HOR 275 Innovative Strategies Water Quality Management in Nurseries
Lecture Hours: 2 Credits: 2
Explores conventional and innovative water management systems that provide adequate quantity and quality of irrigation while protecting the environment and other local resources. Evaluates the benefits and challenges of using either recirculated water or reclaimed wastewater to grow plants. Examines phytotechnologies that can be applied on a nursery/greenhouse scale, such as vegetated filter strips, ‘living machines,’ hydroponic tanks, floating islands, or wetland ponds.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Trace a drop of water through the nursery from source to outlet.
Describe conventional approaches to nursery/greenhouse water management.
Summarize the regulations that apply to nursery water management.
Evaluate the risks and benefits of working with re-circulated water or reclaimed wastewater.
Compare/contrast the functions and infrastructure of different phytoremediation technologies.
Illustrate ways in which phytotechnologies can enhance nursery production value.
Design a water quality management plan for a nursery or greenhouse.
Content Outline
Introduction
Irrigation sources
Ideal irrigation water quality
Sources
Streams
Wells
City municipal
“Reclaimed” wastewater
Laws and regulations
Water rights
Permit requirements for pond or wetland construction
DEQ regulations/permitting for “reclaimed” wastewater
Irrigation run-off and infiltration
Water quality standards for surface water and groundwater
Outlets
Streams
Roads and roadside ditches
Neighboring land
Groundwater/drinking water sources
Other crops
Laws and regulations
Clean Water Act
Senate Bill 1010
The role of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Water quality credit trading
Review of common water management practices
Reuse and Recirculation
Recirculating water within the nursery
Definitions
Plant needs versus ideal irrigation water quality
Nursery infrastructure requirements
Benefits
Cost reduction
Availability of water
Minimize nutrient/fertilizer loss
Minimize environmental impact
Challenges
Infrastructure and/or space requirements
Pesticides
Pathogens
Maintenance and monitoring
Working with “reclaimed” wastewater
Definitions
Permitted water quality parameters
Nursery infrastructure requirements
Benefits
Cost reduction
New income sources through water quality credit trading
Availability of water
Minimize fertilizer usage/costs
Minimize environmental impact
Challenges
Infrastructure and/or space requirements
Pesticides
Pathogens
Maintenance and monitoring
Phytotechnologies for water treatment
Vegetated Filter Swales
Definitions
Applications
Design
Benefits/impacts
To production
To water quality
Constructed ponds and wetlands
Definitions
Applications
Potential to treat either source or outlet waters
Design
Complexity and predictability
Role of barley straw
WQ indicator species, plant and animal
Using the food chain- fish, frogs, insects
Benefits/impacts
To production
To water quality
Hydroponics and floating islands
Definitions
Applications
Design
Benefits/impacts
To production
To water quality
“Living Machines”
Definitions
Applications
Design
Benefits/impacts
To production
To water quality
Custom staged treatments
Definitions
Matching plant tolerance to different treatment stages