Nursery setup: shade nets, humidity, watering, root development

1. Nursery Site Selection

  • Location: Well-drained soil with good sunlight exposure but protected from strong winds.
  • Accessibility: Easy access for watering, fertilization, and maintenance.
  • Water Source: Reliable and clean water supply is essential.

2. Shade Nets

  • Purpose: Protect seedlings from direct sunlight, heat stress, and desiccation.
  • Specifications:
    • Use 30–50% shade for seedlings; adjust according to light intensity.
    • Materials: Polyethylene or UV-stabilized nets.
  • Setup Tips:
    • Shade nets should cover the entire nursery area.
    • Provide ventilation to prevent fungal growth and overheating.
    • Adjust height to allow plant growth and maintenance.

3. Humidity Management

  • Importance: Seedlings thrive in moderate to high humidity, which promotes leaf and root development.
  • Methods:
    • Misting or fine sprinklers during hot or dry periods.
    • Use mulch or ground cover to retain soil moisture.
    • Maintain good airflow to prevent fungal diseases while preserving humidity.
  • Target Range: Relative humidity ~60–80% in tropical conditions.

4. Watering

  • Frequency:
    • Daily or every 2 days depending on temperature, soil type, and seedling age.
    • Reduce watering in rainy periods to prevent waterlogging.
  • Methods:
    • Manual watering (watering cans) for small nurseries.
    • Soaker hoses or drip systems for larger nurseries to ensure uniform moisture.
  • Best Practices:
    • Water in early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation.
    • Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

5. Root Development

Healthy roots are essential for transplant success and resin induction later.

Techniques to Promote Strong Roots:

  1. Nursery Media:
    • Well-draining mixture: loamy soil + sand + compost.
    • Avoid compacted or clay-heavy soils that hinder root growth.
  2. Container Selection:
    • Polybags, pots, or seedling trays with adequate drainage holes.
    • Ensure enough volume for initial root expansion.
  3. Root Training:
    • Avoid root circling by gently loosening roots during transplant preparation.
    • Monitor for healthy, white, fibrous roots; prune damaged roots.
  4. Fertilization:
    • Use balanced, low-strength liquid fertilizers to encourage root and shoot growth.
    • Avoid excessive nitrogen, which may promote weak shoots over roots.

6. Nursery Layout & Management

  • Spacing: 5–10 cm between seedlings in trays; 15–20 cm in polybags for optimal air circulation.
  • Pathways: Allow access for watering, fertilization, and disease management.
  • Sanitation: Remove dead leaves, weeds, and diseased seedlings regularly.
  • Monitoring: Check for pests, fungal growth, and water stress daily.

Key Takeaways

  • Shade nets: Protect seedlings from sun stress and regulate microclimate.
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity ensures strong leaf and root development.
  • Watering: Keep soil moist but well-drained; adjust for rainfall and temperature.
  • Root development: Use well-draining media, proper containers, and balanced nutrients.
  • Overall: A well-managed nursery produces healthy, uniform seedlings ready for field transplantation, which directly affects survival, growth, and resin production.