Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Tropical Nursery Concepts and Practices

  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online:
Tropical Forestry Handbook

  • 552 Accesses

Abstract

A tropical nursery produces quality plants by providing a favorable environment and meeting the plants’ needs. Nursery propagation structures are designed to mitigate the factors that limit plant growth on a given nursery site. The ideal types of nursery structures are determined by site characteristics, nursery objectives, crop size, species, length of crop rotation, and the number of crops grown per year. Growing medium and container type are also important considerations in crop production. The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of a growing medium affects seedling health, root development, and growth, and influences nursery operations such as irrigation and fertilization needs. Growers often use different types of growing media for seed propagation, rooting cuttings, and for transplanting larger plants and many mix their own using a combination of organic and inorganic ingredients. The best containers increase seedling root health, encourage good form and shoot-to-root ratios, and lead to good outplanting performance. Different species will require different types of containers based on the types of leaves and root systems they possess.

Sufficient quantities of good-quality water must be available throughout the year to supply all the various uses at the nursery. Irrigation system design and application must meet the needs of a diverse species of plants and cater to their changing needs during different phases in their growth and development. In addition to water, plants require adequate quantities of mineral nutrients in the proper balance for basic physiological processes and to promote rapid growth and development. Nutrition and outplanting performance can also be improved by using beneficial microorganisms such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi in the nursery. Providing optimum growing conditions for nursery plants and practicing good hygiene and sanitation in the nursery are important tools to prevent problems with diseases and pests. Many problems are triggered by stresses that can be avoided or corrected by good horticultural practices. Monitoring the crop and keeping records enables early detection and treatment of problems that do arise.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Amaranthus M (2010) Personal communication. Mycorrhizal Applications, Grants Pass, Oregon, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • Buamscha G, Altland J (2005) Pumice and the Oregon nursery industry. Digger 49(6):18–27

    Google Scholar 

  • Bunt AC (1988) Media and mixes for container grown plants. Unwin Hyman, London, p 309

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Carrion C, Abad M, Fornes F, Noguera V, Maquieira A, Puchades R (2006) Leaching of composts from agricultural wastes to prepare nursery potting media. Acta Horticult 697:117–124

    Google Scholar 

  • Cayanan DF, Zheng Y, Zhang P, Graham T (2008) Sensitivity of five container-grown nursery species to chlorine in overhead irrigation water. HortScience 43:1882–1887

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis AS, Jacobs DF, Overton RP, Dumroese RK (2008) Influence of irrigation method and container type on growth of Quercus rubra seedlings and media electrical conductivity. Native Plants Journal 9:4–12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diver S, Greer L, Adam KL (2008) Sustainable small-scale nursery production. National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) Sustainable Agriculture Project, Butte. https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=60. Accessed 11 Nov 2011

  • Drechsel P, Zech W (1991) Foliar nutrient levels of broad-leaved tropical trees: a tabular review. Plant Soil 131:29–46

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dumroese RK (2012) Integrated nursery pest management. In: Cram MM, Frank MS, Mallams KM (eds) Forest nursery pests (tech cords). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook 680, Washington, DC, pp 5–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Dumroese RK, Wenny DL, Quick KE (1990) Reducing pesticide use without reducing yield. Tree Planters’ Notes 41(4):28–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Dumroese RK, James RL, Wenny DL (2002) Hot water and copper coatings in reused containers decrease inoculum of Fusarium and Cylindrocarpon and increase Douglas-fir seedling growth. HortScience 37:943–947

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dumroese RK, Pinto JR, Jacobs DF, Davis AS, Horiuchi B (2006) Subirrigation reduces water use, nitrogen loss, and moss growth in a container nursery. Native Plants Journal 7:253–261

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dumroese RK, Luna T, Landis TD (eds) (2008) Nursery manual for native plants: volume 1, a guide for tribal nurseries. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agricutlure Handbook 730, Washington, DC, p 302

    Google Scholar 

  • Dumroese RK, Davis AS, Jacobs DF (2011) Nursery response of Acacia koa seedlings to container size, irrigation method, and fertilization rate. J Plant Nutr 34:877–887

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dumroese RK, Landis TD, Luna T (2012) Growing native plants in nurseries: basic concepts. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-274, Fort Collins, p 84

