Tree Nursery Practices Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a tree nursery?

To grow mature trees for immediate harvesting

To store seeds for long-term preservation

To produce tree seedlings until they are ready for planting (correct)

To conduct research on tree diseases

What distinguishes a temporary nursery from a permanent nursery?

Permanent nurseries are only for native species

Temporary nurseries are larger in size than permanent nurseries

Permanent nurseries require more labor than temporary nurseries

Temporary nurseries meet small reforestation and tree planting targets (correct)

Which benefit is associated with small-scale nurseries being near the planting site?

Easier control of nursery diseases

Improved soil quality for plant growth

Reduction in transport time and cost (correct)

Availability of more advanced nursery technology

Which of the following factors is NOT a benefit of small-scale nurseries?

Production of larger quantities of seedlings Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of a permanent nursery?

Supplies nursery stock on a long-term basis Signup and view all the answers

How do small-scale nurseries generally accommodate the needs of farmers?

By better provisioning for species and numbers of seedlings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is accurate regarding the features of tree nurseries?

Nurseries can vary widely in size and facilities Signup and view all the answers

Why is it easier to isolate diseases in small-scale nurseries?

They generally have fewer plants in a confined area Signup and view all the answers

What are the three principal components of organic matter?

Plant residues, animal residues, live microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fertilizer typically has a lower concentration of nutrient elements?

Organic fertilizer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a poor practice of pricking out seedlings?

Using a transplant bed after pricking out Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of providing shade for nursery plants?

Reduces soil and leaf water loss Signup and view all the answers

What is not involved in foliar feeding?

Applying nutrients directly to the soil Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate method for applying nutrients to conifer seedlings in container nurseries?

Overhead sprays of nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when pricking out seedlings?

Keeping seedlings in the original seedbed too long Signup and view all the answers

How does shade benefit nursery plants as they develop?

Maintains consistent moisture levels Signup and view all the answers

What factors determine the quantity of water required for a nursery?

Soil type and irrigation method employed Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal pH range of water for seedling growth?

5.5 to 7.0 Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of using water with a pH greater than 7?

Favors the growth of damping off fungi Signup and view all the answers

Why is it advisable to locate a nursery close to the planting site?

To reduce transportation challenges and costs Signup and view all the answers

What conditions should be avoided for the topography of a nursery?

Areas prone to flooding Signup and view all the answers

What is a common source of water contamination for irrigation?

Chemical contaminants from soil and surface runoff Signup and view all the answers

What should be done during heavy rainfall to prevent damage in a nursery?

Construct a proper drainage system Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of excessive wind in the nursery location?

Damages young plants and soil structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for removing unwanted vegetation in the preparation of a permanent nursery?

To eliminate competition for resources Signup and view all the answers

Which trees should be particularly considered for removal when preparing a nursery?

Mature trees of the same species as the nursery plants Signup and view all the answers

Why should top soil be removed before leveling the site?

To avoid muddy conditions during wet weather Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended method for controlling erosion on sloped sites?

Grassing exposed slopes and ridges of terraces Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when planting wind-breaks around a nursery?

Using species that are potential hosts for pests Signup and view all the answers

When are terraces particularly recommended for construction?

On slopes with more than 4 to 5 percent gradient Signup and view all the answers

What role does top soil play after it has been removed from the nursery site?

It can be reused in potting soil or for compost Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when selecting species for a hedge around a nursery?

They should be disease-free and insect-resistant Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial practice regarding shade and watering for nursery plants?

Plants in heavy shade require less water. Signup and view all the answers

How should watering be adjusted when reducing shade for transplants?

Watering must be increased as shade is decreased. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of root pruning in seedlings?

To increase the uniformity of stock and stimulate root development. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is NOT associated with nursery hygiene?

Using untreated containers for seedlings. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to seedlings when their roots grow too far into the ground?

They risk breaking and suffering shock upon being lifted. Signup and view all the answers

Which pest is commonly found in nurseries and worsens with water stress?

Gall flies Signup and view all the answers

What condition is described as 'damping off' in nurseries?

Seedlings rot at the root collar and die. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of root pruning?

Facilitate immediate transplanting without care. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of hardening-off seedlings?

To acclimate seedlings to adverse growth conditions Signup and view all the answers

What method should be used to control watering during the hardening-off process?

Reduce watering and allow seedlings to reach their wilting point Signup and view all the answers

When should shading be removed from seedlings to facilitate hardening-off?

One month before planting Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of not acclimating seedlings to full sunlight before planting?

Sun scalding of leaves, leading to mortality Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of elevating seedlings during the hardening-off process?

Promotes aerial pruning and prevents deep root growth Signup and view all the answers

How should root pruning be managed for seedlings before planting?

Stop root pruning two weeks before planting Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when controlling watering to prevent seedling shock?

Allowing seedlings to wilt excessively Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following emphasizes the importance of hardening-off seedlings?

It prevents exposure to adverse growth conditions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course Title/Code: Forest Seeds and Nursery Technology (Frst3091)
Course Credit: 3 Credit Hours and 5 ECTS
Instructor: Yadesa A.
Year: 2024

Nursery Establishment and Management
Seedling Production Techniques
Nursery Diseases, Pest Control
Record Keeping in the Nursery
Nursery Cost and Financial Plan

Nursery Establishment and Management

A tree nursery is a managed site for producing tree seedlings under favorable conditions until ready for planting.
Nurseries can range from informal, small-scale arrangements to large, commercial enterprises.
Nurseries vary in size, facilities, seedling types, quality, and quantity of planting stocks produced.

Types of Tree Nurseries

Temporary/Flying Nurseries: Short-term, used for small reforestation and planting in remote areas.
Permanent Nurseries: Long-term, high production and survival rates, have more facilities.
Benefits of Small-Scale Nurseries: Shorter transit time, lower transport costs, lower capital investment, and easier disease isolation.

Permanent Nurseries

Permanent nurseries supply nursery stock for a long period and maintain seedlings until they can be raised at a reasonable cost.
Key advantages include high production levels, reliable seedling survival rates, lower per-plant costs, and availability of permanent facilities and modern equipment.

Major Nursery Types

Institutional Nurseries (research, government, industrial)
Research nurseries: established and maintained by research units, usually permanent facilities operating for 5-10 years. Equipped for sophisticated tests and analysis.
Government Nurseries: Established by national and local government agencies
Industrial Nurseries: Established by large integrated wood industries, high production, and strict quality control
Project Nurseries: Established by projects, NGOs, and development organizations, usually 3-5 years but potentially longer
Individual Nurseries: Household nurseries or backyard nurseries, managed by individual farmers, vary widely in size.

Nursery Site Selection

Factors influencing site selection: type of nursery, environmental factors, socio-economic factors.
Important Environmental/Ecological Factors:
Water Source Reliability (continuous, adequate supply, especially during the dry season). Storage capacity is crucial. Water quality (pH 5.5-7).
Location (near planting/demand centers to reduce transportation)
Topography (gentle slope for drainage, avoid valleys and excessive wind). Drainage systems are necessary.
Soil (texture, adequate depth, absence of stones). Soil pH (5-6).
Previous land use (examine soil acidity and toxic chemicals)
Important Socio-economic Factors: Proximity to: •Seedling customers •Labor force (workers) •Transportation •Essential services and utilities(power, Phone) Land cost: price range, stipulations
Site production potential: Estimate seedling needs. A rule of thumb is about 500,000 seedlings per 0.4 hectares (1 acre), but figures vary with species and density. Subtract non-productive areas.

Nursery Layout

The permanent nursery should accommodate administrative, operational, and production areas.
Principles should be adjustable for small-scale nurseries.
Avoid waste ground for weeds. Plan for expansion.
Important components include: —Administration area (office, storage) —Operations area (extracting/drying/processing seed, potting/germination, compost production) —Production areas (for growing bare-root plants/container seedlings)
Normal bed width = 1.0 - 1.2 meters
Bed length ≤ 20 meters
Soil should be free of stones
Consider: shade/watering needs, location of walkways, appropriate materials

Seedling Production Techniques

Bed preparation varies by location, climate, soil, tree type, and equipment
Three types of seedbeds: flat, raised, sunken
Raised beds are better for clayey soils under high rainfall.

Nursery Management

Watering: plants need clean water, seedlings require more during the dry season. Avoid dirty or salty water. Proper watering will have a direct effect on plant growth, reduce disease incidence and improve resilience.
Transplanting: technique of moving seedlings. Proper timing is crucial to promote success. Includes acclimatization and minimizing root disturbance.
Fertilization: nutrients to aid plant growth, use organics first for soil improvement
Weeding: remove weeds to reduce competition for water and nutrients.
Root Pruning: trim roots to create more fibrous roots.
Hardening-off: transition seedlings to outdoor conditions. Gradually reduce watering and shade.
Nursery Hygiene: practices to keep the nursery clean and reduce disease spread (sanitation practices)
Shade and watering management needed for seedling support in the nursery as seedlings require different levels of shade during various growth stages.

Nursery Diseases and Pest Control (including IPM)

Damping off (fungal disease) is common. Prevention includes good drainage, airflow, and reduced watering when needed.
IPM (Integrated Pest Management): strategy involving multiple control methods to tackle nursery threats. The approach addresses pests and diseases by examining the host-pest-environment relationship. This approach avoids reliance on any one specific technique to control pests as other factors might limit their use

Record Keeping in the Nursery

Maintain records to verify clean inputs, worker compliance, production process traceability.
Logs should include: collectors, species, collection locations/sources, propagule types, conditions, storage conditions, treatments, batches, individual plants, test results, and procedures. Data should be clearly documented and include dates, times, and worker initials. Nursery workers must be well-trained on the record-keeping systems.

Nursery Cost and Financial Plan

Nursery programs must break even (self-sufficient).
Revenues should cover all costs. Use a 3-year financial plan.
Important considerations include financial management, projections on cost/profit, funding strategies

Tools and Equipment

Nursery establishment requires various tools and equipment, including hoes, spades, watering cans, hose, wheelbarrow, polythene tubes, shading material, pegs, etc. The tools and equipment should be procured upfront to support nursery operations.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the essential practices and benefits associated with tree nurseries. This quiz covers topics such as temporary vs. permanent nurseries, fertilization techniques, and factors influencing nursery success. Perfect for students and professionals in agriculture and environmental science!