Multistate Evaluation of Plant Growth and Water Use in Plastic and Alternative Nursery Containers

Abstract

<jats:p>Containers made from natural fiber and recycled plastic are marketed as sustainable substitutes for traditional plastic containers in the nursery industry. However, growers’ acceptance of alternative containers is limited by the lack of information on how alternative containers impact plant growth and water use (WU). We conducted experiments in Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Texas to test plant growth and WU in five different alternative containers under nursery condition. In 2011, ‘Roemertwo’ wintercreeper (<jats:italic>Euonymus fortunei</jats:italic>) were planted in three types of #1 (≈1 gal) containers 1) black plastic (plastic), 2) wood pulp (WP), and 3) recycled paper (KF). In 2012, ‘Green Velvet’ boxwood (<jats:italic>Buxus sempervirens</jats:italic> × <jats:italic>B. microphylla siebold</jats:italic> var. <jats:italic>koreana</jats:italic>) was evaluated in 1) plastic, 2) WP, 3) fabric (FB), and 4) keratin (KT). In 2013, ‘Dark Knight’ bluebeard (<jats:italic>Caryopteris</jats:italic> ×<jats:italic>clandonensis</jats:italic>) was evaluated in 1) plastic, 2) WP, and 3) coir fiber (Coir). Plants grown in alternative containers generally had similar plant growth as plastic containers. ‘Roemertwo’ wintercreeper had high mortality while overwintering in alternative containers with no irrigation. Results from different states generally show plants grown in fiber containers such as WP, FB, and Coir used more water than those in plastic containers. Water use efficiency of plants grown in alternative containers vs. plastic containers depended on plant variety, container type, and climate.</jats:p>

Seasonal Growth and Nitrogen Uptake of Encore Azalea ‘Chiffon’ Affected by Nitrogen Availability and Containers

“…Greater dry root weight of cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) was found using paper and wood fiber containers compared with plastic containers (Beeks and Evans, 2013). The porous sidewall of the paper biocontainer used in the current study was found to increase water use as a result of water loss through the container sidewall Wang et al, 2015), which reduced stomatal conductance and increased water stress of Hydrangea macrophylla in our previous study (Li et al, 2019). However, the evaporative cooling effect as a result of sidewall water loss may be beneficial for plant root growth and survival at locations with hot summer conditions .…”

“…Water availability between irrigation events may then influence nutrient availability to the plant in the substrate (Scagel et al, 2011). The porous nature of the sidewalls of some biocontainers has resulted in greater water use, but increased evaporation was believed to help reduce substrate temperature, which is a beneficial feature at locations where summer heat stress may be a problem for plant growth or survival Wang et al, 2015).…”

Economics of Utilizing Alternative Containers in Ornamental Crop Production Systems

“…x 1 mile = 1.6093 km. Based on daily water use quantities from Wang et al (2015). y Based on a water price of $0.005/gal ($0.0013/L).…”

“…The experimental procedure is outlined in Wang et al (2015). Our analysis includes data from 2012 and 2013, but excludes 2011 data due to high mortality from a disease issue in Mississippi, Texas, and Kentucky.…”

“…The costs of water and labor were determined separately for each state. The quantity of daily water use through overhead irrigation was determined by Wang et al (2015), varied by location and container type, and was calculated based on a 150-d growing season. The cost of watering each pot was determined from the daily water use and price of municipal water per 200 gal in cities adjacent to each research location (Circle of Blue, 2014).…”