Understanding the Science of Nutrients, Their Sources and Application
Agricultural nutrient applications are associated with some of today's most concerning environmental issues, including impacts on water quality and contributions to greenhouse gasses. In addition, crop nutrient expenses are second only to land costs as an overall expense for farmers. Managing nutrients is one of the more complicated aspects of producing crops, as considerations vary by nutrient source, placement, timing, the rate of application, and are dramatically affected by the weather.
Certified Crop Advisers receive 24 continuing education units.
Over 120 video lessons along with additional educational materials.
2018 Award for Excellence in Distance Education: Course Design and Teaching
Certified Crop Advisers receive 24 continuing education units.
Over 120 video lessons along with additional educational materials.
2018 Award for Excellence in Distance Education: Course Design and Teaching
Professionals in many areas of agriculture depend upon understanding soil chemistry and how nutrient management can increase the health and bounty of crop production. Knowledge of nutrients and their management can allow individuals involved in better setting strategies and improving recommendations.
Whether you are personally involved in production agriculture, advising farmers as an agricultural retailer or consultant, a representative or applicator for an agricultural business or government agency, or just looking to build your expertise, this course will cover topics that should be of interest to you.
Nutrient Management is a 100% online, 12-week non-credit course that provides advanced knowledge from which practitioners can help their customers benefit and their companies succeed. The course was designed for working professionals who have a basic understanding of agronomy and chemistry and want to expand their knowledge of nutrients and their management.
Learners can access the content according to their schedules 24/7 on their computer, tablet or mobile device with Internet connection. Learners will follow a one module per week schedule.
The foundation of the lesson modules is dozens of video lessons featuring experts in nutrient management. These are supplemented with reading, graphics, glossaries, downloadable slides, links to additional information, and tests after each module.
After completion, course graduates receive a personalized certificate from Purdue Online suitable for framing.
Digital Badge
Earn a digital badge for each course you complete! Use the badge to set yourself apart and share your verifiable new skills on social platforms and add it to your LinkedIn page.
Hear From Our Graduates
"Great course, especially when combined with Agronomy Essentials and Precision Agriculture - it all ties in together."
"Thanks for the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the decisions required and the science behind them for agriculture today."
Course Syllabus
Modules are due every Wednesday at 11:59 EDT. Learners may work ahead to finish early if desired.
- Essential macronutrients and micronutrients, the 4R concept, adaptive management, nutrient management planning, regulations protecting air and water quality
- Nutrient sources, forms in the soil, cations and anions, factors affecting nutrient movement and availability, leaching, mineralization, nutrient interactions
- Role of microbes on nutrient uptake and availability, crop residue and soil organic matter management, use of cover crops
- The nitrogen cycle including mineralization, nitrification, immobilization, denitrification and symbiotic fixation, factors affecting nitrogen trans- formations
- Phosphorus and potassium forms and transformations, soil factors affecting availability to plants
- Forms and transformations of Calcium, Magnesium and Sulfur, and soil Factors affecting availability to plants
- Soil acidity, alkalinity, and salinity effects on crop production, active and reserve acidity, managing soil environments with soil amendments
- Soil and plant sampling techniques, site-specific sampling, lab tests for soil and plants, types and use of sensors, factors affecting lab and sensor results
- Fertilizer analyses, characteristics of fertilizer products, field characteristics that affect use, elemental vs. oxide, calculations, use of fertilizer additives
- Sufficiency level, removal/replacement, and nutrient balance approach- es, P-based vs. N-based, how recommendations are derived, probabilities of response
- Crop response and environmental considerations regarding different Methods of nitrogen applications
- Crop response and environmental considerations regarding preplant, sidedress, and split applications of Phosphorus and Potassium
E-Learning Environment
Explore how online courses will fit into your professional schedule.
Learn More