Recipient Organization
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
LOGAN,UT 84322
Performing Department
Plants, Soils & Climate
Non Technical Summary
This research program investigates high-value crop production (ornamentals) and advances on-farm resource-use efficiency to improve the economic viability and environmental sustainability of small farms and other industry. In particular, irrigation efficiency and crop water use information is underdeveloped for ornamental plants. This project uses a quantitative approach to conduct basic field, greenhouse, and lab research that establish crop parameters, as well as assess environmental conditions and impact. These data are then used to apply existing crop models to ornamentals. This is important for small scale growers, nursery management, and greenhouse producers because of the high value of ornamental crops, yet lack of information regarding best practices for cultivation that ensure sustainability. The impact will help ornamental producers manage resources efficiently. Peer-reviewed journal articles, extension fact sheets, conferences, workshops, and social media will be used to disseminate information and provide outreach opportunities.
Animal Health Component
70%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
30%
Applied
70%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
Develop effective outreach programs which a) change behavior and implement best management practices, b) increase resource use-efficiency and minimize environmental impacts of practices, c) increase production efficiency and profitability and d) allow regulatory agency and public sectors to access baseline information which can be used for policy and other decision-making. Research results will be disseminated to the academic community through traditional means (e.g. peer reviewed journals, and extension programs) and also more novel web-based methods (knowledge centers, eXtension and social networks).
Improved irrigation management: Determine the water requirements of a variety of ornamental plants and how these water requirements are affected by plant size and environmental conditions. Compare irrigation methods (e.g. overhead, spray stakes, drip irrigation, subirrigation) to determine how they affect total water use, plant growth and quality, and runoff water quality. Quantify reductions in water use, leaching, and runoff that result from more efficient irrigation techniques. Develop new and optimize existing methods to provide growers with real time information regarding the water requirements of their crops, including crop water use models and sensor networks that can be easily deployed in greenhouses and nurseries.
Project Methods
The methods are listed in three sections: irrigation management, water sources and quality, and substrate and nutrient management.Methods for Objective 1. i) We will combine modeled data and results of treatment technology studies into an online decision support system to guide grower selection of best management practices (e.g. installation of treatment technologies and adoption of water recycling practices) based on contaminants of concern, desired treatment levels, and economic factors.Methods for Objective 2. The efficiency of water applications depends greatly on how the water is delivered. A wide variety of irrigation systems are used in greenhouses and nurseries, ranging from recirculating sub-irrigation systems, to drip irrigation, to spray stakes, and to overhead sprinklers. In general, the more efficient irrigation systems are more expensive to install and maintain. There is little comprehensive information available on differences in water use among these different irrigation approaches, and even less information on their economics and scheduling for ornamentals. i) We will determine how the irrigation method affects water use on ornamentals. ii) Use environmental (weather station) data to determine the reference evapotranspiration, and combine this information with indicator species coefficients to estimate daily water use of indicator species. This can then be used to inform IFG-based irrigation schedules for growers. iii) Determine the costs and benefits of different irrigation strategies. iv) Use soil moisture sensor and EC sensors to measure substrate water and nutrient status, to control irrigation and reduce nutrient leaching to a minimum. v) Measure plant responses to drying substrates and detect the early onset of drought stress to determine when irrigation is needed. Plant parameters to be measured could include changes in stem caliper, leaf temperature, leaf reflectance, stomatal conductance, and photosynthesis. vi) Quantify the effects of mild drought stress and plant anatomical, morphological, and physiological responses to determine how plant quality is affected.