Production of Drought-adapted Intermountain Native Plants Through Low-cost, In-containers for Emerging Western Markets

Production of Drought-adapted Intermountain Native Plants Through Low-cost, In-containers for Emerging Western Markets

Summary

A comparison of 15 perennial and 10 shrub species under two irrigation regimes, drip and overhead sprinkler, with two different growing media, an expensive commercial organic mix and a cheaper, locally-made mixtures, showed no apparent differences in shrub and perennial growth between the two irrigation treatments. All species performed well in the commercial mix, and three crops of wildflowers were produced over the season. However, the low-cost mix had higher salt levels that impaired growth of species in wetter habitats, while the remaining species were minimally affected. A cost analysis of production with this method is currently being conducted.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The goal of this study is to develop a model nursery production system, with an economic analysis, for drought-adapted native woody and herbaceous perennial species using an alternative in-ground container method in the rural Intermountain West to encourage adoption by small entrepreneurs. The specific objectives of the project are:
1.Conduct a controlled study and cost analysis comparing production time using expensive, high-end artificial media versus a media from local, cheaper, materials;
2. Apply a scaled-up pot-in-pot system to a wholesale nursery that grows IMW native plants, using local materials for artificial media, and conduct a complete cost analysis;
3.Combine the cost analyses from the controlled study and scaled up PIP system study.

Accomplishments/Milestones

The goal of this study is to develop a model nursery production system, with an economic analysis, for drought-adapted native woody and herbaceous perennial species using an alternative in-ground container method in the rural Intermountain West to encourage adoption by small entrepreneurs. The specific objectives of the project are:
1. Conduct a controlled study and cost analysis comparing production time using expensive, high-end artificial media versus a media from local, cheaper, materials;
2. Apply a scaled-up pot-in-pot system to a wholesale nursery that grows IMW native plants, using local materials for artificial media, and conduct a complete cost analysis;
3. Combine the cost analyses from the controlled study and scaled up PIP system study.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

This project will indirectly benefit the consuming public desiring a naturalized low water landscape by making Intermountain West native plants more available and affordable. The results from this project will directly benefit entrepreneurs interested in producing native plants for the expanding consumer market. Already the graduate student working on this project, Amy Croft, is planning on starting a native plant nursery, and two other graduate students in the Plants, Soils, and Biometeorology are partnering to also create a native plant nursery.