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Horticulture and Urban Agriculture

Description

The Horticulture and Urban Agriculture major in the Department of Plant Sciences is the branch of agriculture that focuses on the science, art, and business of cultivating edible and ornamental plants. It encompasses a wide range of activities related to the production, management, and use of plants for various purposes, including food production, ornamental landscaping, medicinal applications, and environmental conservation.

The field of horticulture includes various sub-disciplines such as pomology (fruit cultivation), olericulture (vegetable cultivation), floriculture (flower cultivation), landscape horticulture (designing and maintaining outdoor spaces), nursery management (plant propagation and sales), and turf management (care and maintenance of lawns and sports fields). Horticulturists study plant physiology, genetics, soil science, pest management, plant nutrition, plant propagation techniques, and post-harvest handling. They apply this knowledge to improve crop yields, develop new plant varieties, enhance aesthetic appeal, manage pests and diseases, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable practices.

Horticulture and Urban Agriculture plays a vital role in ensuring food security, beautifying urban and rural landscapes, promoting human well-being through therapeutic gardens, and contributing to the conservation of biodiversity. It offers diverse career opportunities, including working in research institutions, farms, nurseries, golf courses, sport fields, landscape design firms, botanical gardens, and government agencies involved in agriculture and environmental conservation.

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More about the Horticulture major

Major requirements

Minor requirements

Course descriptions

Horticulture & Forestry Club

Faculty & Instructors

Dr. Todd West, Program Coordinator
701-231-6476
todd.p.west@intinent.com

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Krause presents Duncan Scholar Research at National Conference on Undergraduate Research

Elizabeth Krause has completed the North Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources Russell and Anna Duncan Undergraduate Research Scholars “Duncan Scholars” program. She worked with NDSU associate professor and potato breeding project leader, Dr. Asunta “Susie” Thompson, to quantify the reduction of Potato Virus Y (PVY) through the use of crop oils and timely vinekill and presented her research during the National Conference on Undergraduate Research April 4-8, 2022.

Horticulture and Forestry Club and Adviser Honored at Bison Leader Awards

The NDSU Horticulture and Forestry Club was selected as the Organization of the Year and Club adviser Todd West was selected as the Adviser of the Year during the NDSU Congress of Student Organizations Bison Leader Awards ceremony.

Horticulture Student Receives Landscape Association Scholarship

Quinn Nowacki, horticulture student at North Dakota State University, was selected to receive the 2021-2022 Robin D. Linder Memorial Scholarship sponsored by the Minnesota Landscape Association Foundation.

Horticulture Students Place in National Landscape Competition

North Dakota State University horticulture students demonstrated their knowledge and skills at the National Association of Landscape Professionals 46th National Collegiate Landscape Competition held at North Carolina State University. Maren Donovan and Clarissa Satrom took 3rd place in the Arboriculture Techniques contest.

Horticulture Program Leads to Rewarding Careers

Elizabeth Knutson hopes a degree in horticulture will lead to a career in research, most likely in plant breeding.

Knutson, who will be a junior this fall, is one of about 40 students majoring in horticulture at NDSU.