Designing an irrigation system: what you need to know

Designing an irrigation system: what you need to know

This is a presentation given by irrigation consultant Lex McMullin at the Water and Energy Efficiency Field Day for Flower Growers, Tuesday 21 May 2019, at Currey Flowers in Karalee, Queensland. It covers topics such as the costs of an … Continued
Wind Loads – Toolbox for Greenhouse Construction and Safe Operation

Wind Loads – Toolbox for Greenhouse Construction and Safe Operation

Toolbox for Greenhouse Construction and Safe Operation – Fact Sheet 1 The toolbox provides a central information hub for growers. Growers can use this toolbox to find information based on a particular farm activity or issue including: 1. Getting the basics right … Continued
Solar energy as an alternate power source in cut flower production

Solar energy as an alternate power source in cut flower production

Those involved in the flower industry understand that flower production can have high electricity requirements due to a number of devices including irrigation equipment, greenhouse climate control and refrigeration. This fact sheet provides an estimate of the power required for … Continued
Positioning the Queensland cut flower industry to strategically respond to the impacts of climate change

Positioning the Queensland cut flower industry to strategically respond to the impacts of climate change

A Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) project, Positioning the Queensland Cut Flower Industry to Strategically Respond to the Impacts of Climate Change, was completed which outlined the potential ramifications for Queensland‟s $151 million commercial cut flower and foliage industry. The resulting publication, The Queensland … Continued
The Queensland cut flower industry and climate change

The Queensland cut flower industry and climate change

In Australia, it seems likely that the government will implement regulatory legislation and policies over the next 5 to 10 years to address the issue of climate change, which will directly impact business operations and procedures.This document considers the possible … Continued
Improving irrigation efficiency for in-ground flowers: Tropical Blooms

Improving irrigation efficiency for in-ground flowers: Tropical Blooms

Tropical Blooms is a North Queensland business growing tropical cut flowers and foliage products for sale to wholesale markets, local florists and direct via the internet. An assessment of the farm’s Irrigation system and its efficiency was carried out via the … Continued
Managing soil to save water and money

Managing soil to save water and money

An essential part of successful flower farming is to understand and properly manage the soils within the growing area. It is always important to use resources wisely, not only to save money but also to look after the environment and … Continued
Optimising light in horticultural production systems

Optimising light in horticultural production systems

Light is the driving force of plant photosynthesis. The efficiency of photosynthesis is crucial for optimum crop production in horticulture and other agricultural production systems. As a grower it is essential to understand the key role and characteristics of light … Continued
Learning from the best – Article #2 in ‘Energy use efficiency’

Learning from the best – Article #2 in ‘Energy use efficiency’

As noted in our initial article “Are you energy efficient”? (March 2012), managing energy use is the first step in the Journey of Energy Excellence for Greenhouses program. The type of crop, weather conditions, equipment purchased and equipment operation impacts … Continued