Calculating Optimum sowing factor: A tool to evaluate sowing strategies and minimize seedling production cost

Eric van Steenis

Treesearch

Calculating Optimum sowing factor: A tool to evaluate sowing strategies and minimize seedling production cost

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Eric van Steenis

Year:

2013

Type:

Proceedings

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

In: Haase, D. L.; Pinto, J. R.; Wilkinson, K. M., technical coordinators. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations - 2012. Proceedings RMRS-P-69. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 67-71.

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Abstract

This paper illustrates how to use an excel spreadsheet as a decision-making tool to determine optimum sowing factor to minimize seedling production cost. Factors incorporated into the spreadsheet calculations include germination percentage, seeder accuracy, cost per seed, cavities per block, costs of handling, thinning, and transplanting labor, and more. In addition to numerical outputs, the spreadsheet generates a graphical representation of results to present and evaluate options. Example scenarios demonstrate how the tool can be used. A copy of the spreadsheet tool is available by emailing the author: eric@tlhort.com or eric.vansteenis@gmail.com.

Parent Publication

National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations - 2012

Keywords

seed, seedlot, sowing, cost, efficiency

Citation

van Steenis, Eric. 2013. Calculating Optimum sowing factor: A tool to evaluate sowing strategies and minimize seedling production cost. In: Haase, D. L.; Pinto, J. R.; Wilkinson, K. M., technical coordinators. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations - 2012. Proceedings RMRS-P-69. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 67-71.