FIELD AND STUDENT EVALUATION OF LANDSCAPE (GARDENS) OF THE HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENT AT AL-QASIM GREEN UNIVERSITY, AND PREPARATION OF NECESSARY PROPOSALS FOR THEIR DEVELOPMENT

Sarab Kareem Abbas, Fadhil Jawad Kadhim and Shahad Ali Sayb

International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research, 2025, vol. 11, issue 05

Abstract: This study was conducted during the 2024-2025 academic year to develop landscape (gardens) of the Horticulture Department building in the College of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University, by gathering student opinions and desires for developing the department’s gardens. The study was conducted in two phases: the first, a theoretical study, and the second, a field study. The most important results of the field study, as assessed by the researcher, were that most of the gardens suffer from deterioration in their natural components, as well as a lack of structural components. This is attributed to deficiencies and neglect in applying the principles and characteristics of garden landscaping, scarcity of irrigation water, and insufficient quantities for plant irrigation. Furthermore, the soil is poor in nutrients and is not cleaned of construction waste. Furthermore, it is subject to pressure from heavy machinery used in construction, a shortage of skilled and experienced workers, and a lack of maintenance and service operations, which has led to deterioration. The results of the student survey showed that 84.2% and 80.6% of students felt the current state of the gardens was poor, and that most students expressed a desire to develop the department’s spaces (gardens). Most also expressed a desire to contribute voluntarily to the development of the spaces, whether financially or physically, as well as their willingness to contribute to garden maintenance. The survey results also showed that most students in the department spend their free time wandering around the college. All students, both male and female, across all levels agreed on the need to develop landscape (gardens), as well as provide amenities such as seating and kiosks for snacks and drinks, as well as for conversation and exchange. The researcher recommended the need to educate new students about the importance of gardens and their care through lectures, seminars, and tours of the college gardens. He also recommended organizing volunteer campaigns and providing amenities to attract students, such as fountains and benches. He also recommended planting plants, which have a psychological impact on students. The selection of unsuitable plants for the spaces and the lack of maintenance during the summer have led to the deterioration of most of these plants. Furthermore, the researcher recommended providing adequate financial and human resources to develop existing gardens. From this, we conclude the need to develop this important aspect and involve specialists in the fields of landscape and agriculture in preparing designs, taking into account students’ opinions and desires. He also recommended that the gardens receive increased attention to the development of the college’s gardens in general, and the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture in particular, in a manner befitting them and their designations.

Keywords: Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:ijaeri:376228

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.376228

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