Drip Irrigation System for Field-Grown Christmas Tree Seedlings

Kirk Stroda, a seasoned 5th-generation Oregon Christmas Tree farmer, reveals groundbreaking irrigation methods for keeping newly-planted seedlings alive amid harsh heat waves and drought conditions on a farm without direct water access. Take a guided tour of the one-man portable drip irrigation system that was developed in collaboration with the Oregon State University Extension Service, including Chal Landgren (OSU Christmas Tree Program Leader) and Judy Kowalski (OSU Extension BioScience Technician), and learn what it takes to set one up yourself. Along the way, Kirk shares their evidence-based recommendations for irrigation components, demonstrates techniques for reducing labor costs and maximizing effectiveness, and shows how the system has significantly improved the survival rates of his Noble fir, Nordmann, and Douglas fir seedlings. Acknowledgments: A special thank you to the Real Christmas Tree Board and the Agricultural Research Foundation for funding this vital research.

Small Christmas trees in large pots in a nursery

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