Irrigation management workshop for nursery and Christmas tree growers offered in Kalamazoo

A hands-on program for growers to learn how to manage their irrigation program effectively and efficiently.

Is your irrigation system delivering efficiently, effectively and the right quantity of water your nursery stock and Christmas trees need? Nurseries have different water delivery methods used for plant production. Hand watering, overhead irrigation systems, traveling boom systems, drip tape and spaghetti hoses are common methods with the same goal to water the plants. These methods all work, however, the key is to know your plant’s water requirements and needs in order to deliver adequate amounts of water while using an effective and efficient method.

So, how do you know when it’s time to irrigate? Proper irrigation scheduling and its delivery method for the crop’s needs is a primary key to eliminating the “missed window of opportunity.” The benefits of irrigation scheduling and proper water delivery impact several factors that range from efficiencies to protection of ground and surface water. Well-designed systems aid in reducing nutrient loss from leaching from over application of water, reduce pollution of groundwater or surface water due to runoff or leaching, and improve efficiencies and energy consumption for pumping machinery.

MSU Extension is sponsoring an in-depth Irrigation Management Workshop for Nursery Growers and Christmas Tree Growers, August 30 at 9:00 AM to noon. Information based on recent research results will assist Christmas tree, field and container nursery growers in improving their irrigation practices by

  • Providing you skills to determine irrigation systems, distribution uniformity and application rates.
  • Sharing a review of daily water use research for ornamentals and Christmas trees.
  • Learning how to improve irrigation management using tensiometers to measure soil water.
  • Understanding the basic principles of soils and plants that influence water and nutrient management.
  • Learning about interactions between irrigation and fertilization.

Workshop instructors

Dr. Tom Fernandez, MSU Department of Horticulture
Dr. Bert Cregg, MSU Department of Horticulture
Dr. Pascal Nzokou, MSU Department of Forestry

For more information, contact Jeanne Himmelein at 269-998-8958.

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