Location: Application Technology Research
Project Number: 5082-21000-001-083-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2023
End Date: Jul 31, 2025
Objective:
Investigate the interaction of irrigation scheduling and container color on substrate temperature and fertilizer availability and their effect on crop growth and development. By analyzing the relationship between substrate temperature, fertilizer availability, and root development, this objective seeks to provide valuable insights into optimizing temperature management strategies for enhancing nutrient utilization and overall plant performance in container-grown nursery plants..
The project aims to achieve the following objectives: Investigate the influence of temperature variations on crop growth, development, and physiological processes in the context of protected culture. Explore different irrigation techniques and frequencies to enhance water use efficiency and plant growth in nursery plant production. Analyze the impact of nutrient efficiency in soilless substrates on plant nutrient uptake, root development, and overall plant performance.
Approach:
This research aims to examine how variations in substrate temperature affect root development and the release, solubility, and uptake of nutrients from fertilizers during containerized production in the Pacific Northwest. Innovative strategies for improving nutrient and water use efficiency in nursery plant production systems will be shared and evaluated at Pacific northwest nurseries. The findings will contribute to the development of informed guidelines and recommendations for improving fertilizer application practices in the context of substrate temperature regulation, leading to enhanced efficiency and sustainability in nursery plant production.
