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The greenhouse complex built near Partizansk is ready for operation. It will help the region reduce the shortage of tree planting materials and help create green spaces. The nursery was built by Nakhodka Mineral Fertilizer Plant (NFP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife Conservation of Primorsky Krai. The first seeds were planted here by the students of the “New Foresters” school forestry program from the village of Novitskoye and by NFP volunteers.

Construction of the 3,000-square-meter greenhouse complex began last year, and one greenhouse has already been built. The nursery is equipped with an automatic irrigation system, autonomous power supply, ventilation system, and its own water well.

“This tree nursery is unique for Primorsky Krai as it will cultivate root-balled tree seedlings, allowing us to extend the planting season. Usually, tree plantings take place in May and June, which coincides with the forest fire season when all our efforts are focused on firefighting. Now, we will be able to plant trees until autumn. Another advantage is that the standard requirement calls for 3-4 thousand trees planted on 1 hectare, whereas with plug-plant seedlings, we only need half of that, 1.5-2 thousand,” said Anatoly Nepochatykh, Deputy Minister of Forestry in the region.

The greenhouse will cultivate both the tree species for forest formation and those intended for greening projects in Nakhodka, Partizansk, and Partizansky municipal district. The first species to be planted in the greenhouse are larch, fir, and Siberian pine. By autumn, these seedlings grow to be 8-10 cm in height, and by the following spring, they will be ready for planting.

The construction of a large-scale nursery for NFP represents an important ecological initiative. Currently, there is a shortage of tree planting material in Primorsky Krai, and seedlings are being procured from neighboring regions. The establishment of the nursery in Partizansk and another one, the Kaymanovskoye greenhouse complex in Ussuriysk, will enable the region to fully meet its demand for tree planting material.

“Ecology is a top priority for NFP. We have longstanding and strong relationships with the Ministry of Forestry of Primorsky Krai. We have provided assistance in acquiring equipment for extinguishing forest fires and enthusiastically embraced the ministry’s idea to build a greenhouse for 200,000 seedlings. Previously, seedlings for reforestation had to be purchased from neighboring regions, but those grown in local climatic conditions have an easier time adapting. This is a great and necessary idea, and it represents our contribution to the ecology of Primorsky Krai. We won’t stop at the construction of the nursery and will continue our collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry,” said Victor Grebenyukov, executive director of NFP.

Students from the “New Foresters” forestry program and volunteers from NFP were invited to take part in the first sowing of seeds. This was a valuable opportunity for them to gain practical experience and learn about the unique aspects of cultivating forest species.

“We have a very important task now – to sow the seeds in the trays. This is the very first step. Previously, we only planted seedlings. Normally, we have practical classes every two weeks, but this is our first time planting tree seeds. It’s very interesting,” shared Kira Makkoveeva, a student from the “New Foresters” school forestry program.

The new nursery will cultivate one- and two-year-old seedlings. Provision has been made for storing the plants during the winter period. The Ministry of Forestry is confident in the effectiveness of such work as there is always a need for planting material, and the involvement of a large and responsible company guarantees a serious approach to solving the task.

It is worth noting that the plan for artificial reforestation in Primorsky Krai is approximately 3 million seedlings per year. Moreover, this number does not include the trees planted during various campaigns, which are increasing every year”.