Horticulture 431: Projects #3 Page


Special Project 3

Special Project 1 || Special Project 2 || Special Project 3

MECHANIZATION

Objective:	Discuss mechanization versus hand labor in container and field production nurseries, and design a layout and production plan for maximum or most efficient mechanization of a production nursery.
Location:	Anywhere in Texas.
Size:	Minimum: 50 acres; Maximum - Your decision
Type of plant materials:	Combination of woody shrubs and trees, foliage, color or other market niche-oriented plant materials.
Size of plant materials:	Any combination of sizes, but not more than 20% rooted cuttings or seedlings. Also include larger materials in your operation
Type of nursery:	Field or container with protected structures (propagation, winterization)
Source of plants:	Propagated by cuttings, seeds, plugs, tissue culture liners and/or specialized structures.

Include the following information

1. History of mechanization.

2. Mechanization in:: Irrigation system; Soil sterilization; Soil pasteurization & mixing; Potting systems; Transplanting; Fertilization; Pest control; Hauling within nursery; Digging of plants etc.

3. Relative costs of various systems and operation.

4. Efficiencies

5. Labor of operation

6. Limitations of equipment and advantage.

7. Manufacturers.

8. Site organization: Justify why

9. Structures related to equipment

10. Depreciation and replacement costs.

11. List of references.

This is intended as a guideline for an in-depth study of nursery mechanization. Ultimate development is up to each of you. Justify and explain your decision and selections.

* A 1-page preliminary synopsis of your project composed on word processor is due Thursday, October 4, 2007 (you should meet with me prior to this date to discuss your project).

* The finished project is to be composed on a word processor with a hardcopy turned on Monday, December 3, 2007.

BONUS POINTS (10 pts.) -- Create a Homepage Linking other pertinent WWW homepages.

Scholastic Dishonesty

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