Equipment for Forest Nurseries

Abstract

Modern machinery and equipment can increase efficiency and productivity in all phases of nursery operations without sacrificing quality or safety. Seed processing is facilitated with kilns, tumblers, separators, dewingers, scalpers, and grinders. Seedbeds are prepared with plows, harrows, rock rakes, packers, bed formers, and levelers; seed is then sown with drills or broadcast seeders. Fertilizers and soil amendments are applied with spreaders, seeders, or soil injectors; weeds are controlled by row or path cultivators. Sprinkler systems not only irrigate seedlings but also spray fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides and provide frost protection. Saws, pruners, and mowers are used to trim seedling tops and roots. Transplanting and lifting machines allow seedlings to be moved from bed to bed or to processing areas, where they are packaged with balers or bundlers. Both seed and seedlings may be stored in trays, bins, crates, boxes, bags, drums, or tubs on pallets or racks in walk-in refrigerators, freezers, or sheds, or moved from place to place by forklifts, conveyors, carts, trucks, or tractors with attachments. Many machines are commercially available in a variety of types and sizes, but some must be custom built; some are highly specialized, but others, with adaptations, can serve common nursery functions.