scholarly journals Comparative Water and Nutrient Application Rates among Ornamental Operations in Maryland

HortScience ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (9) ◽  
pp. 1364-1371 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C. Majsztrik ◽  
Andrew G. Ristvey ◽  
David S. Ross ◽  
John D. Lea-Cox
Keyword(s):  
Production Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
The State ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Irrigation Application ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Field Nursery ◽  
Container Nursery

Quantifying the range of fertilizer and irrigation application rates applied by the ornamental nursery and greenhouse industry is challenging as a result of the variety of species, production systems, and cultural management techniques that are used. To gain a better understanding of nutrient and water use by the ornamental industry in Maryland, 491 potential operations (including multiple addresses and contacts) in the state were mailed a packet of information asking for their voluntary participation. Of the 491 potential operations, it was determined that 348 operations were currently in operation. Of those 348 operations, 48 (14% of the operations in the state) participated in a site visit and an in-depth interview, and a detailed site analysis of the water and nutrient management practices was performed on a production management unit (MU) basis. The authors define an MU as a group of plants that is managed similarly, particularly in regard to nutrient and irrigation application. Greenhouse operations reported, on average, 198, 122, and 196 kg/ha/year of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P, as P2O5), and potassium (K, as K2O) fertilizer used, respectively, for 27 operations, representing 188 MUs. Twenty-seven outdoor container nursery operations had a total of 162 MUs, with an average of 964, 390, and 556 kg/ha/year of N, P2O5, and K2O fertilizer used, respectively. Field nursery (soil-based) operations were represented by 17 operations, producing 96 MUs, with an average of 67, 20, and 25 kg/ha/year of N, P2O5, and K2O fertilizer used, respectively. Irrigation volume per application was greatest in container nursery operations, followed by greenhouse and field nursery operations. Data were also analyzed by creating quartiles, which represent the median of the lowest 25%, the middle 50%, and highest 75% of values. It is likely that the greatest quartile application rates reported by growers could be substantially reduced with little to no effect on plant production time or quality. These data also provide baseline information to determine changes in fertilization practices over time. They were also used as inputs for water and nutrient management models developed as part of this study. These data may also be useful for informing nutrient application rates used in the Chesapeake Bay nutrient modeling process.

scholarly journals Farm Animal Welfare and Handling in the Tropics: The Ethiopia Case

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Bimrew Asmare
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Production Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Farm Animal ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Farm Animal Welfare ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Ethical Basis

The issue of farm animal welfare has become increasingly of essence in many countries these days. Farm animal welfare concerns are expressed about the conditions in which farm animals are kept and management practices, particularly in systems where animals are kept in confinement for most of their lives, feed methods, health care, and expression of normal behaviors. The use of an ethical basis for animal welfare standards requires some generally accepted principles on how animals should be treated and used by humans. Animals have enormous capacity to feel a huge range of emotions, to learn from their experiences, to adapt to challenges, and to suffer when their needs are either ignored or disrespected. It is now time, in the evolution of the relationship between humans and animals, to move forward with this knowledge and take real action to improve the lives of farm animals. The use of behavioral principles should improve efficiency of livestock handling and reduce stress on animals. Changing public opinion about the importance of good animal welfare and applying legislative actions will be important in animal production systems especially in developing countries where the poor animal welfare is immense and production management is below substandards.

scholarly journals Best Management Practices for Minimizing Nitrate Leaching from Container-Grown Nurseries

2001 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 96-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianjun Chen ◽  
Yingfeng Huang ◽  
Russell D. Caldwell
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Nitrate Leaching ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Agricultural Practice ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
N Management

Containerized plant production represents an extremely intensive agricultural practice; 40,000 to 300,000 containers may occupy one acre of surface area to which a large amount of chemical fertilizer is applied. Currently, recommended fertilizer application rates for the production of containerized nursery ornamental plants are in excess of plant requirements, and up to 50% of the applied fertilizers may run off or be leached from containers. Among the nutrients leached or allowed to runoff, nitrogen (N) is the most abundant and is of major concern as the source of ground and surface water pollution. In this report, current N fertilizer application rates for different container-grown nursery ornamental plants, the amount of nitrate leaching or runoff from containers, and the potential for nitrate contamination of ground and surface water are discussed. In contrast, our best N management practices include: (1) applying fertilizers based on plant species need; (2) improving potting medium�s nutrient holding capacity using obscure mineral additives; (3) using controlled-release fertilizers; and (4) implementing zero runoff irrigation or fertigation delivery systems that significantly reduce nitrate leaching or runoff in containerized plant production and encourage dramatic changes in N management.

