Eg: Ferrous sulphate
 Fertiliser Grade

Fertiliser grade refers to the guaranteed minimum

percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potash
(K) contained in fertiliser material.

The numbers representing the grade are separated by

hyphens and are always stated in the sequence of N, P,
and K

For example, label on the fertilizer bag with a grade 28-

28-0 indicates that 100 Kg of fertiliser material contains
28 Kg of N, 28 Kg of P and no potash.
 Biofertilizers

Biofertilizers are not actual fertilizers.

Eg: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi), PGPR
(Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria),
Rhizobium
 Types

 Bacterial Biofertilizers: e.g. Rhizobium,

Azospirilium, Azotobacter, Phosphobacteria.
 Fungal Biofertilizers: e.g. Mycorhiza

Scutellospora calospora
 Algal Biofertilizers: e.g. Blue Green Algae (BGA)

and Azolla.
 Actinimycetes Biofertilizer: e.g. Frankia.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi [AMF] are
soil fungi which form a mutualistic symbiosis with the
roots of plants.

A variety of benefits to the host have been ascribed

to mycorrhizae, most often enhanced uptake of immobile
nutrients from the soil, notably P
 Benefits of AM Fungi

Protection from diseases

Stress resistance

Nutrient transfer

Uptake of water
 Benefits of biofertilizers

 Bio-fertilisers are living microorganisms of bacterial, fungal and

algal origin. Their mode of action differs and can be applied alone
or in combination.
 Biofertilizers fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil and root nodules of
legume crops and make it available to the plant.
 They solubilise the insoluble forms of phosphates like tricalcium,
iron and aluminium phosphates into available forms.
 They scavenge phosphate from soil layers.
 They produce hormones and anti metabolites which promote root
growth.
 They decompose organic matter and help in mineralization in soil.
 When applied to seed or soil, biofertilizers increase the availability
of nutrients and improve the yield by 10 to 25% without adversely
affecting the soil and environment.
 Rhizobium

Nitrogen fixing microorganism

Fixes the atmospheric N into an available form of N
https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/agri-inputs/bio-in
puts/bioinputs-for-nutrient-management/biofertiliz
ers
https://www.toppr.com/guides/biology/microbes-in
-human-welfare/biofertilizers/
 Organic fertilizers

Organic fertilizers comprise a variety of plant-derived

materials that range from fresh or dried plant material
to animal manures and litters to agricultural by-products 
 Plant based fertilizers

Plant-based fertilizers break down quicker than other organics, but they
generally offer more in the way of soil conditioning than actual nutrients.
These materials, such as alfalfa meal or compost, help to add drainage and
moisture retention to poor soils.
Eg:
Cottonseed meal
Molasses
Green manure cover crops
Legume cover crops
Compost tea
Kelp seaweed
 Animal based fertilizers

Animal-based fertilizers, such as manure, bone meal or

blood meal, add lots of nitrogen to the soil.
They’re great for leafy plants and strong growth in the
early weeks of gardening. Additional animal-based
fertilizers for the garden include:
Fish emulsion
Manure tea
 Mineral based fertilizers

Mineral-based fertilizers can add nutrients to the soil, as

well as raising or lowering the pH level when needed for

healthy plant growth. Some of these types of organic
fertilizer are:
Calcium

Epsom salt
 Simple or straight fertilisers

Simple or straight fertilisers are designed to supply only

one nutrient element.

Depending upon the nutrient availability they are further

classified as nitrogenous, phosphatic and potassic
fertilisers.

Eg: Urea, ammonium sulphate

 Mixed fertilizers

A mixture of two or more straight fertiliser material is

referred to as mixed fertiliser or fertiliser mixture.

Mixed fertilisers are physical mixtures of fertiliser

materials containing tow or three major plant nutrients.

Mixed fertilisers are made by thoroughly mixing the

ingredients either mechanically or manually.
Ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate etc. should not mixed
with basically reactive fertilisers like basic slag, rock phosphate
etc., because they may decompose to liberate ammonia gas.

Some hygroscopic fertilisers like urea and sulphate of potash

tend to form lumps after mixing. Therefore, they should be
mixed only just before application.

