Constructing production nursery growing benches to the standard recognised and encouraged under the Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia (NIASA), the nursery industry best management practice (BMP) program, provides a range of significant benefits not always easily identified.

This article discusses the results of energy audits conducted by NGIQ for the QFF Energy Savers Plus Program Extension (ESPPE) funded by the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy.

This webinar is part of the QFF Energy Savers Plus Program Extension (ESPPE) funded by the Queensland Government. It presents a brief overview of the findings across the whole program, with guest host, David Hunt from NGIQ, presenting an overview of the Nursery industry and findings from recent energy audits. David further discusses in detail propagation heating system types and discusses options to increase energy efficiency while reducing the costs of heating systems

Constructing production growing beds to the standard recognised and encouraged under the Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia (NIASA), the nursery industry best management practice program, provides a range of significant benefits not always easily identified.

Disinfestation of the various equipment and surfaces used in a production nursery form the basis of sound hygiene practices. Disinfestation procedures should be an integral part of all nursery growing processes, with regular reviews being carried out to ensure practices are being implemented correctly. The following outlines recommended disinfestation procedures for nursery equipment and surfaces.

Power factor is the way electricity providers measure how efficiently electricity is used across the electricity network and to customers. This can also be used to measure how efficiently individual equipment uses electricity.

Constructing growing benches to the standard recognised and encouraged under the nursery industry best management practice program, NIASA, provides a range of significant benefits to assist in the production of quality containerised nursery stock.

Constructing growing beds to the standard recognised and encouraged under the nursery industry best management practice program, NIASA, provides significant benefits in the production of quality containerised nursery stock.

The potting operation is a major component of most production nursery operations. Increasing the overall efficiency of the potting process, can free up resources for use in other parts of the business, and improve plant quality. The following video describes the different potting methods used in the nursery industry.

To achieve maximum efficiency within a potting operation, and to minimise production bottlenecks, the ‘work-flow’ process from potting to plant placement must be efficient. The following video highlights the areas that could be considered when making improvements to the overall productivity of the plant setting out operation.

Weeds or pest plants can have serious economic, environmental, and social impacts. Weeds reduce crop growth, compete for nutrients water and light, harbour insect pests and pathogens, damage the aesthetics of the plant, reduce the ability to apply crop amendments, and can be one of the most significant input costs to production.

While electricity meters are read regularly by energy providers, a knowledge of how to read meters or obtain more frequent data on electricity consumption can help with monitoring and reducing electricity use in irrigation systems. Closer monitoring of electricity use may identify areas of electricity where simple changes can be made to reduce consumption, e.g. equipment operating when it isn’t needed.

While energy efficiency in pumping systems is an important component in reducing energy costs, the cost of electricity must also be factored in, as there can be significant cost savings made by being on the most appropriate tariff and energy plans.
The comparison of tariffs and energy plans is complex, with different companies offering different incentives and different rates. Thorough investigation of the options available is necessary to prevent higher overall energy costs.

Reducing the impact of wind Few people involved in the nursery industry would need to be persuaded of the benefits in protecting their stock and buildings from wind.
Even moderate wind causes loss in productivity and quality through:-
1. high transpiration rates (plant stress)
2. physical damage to plants
3. disruption of sprinkler distribution patterns
4. time taken to rearrange knocked over plants

The production of top quality container plants is dependent on the supply of a number of generic inputs: water, growing media, fertiliser, pesticides, labour, light and energy. The challenge for production nurseries is to manage these inputs to produce a quality plant to market specification, and make a profit, all without causing detriment to the environment.
Water:

Research into the labour costs associated with the potting process, funded by the Nursery Industry Association of Australia (NIAA), the Horticultural Research and Development Corporation (HRDC)
and the QDPI, has revealed that many nurseries can reduce potting labour costs and increase profit margins by improving the efficiency of their potting production systems