As we muddle through the pandemic, reacting to new information and daily case counts, each industry is trying to build resilience and sustain itself while the economy, weather, and priorities are rapidly changing. Prior to all this though, internet connectivity allowed industry professionals to share information and in turn see trends across borders and climate zones. Before the internet, there was still much knowledge and information shared in the field of horticulture.
An English publication, Horticulture Week, has a 180 year history of sharing information for all aspects of horticulture (i.e. greenhouse, arboriculture, turf, etc.). Each year, experts in their fields discuss the changes in their field in regards to new technology, what the consumers value, what new plants are available, and how the changing climate changes local challenges. Last June, an article was written by Matthew Appleby, who brought together some of those experts.
In his article, the increasing transition to automation and artificial intelligence has lowered the number of labourers needed in greenhouses, agriculture, and nursery production (Appleby 2021). There are systems available to monitor crops, deliver water and fertilizer, treat crops for pest and disease management, control heat and cooling, harvesting, and many other functions. Advancements in LED and other lighting technologies have increased the efficiency of greenhouses and lowered the electrical demands.
Technological advances outside production are helping the landscape industry respond to the use of fossil fuels and the noise pollution of the standard equipment. Electric equipment, solar power, robotic mowers, and other turf care machines are gaining traction as they become more accessible to maintenance companies. There is even the possibility of integrating drones for various purposes (Appleby 2021). While requiring less manual labour, managing these technical systems has increased the demand for skilled workers in the industry. This is a challenge since jobs in this field are often considered entry-level positions with low pay (Appleby 2021).
With climate concerns being more common than perhaps ever before, the biodiversity, ecology, and conservation of our green spaces remain a dominant theme in the horticulture industry (Appleby 2021). This theme encompasses the municipal, commercial, and residential sectors. Taxpayers are demanding multi-use, well-maintained natural spaces, and consumers are demanding that businesses operate more sustainably. At home, more people are spending time in their gardens, gaining the therapeutic benefits, while many also grow their own fruit and vegetables. While enthusiastic, many of these folks will be seeking advise from professionals as they face the challenges of their particular growing area.
The importance of biodiversity has increased the demand for arborists to manage tree health, ecologists to assess the health of natural habitat areas, and other professionals with related areas of expertise. The bylaws in various municipalities often require the use of these professionals by developers and other builders. Where there may not be personal value placed in healthy landscapes, there is a legal demand for land users to take responsibility for it.
The horticulture industry has a pretty solid footing in most cultures with the recognized benefits of parks and green spaces; it is up to the regional professionals to make sure their niche remains relevant to the consumers changing priorities.
References:
Appleby, M. (2021). Experts' trends in horticulture for the next 20 years:
Horticulture week continues its 180-year tradition of airing industry figures' views. Horticulture Week, , 6-7. Retrieved from https://ezproxy.kpu.ca:2443/lo
gin?url=https://www.proquest. com/trade-journals/experts- trends-horticulture-next-20- years/docview/2564146637/se-2? accountid=35875
No comments:
Post a Comment