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(Marcin) #1

Propagation/Greenhouse Management


Part 1 – 132 | Unit 1.3
Instructor’s Demonstration 5 Outline


Demonstration 5: Greenhouse Irrigation


for the instructor


OVERVIEW


In this demonstration, students


will learn about the various tools


and techniques used to deliver


water to pre-emergent seeds and


seedlings in a given propagation


facility. Emphasis should be placed


on creating optimal soil moisture


conditions to facilitate healthy plant


growth through proper irrigation


frequencies and volumes of water


applied. You should also discuss the


advantages and disadvantages of the


systems and tools used.


PREPARATION AND MATERIALS


  • All irrigation equipment commonly used in the propagation
    facility (e.g., hoses, watering cans, fixed spray nozzles,
    irrigation timers and solenoid control valves, mist systems,
    etc.)

  • Recently sown seeds in flat and cell tray format

  • Seedlings in flat and cell tray format


PREPARATION TIME
1 hour

DEMONSTRATION TIME
1 hour

DEMONSTRATION OUTLINE

A. Irrigating Seeds and Seedlings


  1. Discuss and demonstrate irrigation techniques prior to
    seedling emergence with attention to the differences in
    wet-to-dry swing for large- and small-seeded crops

  2. Discuss and demonstrate irrigation techniques used for
    post-seedling emergence and early seedling development

  3. Discuss the typical changes in frequency and volume of
    water delivered during seedling development (i.e., from
    pre-germination—frequent, shallow applications—to
    lower frequency, greater volume of water supplied as
    seedlings mature)

  4. Discuss and demonstrate any necessary adjustments
    needed based on germination, disease or pest problems,
    and/or plant growth observations

  5. Emphasize the importance of paying extra attention
    to corners and edges of greenhouse; these are often
    overlooked

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