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans J (1996) Plantation forestry in the tropics. Clarendon, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans MR, Konduru S, Stamps RH (1996) Source variation in physical and chemical properties of coconut coir dust. HortScience 31:965–967

    Google Scholar 

  • Grubinger V (2007) Potting mixes for organic growers. University of Vermont Extension, Brattleboro. http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/pottingmix.html. Accessed 21 Aug 2011

  • Habte M, Osorio NW (2001) Arbuscular mycorrhizas: producÙing and applying arubscular mycorrhizal inoculum. Honolulu, HI: University of Hawai‘i, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human, p 47

    Google Scholar 

  • Handreck KA, Black ND (1984) Growing media for ornamenÙtal plants and turf. Kensington, Australia: New South Wales UniÙversity Press, p 401

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs DF, Landis TD (2014) Plant nutrition and fertilization. In: Wilkinson KM, Landis TD, Haase DL, Daley BF, Dumroese RK (eds) Tropical nursery manual: a guide to starting and operating a nursery for native and traditional plants. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook 732, Washington, DC, pp 233–250

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs DF, Landis TD, Luna T, Haase DL (2014) Propagation environments. In: Wilkinson KM, Landis TD, Haase DL, Daley BF, Dumroese RK (eds) Tropical nursery manual: a guide to starting and operating a nursery for native and traditional plants. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook 732, Washington, DC, pp 89–99

    Google Scholar 

  • Jaenicke H (1999) Good tree nursery practices: practical guidelines for research nurseries. International centre for research in agroforestry. Majestic Printing Works, Nairobi, p 93

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson P (1968) Horticultural and agricultural uses of sawdust and soil amendments. Paul Johnson, National City, p 46

    Google Scholar 

  • Landis TD (1995) Improving polybag culture for sustainable nurseries. Forest Nursery Notes (July 1995) pp 6–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Landis TD, Dumroese RK (2006) Monitoring electrical conductivity in soils and growing media. Forest Nursery Notes (Summer 2006), pp 6–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Landis TD, Dumroese RK (2011) Using organic fertilizers in forest and native plant nurseries. Forest Nursery Notes 31(2):9–18

    Google Scholar 

  • Landis TD, Morgan N (2009) Growing media alternatives for forest and native plant nurseries. In: Dumroese RK, Riley LE (eds) National proceedings: forest and conservation nursery associations – 2008 (tech coords). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Proceedings RMRS-P-58, Fort Collins, pp 26–31

    Google Scholar 

  • Landis TD, Wilkinson KM (2014) Water quality and irrigation. In: Wilkinson KM, Landis TD, Haase DL, Daley BF, Dumroese RK (eds) Tropical nursery manual: a guide to starting and operating a nursery for native and traditional plants. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook 732, Washington, DC, pp 207–230

    Google Scholar 

  • Landis TD, Tinus RW, McDonald SE, Barnett JP (1989a) The container tree nursery manual. Volume 4, seedling nutrition and irrigation. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook 674, Washington, DC, p 119

    Google Scholar 

  • Landis TD, Tinus RW, McDonald SE, Barnett JP (1989b) The container tree nursery manual. Volume 5, the biological component: nursery pests and mycorrhizae. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook 674, Washington, DC, p 171

    Google Scholar 

  • Landis TD, Haase DL, Dumroese RK (2005) Plant nutrient testing and analysis in forest and conservation nurseries. In: Dumroese RK, Riley LE, Landis TD (tech coords) National proceedings, forest and conservation nursery associations – 2004. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. Proceedings RMRS-P-35, Fort Collins, pp 76–83

    Google Scholar 

  • Landis TD, Luna T, Dumroese RK (2008) Holistic pest management. In: Dumroese RK, Luna T, Landis TD (eds) Nursery manual for native plants: a guide for tribal nurseries. Volume 1: nursery management. USDA Forest Service. Agriculture Handbook 730, Washington, DC, pp 262–275

    Google Scholar 

  • Landis TD, Jacobs DF, Wilkinson KM, Luna T (2014a) Growing media. In: Wilkinson KM, Landis TD, Haase DL, Daley BF, Dumroese RK (eds) Tropical nursery manual: a guide to starting and operating a nursery for native and traditional plants. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook 732, Washington, DC, pp 101–121

