New Publication from Agriculture and Natural Resources

by Donald J. Merhaut

Water, Root Media, and Nutrient Management for Greenhouse Crops

A new user-friendly, practical reference book for the greenhouse and nursery industries will be released by the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) in the fall of 2018.  Water, Root Media, and Nutrient Management for Greenhouse Crops is for large and small greenhouse producers of containerized crops throughout the United States and all climates of North America.  It provides a thorough overview of plant nutrition, root media, and water quality, making it an ideal user manual for both the greenhouse and nursery industries. Books can be purchased at 1-800-994-8849 or 530-400-0725.  For online orders, go to anrcatalog.ucanr.edu. 

The editors are Drs. Donald J. Merhaut, Kimberly A. Williams, and Salvatore S. Mangiafico.  Dr. Merhaut is an associate Extension specialist for nursery and floriculture crops at the University of California, Riverside. Dr. Williams is professor of horticulture at Kansas State University, and Dr. Mangiafico is an associate professor at Rutgers.  Together, they worked with 20 other national and international academics and industry leaders to formulate this comprehensive guide in greenhouse crop management.

Greenhouse production was originally associated with floriculture crops, specialty crops such as houseplants, and “out-of-season” vegetable production.  The last comprehensive book to focus on the water and nutrient aspects of greenhouse production in the United States was Water, Media, and Nutrition for Greenhouse Crops, edited by David W. Reed and published in 1996.  Since that time, many aspects of greenhouse production have changed: new marketing trends have emerged such as organic production; improved and more efficient production technologies have been introduced; and new laws and regulations have been developed and implemented related to environmental sustainability and food safety.  These changes have motivated growers to have a comprehensive understanding of greenhouse management. 

The book is sectioned into three main topics: water, root media, and fertilizer. Chapter 1 provides an overview of these three topics and the importance of understanding and integrating all three components when formulating a sound and cohesive horticultural plan for the nursery that is sustainable and profitable (see the Table of Contents for a complete list of chapters).  Within each book section, details are provided on the proper use of water, media, or fertilizer and tailoring these inputs to meet the specific needs of a production facility.  Instructions are also included in each section on how to monitor the water, media, or fertilizer status of the crop and general crop health, and how to correct problems that may arise in production. 

The editors would like to thank all the authors and UC ANR Publications (especially Ann Senuta and Stephen Barnett). Much credit goes to Kimberly Williams, who developed the original content and has been the visionary guide for this book since its inception.  The editors dedicate this book to the growers and greenhouse managers across North America who daily accomplish the complex and challenging work of producing crops in protected environments that beautify and feed our world.

Water, Root Media, and Nutrient Management for Greenhouse Crops

Table of Contents

1. Integrating Irrigation, Root Media, Fertilization, and Environmental Factors in Greenhouse Production

Kimberly A. Williams, Donald J. Merhaut, and Salvatore S. Mangiafico

2. Water, Irrigation Systems, and Their Control

Stephanie Burnett and Marc van Iersel

3. Water Quality and Correction

Donald J. Merhaut and Salvatore S. Mangiafico

4. The Use of Reclaimed Water in Greenhouse Crops

Salvatore S. Mangiafico and Donald J. Merhaut

5. Root Media for Greenhouse Crops

Michael R. Evans and Paolo Sambo

6. Wetting Agents in Root Media

Kimberly A. Williams and Michael R. Evans

7. Root Media: Testing and Interpretation

Todd Cavins and Kimberly A. Williams

8. Formulating Fertilization Programs

Holly Scoggins and Kimberly A. Williams

9. Root Media pH

Eugene K. Blythe, Joseph P. Albano, and Donald J. Merhaut

10. Selecting and Using Fertilizer Injectors

Svobodi V. Pennisi

11. Tissue Analysis: Testing and Interpretation

Cari Peters

12. Visual Symptoms of Nutritional and Other Disorders

Brian Whipker, Jamie Gibson, and Holly Scoggins

13. Corrective Procedures for Media and Tissue

Brian Whipker and Jamie Gibson

14. Effect of Nutrition and Water on Insect and Mite Pests

Raymond A. Cloyd

15. Impact of Water and Nutrient Management on Disease Problems

Wade H. Elmer

16. Managing Water and Nutrient to Reduce Environmental Impact

John D. Lea-Cox and David S. Ross

17. Developing Sustainable Greenhouse Crop Production in Your Operation

Paul A. Thomas