NURSERY/GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION
MANAGEMENT
A
Growers Guide to Producing Poinsettias
Over the years poinsettia varieties and production practices have changed but
many of the problems remain the same. We hope you will enjoy this reprinted article
from the September, 1994 issue of the Texas Greenhouse Bulletin.
Author: Don C. Wilkerson
Best Management Practices
Environmental issues are playing an important role in the development of the
nursery/floral industry. Federal, state, and even local regulations are establishing
new standards for the preservation of our natural resources. The cost for these
environmental safeguards can be significant and many producers are beginning
to feel the economic impact.
Plant Quality Programs
Author: Bastian M. Drees
Nutrition and Fertility
Calculating Parts Per Million
Greenhouse growers frequently express the concentration of fertilizers, in
terms of parts per million (ppm). This unit of measure is relatively unique
to the greenhouse industry and often there is some confusion on how ppm is
calculated. The following is a "simplified" formula suitable for
most greenhouse applications.
Authors: Mike Arnold, Larry
Barnes, Bart Drees, Dan Lineberger, Don Wilkerson, Priscilla Files
Diagnosing Nutritional Deficiencies
The correct diagnosis of nutritional deficiencies is important in maintaining
optimum plant growth. The recognition of these symptoms allows growers to "fine
tune" their nutritional regime as well as minimize stress conditions.
Authors: Mike Arnold, Larry
Barnes, Bart Drees, Dan Lineberger, Don Wilkerson, Priscilla
Files
Fertilizing Nursery and
Floral Crops
Proper nutrition is one of the most critical factors in the production of
nursery/floral crops. Generally speaking, most of these plant materials may
be classified as "heavy feeders", requiring relatively large quantities
of fertilizers. However, the ratio and sources of elements supplied are as
important as their amounts.
Authors: Mike Arnold, Larry Barnes, Bart Drees, Dan Lineberger, Don Wilkerson,
Priscilla
Files
Identifying
Secondary and Micronutrient Deficiencies
The
correct diagnosis of micronutrient deficiencies is important in
maintaining optimum plant growth. The recognition of these symptoms
allows growers to "fine tune" their nutritional regime
as well as minimize stress conditions. However, the symptoms expressed
are often dependent on the species of plant grown, stage of growth
or other controlling factors. Therefore, growers should become familiar
with nutritional deficiencies on a crop- by-crop basis.
Author: Don C. Wilerson
Magnesium Nutrition
Most fertility programs are designed around the macronutrients (N,P,K). In
fact, when we discuss these fertility regimes we usually describe them as 150
parts per million (ppm) or 200 ppm, etc. This, of course, refers to the amount
of nitrogen in solution, regardless of the analysis of the material used to
make it up (i.e. 20-10-20, 15-16-17, 29-20-20, etc.).
Authors: Mike Arnold, Larry Barnes, Bart Drees, Dan Lineberger, Don Wilkerson,
Priscilla
Files
Media and pH
Although most growers are familiar with pH, few realize how complex this property
really is. In general, the term pH refers to the acidity/alkalinity of a growing
medium. However, these factors also influence the availability of many nutrient
elements as well as physiological responses within the plant. The following
information reviews the basic concepts of pH and their practical implications.
Authors: Mike Arnold, Larry Barnes, Bart Drees, Dan Lineberger, Don Wilkerson,
Priscilla
Files
Micronutrient Management
Plant nutrition is extremely important in the production of foliage, flowering
and bedding plants. Generally speaking, most growers use some complete fertilizer
to supply nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These elements are
referred to as macronutrients because they are required in relatively large
quantities for plant growth and development. Boron (B), chlorine (Cl), copper(Cu),
iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn) are referred to as
the micronutrients because they are needed by the plant in much smaller quantities
than the macro's.
Authors: Mike Arnold, Larry Barnes, Bart Drees, Dan Lineberger, Don Wilkerson,
Priscilla
Files
Nitrogen
and Nitrogen Fertilizers
Nitrogen (N) is a key nutrient in manipulating plant growth. Most nursery/floral
producers use large quantities of N fertilizers in a "blanket" attempt
to meet the needs of their crops. However a thorough understanding of N nutrition
Can be useful in optimizing both the concentration and form of N best suited
for the plant species, stage of growth, time of year and production objectives.
Authors: Mike Arnold, Larry Barnes, Bart Drees, Dan Lineberger, Don Wilkerson,
Priscilla
Files
Soluble Salts
The presence of excessive soluble salts is perhaps the most limiting factor
in the production of greenhouse crops. Generally speaking salt accumulations
result from the use of poor quality irrigation water, over fertilization or
growing media with an inherently high salt content. Although soluble salts
can inhibit plant growth, when managed properly their effects may be reduced.
Authors: Mike Arnold, Larry Barnes, Bart Drees, Dan Lineberger, Don
Wilkerson, Priscilla
Files
Water and Water Quality
Air, Water, Media
Management and disposal of pesticide wastes are a major problem for greenhouse
and nursery producers. Improper handling of these chemicals poses a real threat
to the environment, as well as to the health and safety of laborers.
Authors: Mike Arnold, Larry
Barnes, Bart Drees, Dan Lineberger, Don Wilkerson, Priscilla Files
Introduction
to Water Quality Management
The use of fertilizers and pesticides is a very important aspect of the
commercial production of high quality greenhouse crops. In the Unites
States alone, agricultural applicators have increased the use of nitrogen
fertilizers from 2 million tons in 1955 to more than 12 million tons
in 1990.
Authors: Mike Arnold, Larry Barnes, Bart Drees, Dan Lineberger, Don Wilkerson,
Priscilla
Files
Management Plan
Floral and nursery producers rely heavily on fertilizers and pesticides for
producing high quality crops. Runoff from rain and irrigation can concentrate
these chemicals in small collection points where they can enter surface or
ground water.
Authors: Mike Arnold, Larry Barnes, Bart Drees, Dan Lineberger, Don Wilkerson,
Priscilla Files
Managing and Disposing
of Pesticide Waters
Management and disposal of pesticide wastes are a major problem for greenhouse
and nursery producers. Improper handling of these chemicals poses a real threat
to the environment, as well as to the health and safety of laborers. Excess application
or improper disposal of "left over" mixtures, undiluted chemicals or
even pesticide containers can lead to potential contamination of surface and
groundwater. However, the risk of a serious incident can be reduced if proper
management and disposal techniques are used.
Authors: Mike Arnold, Larry Barnes, Bart Drees, Dan Lineberger, Don Wilkerson,
Priscilla
Files
Monitoring the Quality
of Irrigation Water
Irrigation water is a key factor in the production of nursery and greenhouse
crops. Therefore it is important to monitor quality standards on a frequent
basis to avoid potential problems.
Authors: Mike Arnold,
Larry Barnes, Bart Drees, Dan Lineberger, Don Wilkerson,
Priscilla
Files
Treating and Recycling
Irrigation Runoff
The potential contamination of surface and groundwater from runoff presents
a major challenge for the greenhouse industry. Growers rely heavily on the
use of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as water, to produce quality crops.
As a result, these operations can pose a threat to our natural water resources.
Collecting, treating and recycling greenhouse effluent is one of the best
solutions to this environmental problem.
Authors: Mike Arnold, Larry Barnes, Bart Drees, Dan Lineberger, Don Wilkerson,
Priscilla
Files
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