Tree Nursery Practices Quiz

A managed area designed to grow tree seedlings under controlled conditions until they are ready for planting. It can be small-scale or large-scale.

A nursery that is set up for a short period, often for small-scale reforestation projects.

A nursery that is established to supply seedlings for a long time.

The benefits include: shorter transit time, less overheating and windburn, lower transport costs and easier disease control.

The nursery's size, resources, seedling types, and quality influence its success.

The number of plants needed and the duration of the demand.

A temporary nursery is often used for small reforestation projects in remote areas.

A permanent nursery meets the long-term demand for seedlings in a wider area.

Checking the water source's ability to provide enough water for the nursery during the dry season, when the demand for water is highest

Maintaining adequate storage facilities for water, regardless of the source, to ensure a reliable supply for the nursery

The amount of water needed for a nursery depends on factors like soil type, plant species, number of seedlings, and irrigation method

Sandy soils need more water than clay soils due to their lower water-holding capacity

The pH of water used for irrigation should be between 5.5 and 7 to prevent fungal infections and promote seedling growth

Water contamination from soil, precipitation, or runoff can introduce chemicals that harm plants

Location near planting sites minimizes transport costs, labor, and provides better supervision

Gentle slopes allow excess water to drain without soil erosion, minimizing damage during rainfall

When plants are in heavy shade, they require less water. When in full sun, they need more. It's a common mistake to keep plants in the shade throughout the nursery production.

After being transplanted, seedlings need full shade for the first 2-3 weeks, then half shade for a week. Once they've adjusted, no shade is needed.

Removing weeds is essential to prevent competition for water and nutrients, keeping the seedlings healthy.

If roots grow through the pot's drainage holes and into the ground, they can break when seedlings are lifted. This weakens the plant and hinders growth.

Cutting back roots forces the plant to develop a more compact root system, improving its health and survival.

Root pruning aims to increase uniformity, make planting easier, improve initial survival, encourage lateral root growth, and produce seedlings instead of transplants.

Maintaining a clean, healthy nursery environment leads to better quality seedlings.

Gall flies are a common pest in nurseries, particularly when seedlings are water-stressed. Proper watering helps control them.

The process of providing nutrients to plants in a controlled environment, to ensure healthy growth and development.

Organic matter consists of three main components: plant, animal, and microbial residues in different decomposition stages, humus, and live microorganisms.

Nutrients are applied to conifer seedlings grown in containers through sprays overhead. But as far as we know, this method is not used for bare root nurseries.

This refers to the act of transferring seedlings from the initial seedbed to pots or transplant beds. It involves carefully picking up and replanting the young seedlings.

Fertilizers can be categorized as organic, derived from natural sources (compost, manure), and inorganic, produced synthetically (salts of nutrient elements).

Shade is crucial for young plants in nurseries. It prevents excessive water loss from the soil and leaves, reducing stress and promoting healthy growth.

Shade reduces water loss from soil and leaves, protecting seedlings from scorching temperatures and promoting a healthy environment for growth.

Plants need protection from harsh weather until they are strong enough to survive on their own. Shade provides this protection, reducing water loss and regulating temperature.

The process of gradually preparing seedlings for outdoor conditions by simulating the harsh environment they will face during planting.

Reducing the amount of water given to seedlings over time before planting to accustom them to drier conditions in the field.

The point at which a seedling becomes slightly wilted due to lack of water, making it more resilient to drought conditions.

Protecting seedlings from too much sunlight during the hardening-off process.

Removing shade from seedlings a month before planting to acclimate them to full sunlight.

Trimming the long taproot of a seedling to encourage the growth of fibrous roots, making it easier to transplant.

Reducing the frequency of root pruning two weeks before planting to allow the seedling to develop a strong root system before transplanting.

The practice of hardening-off helps seedlings survive the stress of transplantation and establish themselves in their new environment.

The initial step in establishing a permanent nursery involves clearing the land of all unwanted vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and small plants. This ensures a clean and controlled environment for seedlings.

During vegetation removal, it's crucial to assess trees within and outside the nursery boundary. Those interfering with future activities should be removed, while beneficial ones can be saved. This includes mature trees of the same species being grown in the nursery, as they are a potential source of pests.

After clearing vegetation, the topsoil is removed to prevent muddy conditions during wet weather and excessive watering. The topsoil can be saved for potting mixes or compost, promoting sustainability. However, it's crucial to minimize erosion and pollution of nearby water sources.

Some sites have shallow or minimal topsoil, making removal unnecessary. Terraces should be constructed on slopes exceeding 4-5 percent to manage water flow and prevent erosion.

Exposed slopes and terrace ridges should be grassed immediately to prevent erosion, especially during the dry season. Irrigation should be available during the dry season. If wind damage is a concern, plant windbreaks around the nursery perimeter to protect seedlings.

Low hedges can be planted around crucial nursery sections to further minimize wind impact, control weed seeds, and prevent dust damage. The species used for windbreaks and hedges should be disease and pest resistant.

The species used as a windbreak should not be the same as those growing in the nursery, as they could harbor pests and diseases. Nursery preparation requires careful planning and implementation to create a favorable environment for seedling growth.

Nursery soil preparation is crucial, requiring good quality soil for potting mixes and seed beds. This ensures optimal conditions for seedling growth and development.