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Water saving tips

Nursery sector water saving tips

With large amounts of water use for growing plants, there are plenty of ways to conserve water and still have a thriving business.

Nursery plants

Improving water efficiency

When managing a nursery business, water is essential. It makes good business sense to develop a  water management plan and use water savings initiatives to use water wisely and reduce waste. The Nursery and Garden Industry Australia's (NGIA) Best Practice Guidelines state: 'Water use efficiencies as low as 10% are common in Australian nurseries.'

There are 3 areas to focus on water efficiency in nurseries:

  • Irrigation: Plan and manage irrigation well and create water efficient nozzles to any overhead sprinkler. If you irrigate to the needs of the driest, most thirsty plant, up to 80% of plants will be receiving too much water.
  • Water recycling: Recycling water reduces consumption of mains water and limits the amount of runoff from the site. There are many treatment and disinfection techniques. Decide which will work best for your site.
  • Runoff management: Managing runoff has many benefits, including recovering used water safely for treatment and recycling. Establish an erosion, sediment, and litter control plan, for the development and running of the nursery.
Significant profits can be made from efficient water use

  • Water bills are significantly reduced.
  • Water recycling and runoff management allows further use of water for free.
  • Water efficiency also encourages good business practices.
  • The uniformity of crops increases, as does their quality.
  • Dispatch costs are also reduced.

Water efficiency doesn’t have to mean buying new products

Water efficiency in nurseries is often about good site design and management. This includes such activities as arranging plants for efficient water application and educating staff. Develop a management plan that encourages all workers to get involved.

If you are planning to incorporate water efficient practices into your business, seek further expert advice. Consult:

  • Nursery and Garden Industry Australia - training and information
  • Local council or water authority – local regulations
  • Electricity supplier – energy guidance around water use

Case studies

Find out how Heynes Wholesale Nursery is saving water.

Read the case study