New Zealand nurseries - predictions for the future

Authors: David South
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2022, Issue N.Z.J.For. 67(2) 2022, pp 45, Aug 2022
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Fossil fuels are used to grow seedlings, but some hope nurseries in 2050 will stop using products made from oil and coal. If this does occur, will bareroot seedlings be cultured using mainly labour and electricity and will container-grown seedlings be grown year-round in greenhouses without the use of fossil-fuel based fertilisers and pesticides? In the USA, some northern conifers are grown in greenhouses, but about 83% of loblolly pine stock is bareroot while 17% is grown outside in plastic containers. Managers know that growing pines outside reduces seedling production costs. The following provides a few ideas about future nursery practices in New Zealand.

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