HORTICULTURE

Horticulture and Weed Science

Horticulture and Weed Science

Introduction

Horticulture may be defined as the intensive cultivation of different plants for human use though the use of technology and science. This horticulture can be done privately for one's own use or it can also be done commercially as a form of business. Horticulture includes cultivation of both food and non food crops. The food crops include, but are not limited to, herbs, fruits and vegetables. The non food crops include hers that are used in medicines and cosmetics, tress, flowers and shrubs. Horticulture is also associated with other industries and objectives (Watanabe, 2011, p. 175). For instance, it may be used in the preservation of a unique species of plants and flowers, restoration of certain landscapes and creation of horticultural therapy.

Horticulture is a derivation of agriculture. Although, literature supports the benefits that can be accrued from horticulture, it is sad that policy makers are not sure of the positive effects of horticulture neither they understand the concept completely (Rees, 2003, p. 56).

The food that is produced through horticulture is good for human health and well being. It has positive impact on environment, sociology and medicine. The produce of horticulture has both food and non food uses. These uses range from a variety of personal and social usages. The purpose of horticulture is to improve the growth of plants, their yields, the nutritional value they contain, their ability to resist diseases and the stress that their cultivation may put upon the environment. There are various professionals associated with horticulture (Getter, 2012, p. 56). These include designers, gardeners, technical advisors, growers and therapists. In this context it is imperative to state that although all horticulturists are gardeners not all gardeners are horticulturists. The field is an evolving on in that it is marked by research and development. However, the paper focuses on the concept of weed science.

Methods

Research approach

The small project on horticulture and weed science is an Ex post facto research. This means that the researcher will not change anything. Whatever is found in the research will be stated as it is. In addition, the research project will be an applied research in that not only the research studies the weed management and weed science as applicable in the chosen horticulture organization but it also makes suggestion for improvement in weeds present and weed management tactics used. In case the purpose of the research was only to find out how the seleted organization is managing its weed and what types of weeds are begin used at the organization, the research could be stated as a fundamental research (Westervelt, 2007, p. 34). The purpose of the fundamental research is only to come up with knowledge for the sake of gaining knowledge. The critique of the integrated weed strategy development, identification of its strengths and weaknesses, success, and future are used to make recommendations for possible improvements. This means that the suggestions made in the research will be applied in the real life as ...