10 Apr 2018
Improving Irrigation Efficiency Reduces Water Use
Ristvey, A., Oki, L.R., Haver, D.L., and B.J.L. Pitton (University of California Davis)
A high level of irrigation application uniformity is essential to maximize irrigation efficiency and several strategies are available to audit irrigation systems. Limitations in system design and uniformity can decrease water availability and distribution, thereby hindering efforts to provide sufficient water to plants. Inadequate plant water can reduce growth and quality, decreasing saleable product and profits, while potentially creating environmental problems. Discussed in this article are irrigation system best management practices (BMPs) to improve water use efficiency (WUE), with the potential to increase the amount of water available for distribution and decrease waste.
https://www.amerinursery.com/water-management/improving-irrigation-efficiency-reduces-water-use/
5 Dec 2017
Modeling Global Warming Potential, Variable Costs, and Water Use of Young Plant Production System Components Using Life Cycle Assessment
Ingram, D.L., Knight, J. (University of Kentucky), and C.R. Hall (Texas A&M University)
The components for two production systems for young foliage plants in 72-count propagation trays were analyzed using life cycle assessment (LCA) procedures. System A was modeled as a gutter-connected, rounded-arch greenhouse without a ridge vent and covered with double-layer polyethylene and plants were fertigated through sprinklers on stationary benches. System B was modeled as a more modern gutter-connected, Dutch-style greenhouse using natural ventilation, and moveable, ebb-flood production tables. Generally, the more modern greenhouse in System B was more efficient in terms of space utilization for production, heating and cooling, fertilization, and water use. While overhead costs were not measured, these differences in efficiency would also help to offset any increases in overhead costs per square foot associated with higher-cost, more modern greenhouse facilities.
HortScience 52 2017 (358 KB)
24 Oct 2017
2017 California Nursery Conference: Conclusion
Brett Cregg (Michigan State University), Paul Fisher (University of Florida), Sarah White (Clemson University), Charlie Hall (Texas A&M), and Bruno Pitton, Darren Haver, Grant Johnson, Loren Oki (University of California)
This conference, held on July 27, 2017 in Irvine, CA, focused on Water Management in Nursery and Greenhouse Production. The Clean WateR3 team presented their research studies. The conclusion of the conference dealt with recycling water: economics, monitoring quality, managemet of nutrients and agrichemicals, and pathogens and biofilm. The topics covered are:
3-1ImpactsRecycledWateronPlantPhysiologyandgrowth (1175 KB)
3-2BiofilmManagement (3947 KB)
3-3BiologicalTreatmentofRunoff (4394 KB)
3-4SlowSandFilters (2204 KB)
3-5WaterRecyclingEconomics (1245 KB)