BMP- Cornerstones
Irrigation
Water is the life blood for almond production. The Australian almond industry is a leader in the efficient use of water, focusing on irrigation design and infrastructure, management, scheduling technology, and maintenance to optimise the value of this limited resource and minimise environmental impacts.
Farm management areas:
• Water supply and availability
• Infrastructure performance at the off-take
• On-farm system efficiency
• Scheduling and management
• Sustainability strategies
• System design
Nutrients
Almond trees require a balanced supply of macro and micro elements to optimise the quality and yield of the current crop while at the same time supporting tree health and yield potential for the next season. Decisions regarding fertiliser use must consider the four R’ s: Right nutrient or product, Right rate( amount), Right application method, and Right timing.
Farm management areas:
• Planning
• Monitoring
• Understand your fertilisers
• Fertiliser application
• Fertiliser storage
Pollination
European honeybees( Apis mellifera) provide a valuable resource to almond production. Honeybees have long been recognised as the most efficient and effective pollinator of agricultural crops and are essential for the successful pollination to set the crop at the start of each season. Almond growers have a long history of working with beekeepers to provide a safe environment for honeybees to forage in almond orchards, minimising negative impacts on bee health and ensuring a sustainable future for both the almond and honeybee industries.
Farm management areas:
• Hive access and service
• Hive health
• Site management
• Pollination efficiency
• Floral resources
Managing Waste
Good waste management involves efforts to reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle whenever possible, and ensures any remaining waste is disposed of using an approved disposal pathway. When waste is managed well the benefits are far reaching and may reduce input costs and increase productivity as well as improve outcomes for human health, local communities, and the environment. There are many waste management opportunities available to growers including recycling programs, product stewardship schemes, and onfarm reuse.
Farm management areas:
• Planning
• Managing and disposing waste
Pesticides
Sustainable pesticide use is an important part of integrated pest and disease management to maintain good tree health and maximize crop quality. Applying the right amount of the right pesticide at the right time and right application method – the 4 R’ s, is a key principle in protecting the almond crop and the environment. Planning, training, equipment setup and calibration, and annual review of operations, ensure sustainable pesticide use in Almonds to prevent, destroy, or repel pest insects, plants and diseases.
Farm management areas:
• Planning
• Staff and contractor training
• Spray equipment set up.
• Spray application
• Sustainable pesticide use
Workplace Health and Safety
Work health and safety( WHS) involves managing risks to the health and safety of everyone in the workplace including workers, contractors, and visitors and considers both physical and psychological well-being. Creating a safe work culture helps businesses to retain staff and improve productivity while reducing downtime due to injury and illness.
Farm management areas:
• Meeting legislative requirements
• Providing a safe working environment
• Safe work procedures
• Reporting an incident
• Staff training and induction
• Safe use of chemicals
• Employee wellbeing
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