he/they

Nursery Researcher

Contact about commercial greenhouse management and nursery production

Tenga en cuenta que es posible que esta persona no hable español.

971-801-0385

[email protected]

Expertise: Nursery and greenhouse

Locations: North Willamette Research and Extension Center (in English)

Links: https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/nackleylab/

About
Content
Publications
Awards

Biography

Dr. Lloyd Nackley is a plant ecologist with over 20 years of horticulture experience across landscape design, ecological restoration, and greenhouse management. His research follows a systems approach to improve nursery and greenhouse practices, focusing on irrigation, pest management, plant nutrition, and climate adaptation. Guided by the Nackley Lab motto, “Helping people, growing plants,” Dr. Nackley integrates technologies like laser-guided spray systems and load-cell-based irrigation to create practical, sustainable solutions that boost resource efficiency. His work also explores how climate change affects horticultural crops, biofuel crops, and invasive species, offering insights for sustainable ecosystem management. Outside of research, find him hiking the waterfalls around Mt. Hood or supporting the Portland Timbers. "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."

Content by Lloyd Nackley

From shade trees to ‘smarter’ containers, OSU targets nursery heat

Heat-proofing nursery crops with specialty pots and irrigation tools.

Chris Branam | Feb 24, 2026 | News story

Flatheaded borers in nurseries and orchards

This guide for growers on flatheaded borers in nurseries and orchards explains identification, life cycle, host trees, scouting for damage, and mechanical, cultural, chemical and biological controls.

Lloyd Nackley, Nik Wiman, Heather Andrews, Erica Rudolph, Melissa Scherr | Jan 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog

Oregon State University Extension Service

Hydro hints: What is hydroponics?

Mykl Nelson, Gail Langellotto and Lloyd Nackley

EM 9453

What is hydroponics? Start here to learn how to ditch the dirt when growing plants.

What is hydroponics? Learn the history of hydroponics and get an overview of its evolution. Discover the growing role of hydroponics in modern agricultural practices.

Explore how hydroponics offers year-round production, water savings and consistent yields. This guide breaks down key systems and explores best practices for setup, sanitation and crop selection.

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© 2025 Oregon State University. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Oregon State University Extension Service

Hydro hints: Deep water culture

Mykl Nelson, Gail Langellotto and Lloyd Nackley

Side view of a deep water culture system showing a floating raft holding plants at the water's surface with forced aeration pumped in below the surface.

EM 9455

Deep water culture is an effective hydroponic system where plants grow with their roots submerged in a nutrient-rich water solution.

Deep water culture is an effective hydroponic system where plant roots grow submerged in a nutrient-rich water solution.

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Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Oregon State University Extension Service

Hydro hints: Buckets

Mykl Nelson II, Gail Langellotto and Lloyd Nackley

Side view of a basic bucket production system. The arrows show the flow of the nutrient solution from the reservoir to the buckets and back again.

EM 9456

This hydroponic system uses individual buckets filled with a nutrient-rich solution to support plant growth.

This system uses individual buckets filled with a nutrient-rich solution to support plant growth. It works especially well for vining plants such as tomatoes and cucumbers.

The buckets system of hydroponics uses individual buckets filled with a nutrient-rich solution to support plant growth.

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Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Oregon State University Extension Service

Hydro hints: Nutrient film technique

Mykl Nelson II, Gail Langellotto and Lloyd Nackley

A side view showing a cutaway cross-section of a nutrient film technique channel. The plant rests in a plug of growing media above the bottom of the channel, with the nutrient solution running over the textured bottom and optional wicking substrate.

EM 9457

Nutrient film technique is a hydroponic method that uses a thin, continuous film of nutrient-rich solution to nourish plants.

This tip sheet is part of a series of publications on the topic of hydroponics. Please see “Hydro hints: What is hydroponics?” for an introduction. Nutrient film technique is a hydroponic method that uses a thin, continuous film of nutrient-rich solution to nourish plants. This tip sheet is part of a series.

Nutrient film technique is a hydroponic method that uses a thin, continuous film of nutrient-rich solution to nourish plants.

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Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

Oregon State University Extension Service

Hydro hints: Ebb and flow

Mykl Nelson II, Gail Langellotto and Lloyd Nackley

Side view of a simple ebb-and-flow system. The bottom of the grow table is textured to facilitate drainage. Red arrows depict the flow of water through the system.

EM 9458

Ebb and flow is a hydroponic system where plants are grown in trays that flood with water

Ebb and flow, also known as flood and drain, is a hydroponic system where plants are grown in trays that periodically flood with nutrient-rich water and then drain back into a reservoir.

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Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.

OSU develops first-of-its-kind water stress index for hazelnut trees

Integrating advanced technologies into hazelnut farming offers a promising way to improve water management, enhance crop quality and tackle challenges posed by drought.

Nik Wiman, Lloyd Nackley, Dalyn McCauley | Apr 2025 | Impact story

OSU research vital for Oregon's nursery industry success

Researchers in the OSU Agricultural Experiment Station and OSU Extension Service provide a wealth of resources, including publications and expert advice, to help nursery and greenhouse operators stay informed about best practices and new developments in the industry.

Lloyd Nackley, Shawn Donkin, Sam Angima | Jan 2025 | Impact story

Managing powdery mildew in greenhouse tomato in Western Oregon

In the Pacific Northwest, tomatoes crucial for farm income face powdery mildew threats. Farmers combat with fungicides, posing challenges for organics. UV-C light offers promise in high tunnels, but research is needed for optimization and minimal impact on plant growth.

Kristine Buckland, Cynthia M. Ocamb, Ann Rasmussen, Lloyd Nackley | Jan 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog