Nurseries: Giving plants the best start in life
Nurseries are carefully planned spaces where new plants are bred and nurtured until they’re ready to be transplanted into farms or sold.
Ever wondered what goes into designing a nursery or why they’re so important? Here’s a closer look at this integral part of the agricultural landscape.
A perfect environment for growth
In the controlled environment of a greenhouse nursery, growers can protect young plants from harsh weather, pests, and disease. And they can create optimal conditions for each stage of the plant growth cycle by providing the light, food, warmth, and water the plants need, when they need it. This consistently high level of care results in faster growing times, lower seedling mortality rates, and stronger, healthier plants – all of which benefit both farmers and food security.
Better starter material equals better plants
Growers typically use tissue, cuttings, or seeds to propagate new plants. This is called starter material, and it’s key to long-term growing success. Why? Because the quality of the starter material determines the ultimate quality of the new plants. As farmers make a long-term investment when they buy and cultivate these plants, it’s vital that nurseries use plant genetics that are clean and robust enough to produce good yields for years to come.
Another key to success? Good nursery design!
A well-designed nursery makes the best use of every square meter and provides excellent climate control. The goal is to give young plants exactly what they need at each stage of their growth, so agronomists and engineers start the design process by considering the nursery’s workflow, i.e. what needs to happen and when. Factors they consider include:
- The type of crop
- The starter material to be used
- The various growth stages
- The climate requirements at each stage
- The number of mature plants that must be produced
Each of these factors informs the final design and eventual construction of the nursery. This includes the greenhouse type, the designated areas, ventilation, the heating, cooling, and irrigation systems, and much more.
Let’s build your next nursery
From citrus to blueberry and avocado nurseries, Vegtech Netafim has extensive experience in designing and constructing hi-tech greenhouse nurseries. If you’re planning an agricultural project that could benefit from a greenhouse nursery, and need a partner who will understand your needs – and deliver real results for your business – get in touch today.
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