Feedback Loops Support the Integral Role of Nurseries in the Reforestation Pipeline

Often overlooked, reforestation nurseries are now in the spotlight to meet increasing demands for tree planting. Improved efficiencies and expanded capacities are needed to meet increased seedling demand for the next decade and beyond. As an integral part of the reforestation pipeline, nurseries must coordinate their efforts with all other phases of the pipeline. Feedback loops to optimize seedling success are critical. First, nurseries must work closely with seed suppliers to maximize seed-use efficiency. Second, nurseries must focus within to address labor shortages by directing resources toward attracting and maintaining a skilled and effective workforce. Finally, nurseries must work with land managers to evaluate existing and new technologies to produce high-quality seedlings that will perform well in the field. The Target Plant Concept provides a continuous improvement framework to guide the feedback loops among seed, nursery, and field professionals. This paper was presented at The Reforestation Pipeline in the Western United States–Joint Annual Meeting of the Western Forest and Conservation Nursery Association, the Intertribal Nursery Council, and the Intermountain Container Seedling Growers Association (Missoula, MT, September 27–29, 2022).

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Author(s): Nabil Khadduri

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 66, Number 1 (2023)

Volume: 66

Number: 1