Using container weights to determine irrigation needs: a simple method

Proper irrigation can reduce water use, water waste, and incidence of disease. Knowing when to irrigate plants in container nurseries can be determined by weighing containers. This simple method is quantifiable, which is a benefit when more than one worker is responsible for irrigation. Irrigation i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNative plants journal Vol. 16; no. 1; pp. 67 - 71
Main Authors Dumroese, R Kasten, Montville, Mark E, Pinto, Jeremiah R
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Madison University of Wisconsin Press 01.04.2015
Subjects
Botany
Irrigation
Nurseries
Plant ecology
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Summary:Proper irrigation can reduce water use, water waste, and incidence of disease. Knowing when to irrigate plants in container nurseries can be determined by weighing containers. This simple method is quantifiable, which is a benefit when more than one worker is responsible for irrigation. Irrigation is necessary when the container weighs some target as a proportion of its weight at field capacity. Care should be taken when comparing target container weights because they can be calculated different ways. In the nursery, one easy method for obtaining weights is using a small, handheld portable balance.
ISSN:1522-8339
1548-4785
DOI:10.3368/npj.16.1.67