Author: Jay Hettmansperger
Planning Unit: Garrard County CES
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Plan of Work: Improving Agricultural Income
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Consumers want to purchase bright, healthy plants when they are making that decision at a greenhouse. A Garrard County greenhouse operator contacted the Garrard County ANR agent to help improve the health and ultimately the salability of his flowers and vegetable plants. The operator noticed that his plants were not as green and healthy as they should be. The Garrard County ANR agent working with University specialist made an assessment of the greenhouse operations. Water and media samples were pulled and analyzed. The results showed the water had a high pH and high in dissolved solids. The ANR agent recommended injecting sulfuric acid into the water being used to irrigate the plants in the greenhouse. Calculations were done based on the water sample as to how much acid to inject and the pH was tested to make sure the pH was with in the proper range. All the injectors were checked for proper calibration and the fertilizer levels were also tested and adjusted to proper levels. The greenhouse operator was instructed to irrigated the flowers with the new settings and monitor the health and look of the plants. The operator reported back to the agent after a week of watering, that the plants were greener and brighter. The operator was receiving comments from customers about how good the plants looked and that word of mouth spread about how good his plants were. The operator reported that sales had increased and customers were very pleased. The ANR agent continues to make weekly inspections of the greenhouse operation that includes 8 greenhouses in total.
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