Scion’s research nursery has been upgraded with new facilities and demonstrations of state-of-the- art machinery not yet used in New Zealand forestry. The facilities are pilot scale, but show how a modular, automated, lean-flow, environmentally sustainable propagation facility could work in New Zealand conditions. Source: Timberbiz
With these upgraded facilities, cuttings can now be propagated at any time of year. The upgrade includes an enclosed growing area with automated climate controls.
The facility also allows for parallel testing of different environments, speeding up the research and development required to develop plant propagation solutions.
Enclosed hedge tunnels and mini hedges are another new feature in the upgrade.
Used for indigenous and exotic species, these miniature motherstocks are novel in New Zealand. They provide savings in time, labour and space.
An automated paper pot sowing line, on loan from Ellepot, is one of the key pieces of new technology.
Paper pots will now replace plastic potting bags for most seedlings as we demonstrate this technology.
Another key feature of the upgrade is the automatic tray washer that cleans so thoroughly it prevents the spread of weed seed. The nursery team is enjoying the benefits of the washer, which has led to roughly 90% fewer weeds.
For the nursery staff the new facilities will significantly improve many of their processes, while also making their work more diverse and rewarding.
Team members are also undertaking training and gaining new qualifications to recognise their skills.
In an industry plagued by labour shortages, Scion is committed to investing in talented staff and helping to grow their careers in horticulture.
The nursery is set up to test rooting and growing environments for seedlings, cuttings and tissue culture propagation.