Species-specific fertilization can benefit container nursery crop production

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Jane Clark ◽  
Youbin Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Canopy Area ◽  
Weigela Florida ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Container Nursery

Clark, M. J. and Zheng, Y. 2015. Species-specific fertilization can benefit container nursery crop production. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 251–262. To determine the responses of six container-grown shrub species to different controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) application rates, plant growth and root-zone traits were evaluated following fertilization with Polyon® 16–6–13, 5–6 month CRF incorporated at 0.60, 0.89, 1.19, 1.49 and 1.79 kg m−3 N. The six species tested at a southwestern Ontario, Canada, nursery were Cornus stolonifera ‘Flaviramea’ (yellow-twig dogwood), Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’ (dwarf winged euonymus), Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ (Pee Gee hydrangea), Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Nugget’ (Nugget ninebark), Spiraea japonica ‘Magic Carpet’ (Magic Carpet spirea), Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ (Wine and Roses weigela). Different species responded differently to the CRF rates applied. For the majority of species at the final harvest, growth index, plant height, canopy area, leaf area and above-ground dry weight were greater in high vs. low CRF rates; however, different species had different optimal CRF application rates or ranges: 1.49 kg m−3 N for Hydrangea and Spiraea, 1.19 kg m−3 N for Weigela, 1.19 to 1.49 kg m−3 N for Cornus and Physocarpus, and ≤0.60 kg m−3 N for Euonymus. Based on these species-specific optimal fertilizer rates or ranges, growers can group plant species with similar fertilizer demands, thereby reducing fertilizer waste and maximizing plant production.

scholarly journals Organic Oat Response to Variety, Seeding Rate, and Nutrient Source and Rate

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1418
Author(s):  
Melissa L. Wilson ◽  
Emily E. Evans ◽  
Lee Klossner ◽  
Paulo H. Pagliari
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Application Rate ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Residual Soil ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Seeding Rate ◽  
Population Number ◽  
Application Rates

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is an important crop for organic production systems in the upper Midwest, but limited information on optimal nutrient management and seeding rates is available. Oat varieties representing three maturity groups were evaluated during 2015 and 2016 in Lamberton, Minnesota on organically certified ground previously planted to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Two oat seeding rates (110 and 145 kg ha−1), two nutrient sources (raw and composted beef manure), and four N application rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha−1) were studied. Plant population; number of tillers; grain yield; grain nutrient removal (primary and secondary macronutrients); and post-harvest soil nitrate, Bray P-1, and K in the top 0 to 15 cm layer were measured. Grain yield was 4.8, 4.0, and 3.8 kg ha−1 for late maturing Deon, early maturing Tack/Saber, and medium maturing Shelby, respectively. Yield was optimized at a nutrient application rate of 82.3 kg N ha−1 and decreased at higher rates. Grain N content was not related to yield, suggesting that the other nutrients in manure and compost may have been responsible for optimizing yield. High application rates resulted in increased residual soil test P and K levels, which could become problematic if not managed appropriately.

scholarly journals Marketing Trends and Business Management Practices for the Wholesale Nursery Industry in California

2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 381-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald J. Merhaut ◽  
Dennis Pittenger
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
The United States ◽  
The State ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Market Demand ◽  
Product Price ◽  
Random Group ◽  
Sales And Marketing ◽  
Production Practices

A survey of wholesale nurseries in the United States was conducted in 1999, with 169 of the 806 nurseries surveyed responding from the state of California. The survey, consisting of 29 questions related to production practices, products, sales, and marketing, was sent to a random group of nurseries. Based on these results, over 50% of the new nursery businesses in California have been established within the last two decades. While most of the nurseries have computerized business practices, only 21% have implemented the use of computers or other automation in their production practices. Horticulturally, containerized plant production (80% of the industry) is still the primary method of growing and shipping plants in California, and most (90%) of these products are sold within the state. Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and Texas are the primary destinations for plant material that is exported out of state. The factors that nursery owners feel influence sales the most include market demand, weather unpredictability, and water supply, while governmental and environmental regulations are perceived to have the least impact. The factors that influence product price include cost of production, market demand, and product uniqueness.

scholarly journals Application of the “4R” Nutrient Stewardship Concept to Horticultural Crops: Selecting the “Right” Nutrient Source

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 663-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Gaskell ◽  
Tim Hartz
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Environmental Water ◽  
Application Rate ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Product Price ◽  
Low Efficiency

