Forest greenhouses, establishment and care work

forest-greenhouses-seedlings

Forest greenhouses are widely used in the production process of tree and shrub seedlings. Solar energy is used as a source of heat and light. Additionally, forest greenhouses can be equipped with systems for controlled heating, watering, ventilation, shading, or artificial lighting. Due to the high costs, these are less common in forest nurseries.

Forest greenhouses are recommended because:
  • the seedlings are protected from harmful abiotic factors (especially from unfavorable weather conditions: late and early frosts, sunburn, hail, etc.);
  • vegetative growth period is prolonged (saplings of suitable size and vigor can be obtained in a shorter period of time);
  • environmental factors can be more easily controlled than in the field: atmospheric humidity, soil moisture, heat, air circulation, etc .;
  • the germination rate of seeds is much higher than in the open field, especially in the case of coniferous species.

The establishment of a forest greenhouse

greenhouses-establishment

The need for greenhouses in the production of tree and shrub seedlings depends on the species to be cultivated, respectively on the location of the nurseries (altitude, climatic conditions, etc.). Usually, forest greenhouses are placed inside or near the nursery, to facilitate the transplanting of seedlings in the nursery field. To install a permanent or temporary greenhouse, choose a flat and leveled ground, protected from strong winds, and with a water supply nearby. The germination bed in which sowing is performed can be the soil inside the sheltered space. A special germination bed can be also used. This is prepared in advance and mixed with the soil from the ground or placed in boxes, containers, or various supports.

Specific works in forest greenhouses

Soil or germination bed preparation
soil-preparation-in-greenhouse

In case of sowing in the soil inside forest greenhouses, it must be well prepared in advance by plowing, tilling, disc harrowing, rolling. The surface layer (approx. 20 cm) is often replaced with a special germination bed. This is prepared for this purpose and contains humus, peat, litter, spruce needles, sand, and fertilizer. The germination bed must be disinfected, loosened, well-drained, ventilated, crushed, and leveled. It can also be placed in containers.

Application of fertilizers

Depending on the requirements of the species to be cultivated and the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of the germination bed, specific fertilizers may be applied.

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Preparing beds or containers for sowing

The germination beds are placed so that the specific works in the greenhouse are easy to perform, and the available space is used in a large proportion. In the case of seedling production in reusable containers, these must be disinfected. The containers are usually placed on the ground or supports, at suitable heights for the workers who perform the maintenance operations. There are also multi-storeyed supports, which allow the efficient use of space inside forest greenhouses.

Preparing the seeds
greenhouse-seedlings

Preventive treatment of seeds before sowing with specific fungicides and insecticides is recommended. In the case of seeds with delayed germination, the seeds are forced by hydrothermal treatment, scarification, or spraying with specific substances. For even emergence, the seeds of some tree species can be soaked in water before sowing.

Sowing

It can be made by spreading the seeds uniformly on the entire surface or in arranged rows (gutters). Depending on the conditions required for seed germination, they are introduced to the appropriate depths in the soil and covered with a layer of litter, humus, sand, or soil.

Replanting of the seedlings

To obtain vigorous saplings with well-developed roots, the 1-3-year-old seedlings are sometimes transplanted on another surface. Here, bigger distances are ensured for each seedling. This operation is performed especially in the case of coniferous species.

Other care work in forest greenhouses

Weeding. It is made by hand, by pulling out the weeds. It is recommended to be done when weeds appear, or while they are small.

Chemical weed control. It is made with specific herbicides, often at the time of sowing or immediately after the emergence of the seedlings.

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forest-greenhouse-irrigation-and-ventilation-system

Irrigation. It is made in accordance with the soil texture, soil moisture conditions, and the requirements of each species. The water used for irrigation should have a temperature close to the air and soil temperature. The water must be sufficient, but not in excess. The recommended amount of water for most forestry species is 1 L/sqm/day in the first month after sowing, and 2-5 L/sqm every 2-3 days until August. Watering in late summer and fall is not recommended. Seedlings can lignify better in low humidity conditions.

Ventilation. Depending on the type of the greenhouse, it is made by opening slits, doors, or windows, on the sides or roof of the constructions. The seedlings should not be exposed to direct sunlight (insolation) through ventilation openings. The maximum temperature in forest greenhouses should not be more than 30 ℃.

Pest control. The application of specific preventive and control treatments is essential. Insecticides, fungicides, traps, pheromone traps can be used.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
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