Overview of New Technology in Water Application for Ornamental Plant Production

摘要

Agriculture uses 12.3 million cubic meters per day of fresh water in Florida. The nursery industry in Florida has increased dramatically in the last decade. Water supply for agriculture in many parts of the U.S. is becoming limited. This mandates more efficient use of irrigation in container production.Fertilizers released in runoff water promote growth of algae and aquatic vegetation beyond what is naturally sustainable. This growth reduces water clarity, often covering the entire surface of a pond or lake. This is particularly a problem in Florida where 62% or 18 million ms/day (5,020 Mgal/day) of fresh water consumption comes from groundwater aquifers.