Nutrient management practices must be tailored to the crop, environment, and production system if nutrient efficiency and environmental water quality protection are to be achieved. This requires consideration of fertilizer choice, placement, application rate, and timing. These factors have been characterized as the “4Rs” of nutrient stewardship—right material, right placement, right rate, and right timing. The factors affecting the choice of fertilizer material have been described previously for agronomic crops, and include plant nutritional requirements, soil conditions, fertilizer delivery issues, environmental risks, product price, and economic constraints. Although those factors are applicable to all crops, the unique features of intensive horticultural production systems affect their interactions. This article discusses fertilizer choice as it affects productivity, profitability, sustainability, and environmental impact of intensive horticultural crop production. Diverse fertilizer materials are available for specialized application to provide nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other plant nutrients for different horticultural needs. These fertilizer sources can be formulated as dry or liquid blends, but increasingly higher solubility materials are used to target plant growth needs even in field operations. Composts can have useful applications—particularly for certified organic production—but their high cost, bulk, and relatively low efficiency limit their use. Profitability can be affected by fertilizer cost—typically a relative small percentage of overall costs in intensive production systems—and the improved efficiency of these specialized materials often improves profitability. There are also sustainability issues with the manufacture, transport, and efficient use of different fertilizer sources. Such factors as soil chemical reaction changes, effects on soil salinity, and loss of organic matter also can adversely affect sustainability, but systems are available to maintain soil quality while using more efficient fertilizer sources.

Precision Management Practices for Legal Cultivation of Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.)

2021 ◽  
pp. 187-209
Author(s):  
Aitazaz Ahsan Farooque ◽  
Farhat Abbas
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Irrigation Scheduling ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Precision Management ◽  
Industry Needs ◽  
Disease Free

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) growers worldwide lack reliable and research-based information about precision management practices (PMP) of cannabis. The history, legal framework, and PMP for cultivation of cannabis have been reviewed with special emphasis on water management, nutrient management, and disease control for optimum cannabis production. The aim is to provide guidelines for precision farming of cannabis to meet fibrous and medicinal needs of the humankind. Therefore, the scope of this chapter is for the potential of hemp cultivation to meet industry needs of fiber and medicine. Methods of irrigation scheduling, nutrient applications, and keeping greenhouse hygienically clean for disease-free (i.e., powdery mildew) hemp production are discussed. Reviewed and recommended application rates of irrigation and nutrients, and environment controls have been tabulated. Chemical, biological, and physical controls of PM control and crop input requirements for disease-free cultivation of hemp are presented.

Effect of conservation tillage on crop yields, soil erosion, and soil properties under furrow irrigation in western Colorado

1999 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ashraf ◽  
C.H. Pearson ◽  
D.G. Westfall ◽  
R. Sharp
Keyword(s):  
Production Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Winter Barley ◽  
Furrow Irrigation ◽  
New Production ◽  
Dry Bean

AbstractConservation tillage (CS) is used widely in rainfed and sprinkler-irrigated production systems but adoption of CS on furrow-irrigated cropland has been limited. Some crops and crop rotations are more conducive to conservation tillage under furrow irrigation than others. The objective of this research was to evaluate CS in a furrowirrigated crop rotation of corn, soybean, winter barley, and dry bean at Fruita, Colorado in 1991 and 1992. Infiltration rates were 24 and 50% higher and advance times were 37 and 25% longer in the CS treatment during 1991 and 1992, respectively, compared with conventional tillage (CV). Furrows in the CV treatment were 8 and 25% wider than those in the CS treatment after the first and sixth irrigations, respectively. This indicates more soil movement with CV than with CS. In 1992, soil water content in the CS treatment was 17, 17, and 27% higher than with CV throughout the growing season for corn, soybean, and dry bean, respectively. Grain yields of winter barley, soybean, dry bean, and corn were not affected significantly by tillage treatment. Profitability of CS and CV was quite similar when all four crops in the rotation were considered together. This research was conducted under conditions expected to be similar to those that could be used by growers and indicates that corn, soybean, winter barley, and dry bean can be grown successfully in rotation using conservation tillage under furrowirrigated conditions. Successful adoption of conservation tillage under furrow irrigation will require growers to adopt encompassing new production management practices and possibly purchase new equipment such as planters and cultivators that will operate in high residue conditions, and growers must overcome any psychological barriers they may have to maintaining high amounts of surface crop residue when furrow irrigating.

Assessing benefits of irrigation and nutrient management practices on a southeast Florida royal palm (Roystonea elata) field nursery

2008 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. W. Migliaccio ◽  
B. Schaffer ◽  
Y. C. Li ◽  
E. Evans ◽  
J. H. Crane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Field Nursery
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