Precision irrigation in nursery using wireless tensiometers

To ensure better management of water resources and reduce the impact on the environment, it is essential to move toward precision irrigation. A new generation of wireless tensiometer that measures the water available to the plant and allows precise irrigation control has been evaluated.  For improved efficiency, the best clustering practices based on the water needs of diverse species have been established.   Evaluation of the best irrigation strategies in a commercial setting have demonstrated that water use can be reduced while maintaining an optimal growth. Recommendations have been made for improved water management practices in plant nurseries with the potential to help growers across the country.

Optimal fertilizer application rates in container nursery crop production

Excess fertilization is not only costly but can also injure plants and cause unnecessary nutrient runoff, resulting in environmental damage. However, insufficient fertilization can result in plants showing symptoms of nutrient deficiencies, reduce crop productivity, and eventually reduce the efficiency of other resource inputs during nursery crop production.

Development and marketing of new hardy woody plant varieties based primarily on native Newfoundland flora

This project was designed to meet industry demand for more native landscape plants as such plants are often better adapted to Canadian growing conditions. Nine new woody Newfoundland plant selections were provided to seven of Canada’s largest commercial plant propagating nurseries for evaluation.  Unrooted cuttings/scions of the trial plants were supplied to the trialing nurseries to be propagated, grown in the nursery and then rated on their ability to root/graft, foliage appearance, flower production (if applicable), susceptibility to pests and diseases and overall plant habit.

Greening Canada’s highways: expanding nursery and landscape market opportunities

Based on earlier research results which pointed to the negative impact of compacted urban soils, this research project was designed to improve tree survivability in highway and urban environments. After five years of research and four years of direct testing, deep ripping and the addition of organic matter has been proven as a method of remediation of urban soils to ensure the long-term survival of trees. Based on several sites sampled throughout Ontario and Alberta, a soil remediation calculator was developed that estimates the amount of organic amendment required to bring the soil bulk density below root limiting thresholds for trees

Innovation in ornamental plant cultivars and native species

A study of 20 native species planted for evaluation at three locations in Ontario and Newfoundland. In each location plant performance was evaluated in sun and shade, in different growth media and with different watering regimes. This study has identified several new or underused native Canadian plants which have proven potential as low maintenance ornamental plants.

Expand the adoption of precision plant based irrigation technologies to reduce water use in both greenhouse and nursery product

Evaluation of a modified version of the CropAssist system developed for greenhouse tomatoes on other ornamental plants. Two greenhouse species and two nursery species, each of which differed in daily water requirements, were monitored for periods of up to 30 consecutive days. Results indicated that the CropAssist system effectively measured water uptake automatically and continuously.

Reducing water applications

Water application technologies were examined and a thorough literature review which identified some promising irrigation technologies for ornamental nursery plant production purposes. One technology in particular, a sensor-based automated irrigation system, was evaluated in a commercial nursery for pot-in-pot tree production and demonstrated that growers could cut their water usage by more than 50%.

Water treatment technologies

A literature review was conducted and interviews with growers and water treatment companies to assemble information on available technologies. An interactive website will provide growers with an on-line decision process for choosing appropriate technology for their own operation.