North Carolina's plant systems pathway trains students in crop production, horticulture, and nursery management. Students develop expertise in plant physiology, soil management, pest control, and sustainable growing practices. The state's diverse agricultural production—from tobacco and sweet potatoes to greenhouse nurseries and fruit orchards—provides rich learning opportunities.
Curriculum covers field crop management, greenhouse operations, landscape plant production, and organic farming practices. Students work with live plants and modern agricultural technology including irrigation systems, soil testing equipment, and crop management software. Hands-on experience in campus greenhouses and teaching farms reinforces classroom learning.
Graduates work as crop consultants, nursery managers, greenhouse operators, and agricultural technicians. Many establish their own specialty crop operations or landscape businesses, while others support large agricultural enterprises throughout North Carolina's farming regions.
Plant Systems at a Glance
2
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
North Carolina's plant systems curriculum aligns with state CTE standards covering plant biology, soil science, pest management, and sustainable agricultural practices. Students complete 4-6 pathway units with emphasis on field crops, greenhouse management, and horticulture production as defined by NC DPI.
Programs teach North Carolina's specific crop production methods, from traditional field crops to specialty nursery operations. Students learn environmental stewardship, integrated pest management, and compliance with state agricultural regulations.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Horticulture I | AP41 |
| Horticulture II | AP42 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Greenhouse Manager
Entry LevelSalary range: $30,040 - $36,010
Adjusted for cost of living: $31,910
Crop Consultant
ExperiencedSalary range: $30,040 - $36,010
Adjusted for cost of living: $35,787
Nursery Production Manager
Entry LevelSalary range: $30,040 - $36,010
Adjusted for cost of living: $31,910
Agricultural Sales Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $60,010 - $126,960
Adjusted for cost of living: $84,651
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at commercial nurseries, crop farms, greenhouse operations, and agricultural cooperatives throughout North Carolina's agricultural belt.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in National FFA Organization, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps North Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
North Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with North Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as North Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in North Carolina
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