Resource Book on Horticulture Nursery Management

calcium or magnesium can clog the nozzles and make frequent washing, or the addition
of low concentrations of acid (for example vinegar), necessary. The necessary
information about irrigation systems should be obtained from qualified suppliers.
Watering should be done with a hose pipe that has a nozzle with fine holes so that young
seedlings do not get damaged. The addition of a 60 cm metal rod to the hose makes
targeted watering of containers easier and saves water.
In hot summer months the requirement of water may reach 3 inches per acre with
sprinklers. Automated irrigation systems are usually more reliable and consume less
water and labor than manual methods. The amounts and distribution of rainfall must be
considered for determining the irrigation needs.
Labor Requirements: The number of employees you need in the nursery will
depend on the size of your operation. Starting with fewer personnel gives more time for
training and requires less financing. Mistakes will also be less likely and less costly with
lesser personnel. The nursery business is inherently a seasonal activity with extended
labor needs in specific time of the year. By diversifying the types of products (e.g.,
container-grown plants) and services (e.g., landscaping) offered, you can increase sales
and reduce down-time of seasonal and part-time labor (e.g., migrant workers and
students). It should be kept in mind that personnel planning include complying with
Social Security, insurance, wage and hour, and income tax requirements for each of your
employees.
Light: The right amount of light is critical for healthy plant development. Too much
shade leads to etiolated and elongated growth of the seedlings which are weak and prone
to fungal diseases. But too much light leads to sun scorching and drying out of the tender
tissue. Quality shade cloth must be used to provide durable and uniform shade to the
seedlings. Avoid using grass, reed or bamboo mats as they are not durable, do not provide
uniform shade, and can harbor pests and diseases.
Shade cloth is usually woven from nylon (polypropylene) thread. But cheaper
polyvinylchloride cloth called saran is also available. Saran shrinks about 3% and needs
to be installed with slight sag. Shade cloth is available in from 30 to 95% shade. It is
available in black, green or red colors. Colors change the wavelength of the transmitted
light and thus influence plant development. Aluminium-covered thread is used to make
cloth that reflects the infra-red wavelength from the sunlight and keeps the shaded area
cooler. Shade cloth made from nylon can last over 10 years under tropical conditions.
Higher density shade cloths ranging from 60 to 80 per cent are used for young
seedlings. Lower densities ranges between 30 to 40 per cent can be used for older ones.
Note that three layers of 20% shade cloth do not necessarily provide a 60% shade,
because they usually do not exactly overlap. Use a Par meter to ensure the correct amount
of shade. The netting should be fixed above head height i.e. 2 m. The netting should run
along the east and west sides to provide even shading and still allow easy access to
seedlings. Additional layers of low shades may be installed at plant height if necessary.
The netting should be supported on wooden beams or strong wires spread between poles
at distances of 4–5 m or as convenient for the nursery. Wires are better than wooden
beams because they drop less shade on the plants.
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