Urea should not be mixed with ammonium nitrate because the

mixture will readily liquefy.
 Granulation of Mixed Fertiliser:

Recently the granulated mixed fertilisers are being

manufactured to decrease the separation of the
constituent straight fertilisers and to prevent them from
caking.
There are more conveniently applied in the field and are
difficult to adulterate.
Most urea is either pilled or pelleted in sizes too large to
form stable dry formulations with most other fertilisers.
At present, a granular form of urea is also available.
 Types

1.Open formula mixed fertiliser: In this case, the

manufacturing firms disclose the names and quantities of
the straight fertilisers that are constituents of the mixed
fertilizer.
2.Closed formula mixture: In this case, the
manufacturing firms do not disclose the names and
quantities of the straight fertilisers that are constituents of
the mixed fertiliser.
 Advantages

Less labour is required to apply a mixture than to apply its various

components separately. This is an important factor in areas where
farm labour is scarce and expensive.
If a proper mixture is used to suit a particular soil type and crop,
the use of a fertiliser mixture leads to balanced manuring. This
gives higher yield sand more profit to the cultivators.
Mixtures have a better physical condition (granulated) and are
more easily applied than many straight fertilisers.
When a mixed fertiliser has been prepared on a scientific basis and
compensates for the deficiency of nutrients in the soils of the region,
the farmer is assured of the right proportion of plant nutrients in the
soil.
 Disadvantages

1.The use of mixed fertiliser does not permit application

of individual fertiliser elements, which may be required by
the crop at specific times.
2. The farmer cannot effectively control the quantity of
plant food present in the mixture. He has to rely entirely
on the grade advertised by the firms.
3. The firms charge for mixing the fertilisers.
 Some terms

Conditioners
A soil conditioner is a product which is added to soil to
improve the soil’s physical qualities, usually its fertility
and sometimes its mechanics
Eg: paddy husk, ground nut hulls
Filler-sand, coal powder
Neutralizers
Converts soil pH balanced as per plant requirement.
Eg: lime stone, dolomite
 Biopesticides

Biopesticides are pesticides derived from naturally

occurring sources, such as microorganisms, plants,
animals and a few minerals.

They are non-toxic, naturally environmentally friendly

and are a key ingredient in sustainable farming
 Types of biopesticides

Biopesticides fall into 3 main categories:

1. Microbial pesticides

2. Plant-incorporated protectants

3. Biochemical pesticides
 Microbial Pesticides


Microbial pesticides are like security guards hired to protect
crops (except they have no labor rights). They are
microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria or fungi that prey on
the pests that cause harm to crops.


The most common being the bacterium Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt). This bacterium produces a crystal
protein that is toxic when eaten by pests, such as caterpillars,
moths and worms, proving fatal to them.
These
 crystal proteins, also known as “Cry toxins” are inactive until they

are consumed by the insect.

Once
 ingested by the insect, the protein binds to receptors in the insect’s

gut. Once bound to these receptors, it makes a hole in their guts,

effectively killing them.

These
 proteins are harmless for humans. It does not prove toxic to us, as

we don’t possess the receptors in our gut to which this protein binds, so it

is an inactive compound outside of the pests that have receptors for them.
 Plant-incorporated protectants

 Plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) are compounds that

are toxic to pests, and are produced by plants that have
been genetically modified.

 The gene for the toxic protein produced by Bt is added to

such plants, so that they also produce the same protein.
This makes the plant toxic for the pests that try to eat it.

 Once again, the lack of matching receptors prevents any

harm to humans from such plants.
 Biochemical pesticides

Biochemical pesticides are herbal pesticides—naturally occurring

chemicals that possess pest-repelling properties. Examples of
biochemical pesticides include hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), plant
oils like eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil and rosemary oil.
If a man-made compound is structurally similar to a naturally
occurring compound, it is still considered a biochemical pesticide.
An example is the biochemical pesticide methoprene.
Methoprene is structurally similar to insect juvenile hormone
(JH).
Methoprene supplied as a pesticide in unnatural quantities
mimics the function of JH and disrupts the biological cycle of the
insect, thereby interfering with its development.