Seedlings tray nursery

Seedling tray nurseries are essential for producing healthy, uniform seedlings, optimizing large-scale planting.

About this subject

Seedling trays, also known as germination trays or plug trays, have revolutionized modern agricultural production. They allow hundreds of seedlings to be grown in a compact space with controlled substrate and precise irrigation. Each individual cell promotes root development without tangling, facilitating transplanting and reducing post-planting shock.

In Brazil, seedling trays are widely used for vegetables, flowers, and forest species. Nurseries use polypropylene or polystyrene trays, reusable for several seasons. The technique enables protected cultivation in greenhouses, where temperature, humidity, and light are managed. This results in more vigorous seedlings with higher field survival rates.

Trays vary in size and cell count, from 128 to 512 cells per tray. Choice depends on the species and nursery duration. For lettuce, 200-cell trays are common; for tomatoes, 128-cell trays. Automation includes mechanical seeders that place one seed per cell, ensuring uniformity.

The substrate in trays typically consists of peat, vermiculite, perlite, and controlled-release fertilizers. This mix provides good aeration and water retention, critical for early growth. After 20 to 40 days, seedlings are ready for transplanting, often using mechanical transplanters to optimize labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many seedlings fit in one nursery tray?

Trays range from 128 to 512 cells. Common sizes are 128, 200, and 288 cells, depending on seedling type and nursery duration.

What are the advantages of using seedling trays over direct seeding?

Trays allow environmental control, seed savings, uniform seedlings, reduced disease, and mechanized transplanting, increasing efficiency.

Are seedling trays reusable?

Yes, polypropylene trays can be reused for several seasons if properly cleaned and disinfected to prevent contamination.