Watering smarter: Join MSU Extension for a hands-on nursery irrigation field day
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Michigan State University Extension will be offering the Effective Irrigation in Nursery Production Field Day at Hortech, Inc. in Nunica, Michigan, on Oct. 2, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Participants will learn how to ensure uniformity, cleanliness, and environmental stewardship in their irrigation practices during nursery production.
The field day will be most applicable to nursery and greenhouse audiences. Youngsuk Dong, PhD, and Riley Johnson will demonstrate how to ensure uniformity of overhead sprinkler irrigation. Those that do interiorscaping or landscaping will be most interested in learning about Hortech Inc. and their proprietary Live Roof and Live Wall design facets of their business.
In addition to the irrigation sessions, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at Hortech, Inc.'s innovative green infrastructure projects. The tour includes a close-up view of the living wall on the company's headquarters, access to the rooftop green roof systems, and an opportunity to explore different green roof designs, including how solar panels can be integrated with their systems.
Lunch will be provided. There is no fee to participate but registration is required. Registration is limited to 30 participants, so register quickly.
Register for Effective Irrigation in Nursery Production Field Day
Agenda for Effective Irrigation in Nursery Production Field Day
9:30 a.m. Meet Outdoors next to Green Wall on patio with light refreshments
9:45-10 a.m. Overview of Hortech, Chris Howe, Assistant General Manager, Hortech Inc.
10:00-10:45 a.m. Ensuring Uniformity of Sprinkler Nursery Irrigation (Outdoor Demonstration) - Dr. Youngsuk Dong and Riley Johnson
10:45-11:15 a.m. Green Roof Tour - Chris Howe, Assistant General Manager, Hortech Inc.
11:15-11:45 a.m. Pond Maintenance for Irrigation - Dr. Debabrata Sahoo, Clemson University (Zoom)
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Lunch provided by MSU Extension
12:15-12:45 p.m. Options for cleaning irrigation water - Dr. Tom Fernandez, Michigan State University
12:45-1:15 p.m. Bioreactors and their application to nurseries - Dr. Tom Fernandez, Michigan State University
1:15-1:30 p.m. Overview of the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program and its Link to GAAMP Irrigation Requirements - Ximena Figueroa, Conservation Technical Assistance Program Technician, Ottawa Conservation District
Note: To go up on the Live Roof at Hortech, Inc., you will need to sign a liability waiver on site.
