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Horticulture Principles and Practices

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FIGURE 13–5 Greenhouse<br />

production of strawberry in<br />

troughs suspended from the<br />

greenhouse frame. (Source: Dr. AJ<br />

Both, Bioresource Engineering, Department<br />

of Plant Biology <strong>and</strong> Pathology, Rutgers<br />

University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901)<br />

Straw Bale Culture<br />

Bales of straw are laid out in rows on the greenhouse floor. Prior to planting, the bales<br />

are wetted with “manure tea” (liquefied manure) to initiate decomposition <strong>and</strong> to generate<br />

heat in the bale. The wetting process requires about 7 gallons of liquid per 50-lb bale.<br />

When the bale cools down to below 110°F, it is topped with about 6 inches of compostbased<br />

potting mix. This layer is needed for the transplant. Fertilization is by topdressing<br />

with liquid of dry fertilizers. Straw culture is useful in greenhouses with bare ground so<br />

the products do not get in touch with the soil.<br />

Shallow Bed Culture<br />

This is also called thin layer culture. It consists of 1–3 inches of potting mix or<br />

compost laid on plastic sheet or some other barrier. This system has been for crops<br />

including lettuce, greens, <strong>and</strong> herbs. If needed, the medium may be heated by bottom<br />

heat systems.<br />

13.8.6 PLUG PRODUCTION (TRANSPLANT PRODUCTION)<br />

Plug production is a method of large-scale nursery sexual <strong>and</strong> asexual propagation of<br />

plants. It lends itself to automation (Figure 13–6). Equipment types are becoming<br />

increasing more sophisticated. Plug production had advantages <strong>and</strong> disadvantages,<br />

including the following:<br />

Advantages<br />

• Relatively easy to operate<br />

• Amenable to automation for quick <strong>and</strong> large-scale produciton<br />

• Operation is able to monitor the operation for uniform germination<br />

• Special seed treatments (e.g., vernalization) are easy to provide<br />

• Time from transplanting to sale is reduced<br />

• It is cost effective<br />

Disadvantages<br />

• Initial equipment cost could be high, depending on the type<br />

• Employees require special training to use equipment<br />

448 Chapter 13 Greenhouse Production<br />

Media<br />

A key to success to plug production is to find the best medium for the enterprise <strong>and</strong><br />

consistently use it. It should be pasteurized. A common medium is 1:1 of sphagnum<br />

peat moss: vermiculite or perlite. S<strong>and</strong> soil, or bark, are not recommended in the<br />

medium.

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