Abstract

Twenty-four nurseries producing container-grown plants were surveyed along the coastal zone of south Alabama to determine Best Management Practices (BMPs) implemented since 1988. All nurseries utilized multiple BMPs. Seventy-five percent of all nurseries surveyed have the capability to capture runoff water; however, larger nurseries (medium 4.5–16.6 ha (11–40 A); large 16.6+ ha (40+A)) were more likely to capture runoff than smaller nurseries 0.4–4.1 ha (1–10 A). Since 1988, 78% of all collection ponds have been built with 44% of those being built in the past 5 years. Other BMPs widely used included installation of grass filter/erosion strips, having specific personnel devoted to water management, use of control release fertilizers, scouting for pests, use of horticultural oils, and staggered herbicide applications.