    Google Scholar 

  • Landis TD, Jacobs DF, Wilkinson KM, Luna T (2014b) Containers. In: Wilkinson KM, Landis TD, Haase DL, Daley BF, Dumroese RK (eds) Tropical nursery manual: a guide to starting and operating a nursery for native and traditional plants. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook 732, Washington, DC, pp 123–139

    Google Scholar 

  • Landis TD, Luna T, Wilkinson KM, Dumroese RK (2014c) Problem prevention and holistic pest management. In: Wilkinson KM, Landis TD, Haase DL, Daley BF, Dumroese RK (eds) Tropical nursery manual: a guide to starting and operating a nursery for native and traditional plants. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook 732, Washington, DC, pp 273–291

    Google Scholar 

  • Lovelace W, Kuczmarski D (1994) The use of composted rice hulls in rooting and potting media. Int Plant Propag Soc Comb Proc (1992) 42:449–450

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller JH, Jones N (1995) Organic and compost-based growing media for tree seedling nurseries. World Bank Tech. Paper No 264, Forestry Series. The World Bank, Washington, DC, 75 p

    Google Scholar 

  • Miyasaka SC, Habte M, Friday JB, Johnson EV (2003) Manual on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus production and inoculation techniques. University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Honolulu, p 4

    Google Scholar 

  • Newman J (2007) Core facts about coir. Greenhouse Manag Proc 27(2):57

    Google Scholar 

  • Noguera P, Abad M, Noguers V, Puchades R, Maquieira A (2000) Coconut coir waste: a new and environmentally friendly peat substitute. Acta Hort 517:279–286

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pinto JR, Chandler R, Dumroese RK (2008) Growth, nitrogen use efficiency, and leachate comparison of subirrigated and overhead irrigated pale purple coneflower seedlings. HortScience 43(3):897–901

    Google Scholar 

  • Robbins J (2011) Irrigation water for greenhouses and nurseries. Publication FSA6061. University of Arkansas, Horticulture Department, Little Rock, p 6

    Google Scholar 

  • Stetson LE, Mecham BQ (2011) Irrigation, 6th edn. Irrigation Association, Falls Church, p 1089

    Google Scholar 

  • Timmer VR, Parton WJ (1982) Monitoring nutrient status of containerized seedlings. In: Proceedings, Ontario ministry of natural resources nurseryman’s meeting, 1982 June, Thunder Bay/Toronto, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, pp 48–58

    Google Scholar 

  • Wescom RW (1999) Nursery manual for atoll environments. SPC/UNDP/AusAID/FAO Pacific Islands forests and trees support programme, RAS/97/330. Working Paper 9. p 53

    Google Scholar 

  • Whitcomb CE (2003) Plant production in containers II. Lacebark Publications, Stillwater, p 129, 1

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilkinson KM, Landis TD, Haase DL, Daley BF, Dumroese RK (eds) (2014) Tropical nursery manual: a guide to starting and operating a nursery for native and traditional plants. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Agriculture Handbook 732, Washington, DC, p 377

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This chapter draws heavily on Wilkinson et al. (2014) and we thank Brian F. Daley, Douglass F. Jacobs, David P. Janos, and Tara Luna for their contributions.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, 97208, Portland, OR, USA

    Diane L. Haase

  2. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Moscow, ID, USA

    R. Kasten Dumroese

  3. Gibsons, BC, Canada

    Kim M. Wilkinson

  4. Native Plant Nursery Consulting, Medford, OR, USA

    Thomas D. Landis

Authors
  1. Diane L. Haase
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. R. Kasten Dumroese
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kim M. Wilkinson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Thomas D. Landis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Diane L. Haase .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Inst. Weltforstwirtschaft, Bundesforschungsanstalt für Forst- und Holzwirtschaft, Hamburg, Germany

    Michael Köhl

  2. Programa Regional REDD, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale, Antiguo Cuscatlán, El Salvador

    Laslo Pancel

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg (outside the USA)

About this entry

Cite this entry

Haase, D.L., Dumroese, R.K., Wilkinson, K.M., Landis, T.D. (2015). Tropical Nursery Concepts and Practices. In: Köhl, M., Pancel, L. (eds) Tropical Forestry Handbook. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-41554-8_142-1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-41554-8_142-1

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-41554-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Biomedicine and Life SciencesReference Module Biomedical and Life Sciences

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation