Infosheet #18 Horticultural Production

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Infosheet #18 Horticultural Production

Author:	OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date:	01 November 1998
Last Reviewed:	10 February 2006

Introduction
Horticulture Production

Introduction

This infosheet provides background to Worksheet #18 of the Environmental Farm Plan Workbook. It outlines Options you could adopt to address problem areas in your operation. In most cases you'll need more information before implementation: please refer to the resource materials listed in the infosheet, and consult OMAFRA EFP Technical Advisors.

Most of the Options are either Actions or Compensating Factors. Actions address the areas of concern identified, and will change the EFP rating to (3) or Best (4). Compensating Factors are alternatives that will adequately address the concerns, but will not change the rating in the EFP worksheets. Monitoring is an alternative only in special circumstances and is explained in the worksheet when and how it can be used.

At the request of the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition, consisting of Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, AGCare, and the Ontario Farm Animal Council, the following people contributed to the development of Infosheet #18:

Maribeth Fitts, OMAFRA (Chair)
Shalin Khosla, OMAFRA
Bill Ingratta, OMAFRA
Jody Bodnar, OMAFRA
Helen Fisher, OMAFRA

Technical Editing Committee:
Brent Kennedy, OMAFRA
Jim Myslik, OMAFRA
Bob Stone, OMAFRA

The following people contributed to the revision (2004) of Infosheet #18:

Anne Verhallen, OMAFRA (Chair)
Janice LeBoeuf, OMAFRA
Margaret May, OSCIA
Ken Slingerland, OMAFRA
Algis Rastapkevicius, OFVGA

Technical Editing Committee:
H.J.Smith, OMAFRA
Jim Myslik, OMAFRA
Bob Stone, OMAFRA

OMAFRA = Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
MOE = Ontario Ministry of the Environment

Horticulture Production

Horticulture (General)

Issue: 18- 1 Need and timing for pesticide applications

Properly done, scouting of crops can reduce pesticide use or at least ensure that pesticides are applied at the determined pest threshold for the greatest control and economic effectiveness.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Hire a trained scout or consultant or take training in scouting techniques, pest identification and biology:

scout the crop using the recommended scouting pattern and frequency to determine pest numbers
make use of established pest thresholds to determine economic application of control treatments.

Issue: 18-2 Pesticide Management (off site impact - danger to other plants, animals or humans)

Proper application of pesticides is important to reduce impacts off site.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Reduce spray drift:

make sure that your sprayer is properly calibrated and maintained
erect windbreaks to reduce drift to non-target areas (e.g. streams, neighbours)
spray only under low wind speed conditions, adjust droplet and/or nozzle size
consider new sprayer technology that reduces drift (e.g. air induction)
consider alternative application techniques (e.g. wiper applicators).

Option #2 - Action

Use reduced risk pesticides:

may need higher level of management, but less risk to off target organism

Option # 3 - Action

Use non-pesticide alternatives:

cultural or biological controls
resistant varieties etc.

For More Information:

OMAFRA Publications 363, 360, 383, 365; Grower Pesticide Safety Course Manual, 2004
Guide for Spraying Fruit Trees, OMAFRA Factsheet Order No. 00-035

Issue: 18-3 Organic Wastes: disposal of prunings, culls, used growing media and other waste material

Organic wastes like prunings and crop residues from greenhouse production should be properly handled on the farm to reduce environmental impact from burning or stockpiling.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Shred or chip wood waste:

consider rental or purchase of chippers and shredders for wood waste
spread material and work into soil
sell or give chips away from the farm.

Option #2 - Action

Temporarily pile and compost organic wastes:

set up a properly managed compost pile
ensure that any wastes spread on land are incorporated promptly and thoroughly.

Issue: 18-4 Food Safety

Fruit and vegetable crops can become contaminated in the field and beyond if they contact microbes or parasites that cause human disease.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Establish a Food Safety Program on farm:

adopt food safety protocols recommended by the industry.

Option #2 - Action

Use good sanitary practices and keep records:

apply and incorporate manures and composts. Application should not be in the year of harvest, particularly in the case of crops that are often eaten in the raw form
use good sanitary practices with irrigation and washwaters, picking and transportation equipment
keep complete application records for all materials.

For More Information:

Food Safety on the OMAFRA website

Greenhouse Systems - (refers to issues unique to greenhouse production methods)

Issue: 18-5 Use of IPM, bioagents and pesticides

Consider using non chemical control agents. Often there are management techniques or biological controls that can be used to control pests. This will require some attention to chemical control Options in order to not harm the biological controls e.g. parasites, etc.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Monitoring

Use established Integrated Pest Management programs to monitor the crop.

Option #2 - Action

Scout the crop.

Option #3 - Action

Select bioagent friendly pesticides when using pesticides.

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
Production Recommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370

Issue: 18-6Maintenance of heating system

Proper maintenance of heating systems will help to reduce energy costs and use.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Schedule regular maintenance and inspection according to a calendar period.

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
Production Recommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370

Issue: 18-7 Control of Heating System

Greater automated control of heating and cooling systems will help to reduce energy costs and use.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Install automated controls:

install computer control system
install energy efficient motors
carry out energy audit.

Option #2 - Action

Install thermostatically controlled system:

install max/min thermometers
record temperatures three times daily
install energy efficient motors
carry out energy audit.

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
Production Recommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370

Issue: 18-8 Greenhouse construction

Tightly glazed, gutter connected, well maintained greenhouses will be more efficient in energy use.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Maintain and repair existing structures:

repair foundation and add sufficient insulation
add thermal curtains which can be drawn at night to reduce heat loss
replace broken panes, repair to ensure that glazing is tightly sealed
install and maintain gaskets on vents.

Option #2 - Action

Replace old greenhouses or free-standing cold frames with gutter connected range houses.

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
Production Recommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370

Issue: 18-9 Greenhouse plastic coverings

Greenhouse plastic coverings can be economical and effective, however the main concern is the amount of waste plastic generated and the best options for disposal or reuse of the plastic.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Recycle or reuse plastic coverings:

buy plastic materials that can be used for at least 2 years before replacing
utilize recycling programs if available
consider re-use for another aspect of production or another type of farm operation.

For More Information:

Recycling Farm Plastic Films, OMAFRA Factsheet Order No. 95-019

Option #2 - Action

Properly dispose of plastic coverings at an approved landfill:

buy plastic materials that can be used for at least 2 years before replacing.

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
Production Recommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370

Issue: 18-10 Noise impact off site

Greenhouse operations in close proximity to other residences may have an increased risk of noise complaints.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Reduce noise potential:

conduct regular maintenance of fans and equipment according to calendar schedule to reduce noise
develop policy that tractor-trailer rigs must be shut off during loading and unloading
replace forced air ventilated greenhouses with top and/or side naturally ventilated greenhouses.

Option #2 - Action

Create noise barriers or screens (e.g. landscape screens, baffles) to reduce off site noise.

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
Production Recommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370

Issue: 18-11 Lighting impact off site

Banks of lights shining all night in greenhouses can be disturbing to nearby neighbors

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Reduce lighting impact off site:

install black-out screening above lights to eliminate light impact off site
locate supplemental lighting as to minimize impact off site.

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
Production Recommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370

Issue: 18-12 Use of pesticide smoke applicators

Pesticides released from smoke applicators can drift offsite if the greenhouse does not seal tightly and/or there is a strong wind blowing.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Use good application techniques:

use smoke applicators only in calm weather conditions
upgrade or repair greenhouse to reduce leaking of smoke to the outside.

Option #2 - Action

Use alternative pest control methods so as to minimize or eliminate the use of smoke applicators

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
Production Recommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370

Issue: 18-13 Media testing

Media testing throughout crop growth will ensure that accurate and not excessive amounts of fertilizers are used.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Implement regular media testing:

include regular media testing as a part of the crop management
purchase equipment to do in-house testing of EC and pH
designate and train staff to do regular in house media testing.

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
Production Recommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370
Environmental Guidelines for Greenhouse Growers in BC

Issue: 18-14 Record keeping and fertility adjustment program

Keeping good fertility records for each crop and adjusting fertilizer applications to match the crop needs will help to minimize excess fertilizer use.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Use a record keeping system for water and nutrient records for each crop:

adjust fertility program based on records and crop needs.

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
Production Recommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370
Environmental Guidelines for Greenhouse Growers in BC

Issue: 18-15 Water management

Accurate water management will reduce water use and plant stress while minimizing the amount of leachate for disposal.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Use current technology to monitor crop water needs and to start irrigation and fertigation events.

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
Production Recommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370
Environmental Guidelines for Greenhouse Growers in BC

Issue: 8-16 Fertilizer application

Minimizing the amount of water used will reduce the amount of leachate that must be handled in a collection or re-circulating system.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Use controlled release fertilizers to reduce amount of nutrient runoff

Option #2 - Action

Use current technology to monitor crop water requirements and apply water as needed:

monitor water flow to determine crop needs
install low volume irrigation emitters.

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
Production Recommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370
Environmental Guidelines for Growers in BC

Issue: 18-17 Fertilizer solutions

Fertilizer leachate can pose an environmental hazard to surface water due to nutrient loading of streams and ponds.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Install a re-circulating system to reuse fertilizer solutions

Option #2 - Action

Collect and reuse fertilizer solution and leachate:

collect leachate and apply to land e.g. turf, orchards
install a cistern and pond to collect all rainwater and irrigation water.

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
Production Recommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370
Environmental Guidelines for Greenhouse Growers in BC

Issue: 18-18 Location and type of stock tank (nutrient solution)

Large quantities of concentrated fertilizer solutions could pose an environmental risk to surface or ground water due to nutrient loading if a spill occurred. Tanks that are located in high traffic areas would be more susceptible to damage or puncture due to work activities.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Construct separate, locked room for stock tanks.

Option #2 - Action

Improve safety of tank location:

relocate tanks to areas with minimal or no traffic and protect them (eg. concrete or metal barriers)
use non-corrosive tanks (e.g. plastic, fibreglass)
use separate locked room for stock tanks.

Option #3 - Action

Prepare a safe location for stock tanks:

use separate locked room for stock tanks
upgrade to non-corrosive tanks.

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
ProductionRecommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370
Environmental Guidelines for Growers in BC

Issue: 18-19 Spill containment for stock tank

Secondary containment of stock fertilizer solutions prevents spilled solutions from reaching ground or surface water.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Construct secondary containment system, ie. clay lined containment.

For More Information:

Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, OMAFRA Publication 371
Production Recommendations for Greenhouse Floriculture, OMAFRA Publication 370
Environmental Guidelines for Greenhouse Growers in BC

Field Horticulture (applies to any horticultural crop grown under field conditions)

Issue: 18-20 Potential for wind erosion

Some soil types are naturally more susceptible to the erosive action of wind, especially when they are dry and bare. There are 3 main wind erosion strategies - keep it rough, keep it covered and reduce the fetch of the wind (break up the length of field).

What can you do?

Option #1 - Compensating Factor

Use reduced tillage practices:

reduce tillage to leave more surface residue cover
choose tillage system that will leave a rough soil surface.

Option #2 - Compensating Factor

Plant cover crops:

plant cover crops immediately after crop harvest
use cover crops (permanent or annual) for laneways, harvest alleys and spray rows.

Option #3 - Compensating Factor

Create windbreaks:

plant tree or grass windbreaks to reduce the fetch of the wind.
erect snow fence or other wind barrier materials

For More Information:

Best Management Practices Books: Soil Management, Order No. BMP 06; No-Till: Making It Work, Order No. BMP 11

Issue: 18-21 Effects of harvesting on potential for soil compaction

Harvesting using heavy equipment increases the incidence of soil compaction especially in wet field conditions where there is a narrow window for harvest.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Reduce equipment weight:

reduce axle weights and tire pressure
half fill dump carts and other harvest aids to reduce weight.

Option #2 - Action

Reduce weather influences on harvesting conditions:

install tile drainage to poorly drained land
relocate field locations for those crops with narrow harvest dates, use best drained land
take non-productive fields with chronic water problems out of production.

Option #3 - Compensating Factor

Reduce the impact of harvesting operations:

use temporary or permanent grass cover crops in middle of orchards, nurseries and small fruit plantings
designate areas within the field as roadways to concentrate compaction in known areas or use controlled traffic system.

For More Information:

Best Management Practices Book: Soil Management, Order No. BMP 06

Issue: 18-22 Crop rotations and cover crops

Crop rotation and the use of cover crops help to reduce soil erosion, build soil structure and increase the organic matter of soils.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Use a good crop rotation:

rotate crop families, preferably on a minimum 4 year basis
include soil building crops like cereals and forages in the rotation.

Option #2 - Action

Plant cover crops and green manure crops:

plant green manure or soil building cover crops after harvest of early season vegetable crops
use a drill (no-till if necessary) to establish cover crops immediately after harvest
plant temporary or permanent grass cover crops in the row middles of orchards, nurseries and small fruit plantings.

For More Information:

Best Management Practices Book: Soil Management, Order No. BMP 06
Agronomy Guide for Field Crops, OMAFRA Publication 811
Cover Crops - OMAFRA website

Issue: 18-23 Manure or compost application

Manure or compost can supply nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Care must be taken to prevent nutrient over application or loss. The material must be handled and applied carefully to avoid food safety concerns.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Apply manure or compost according to crop recommendations:

based upon manure and soil testing, adjust manure and fertilizer applications according to crop recommendations
apply manure or compost under dry soil conditions to reduce the potential for compaction.

Option #2 - Action

Complete a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) to ensure that crop nutrient needs are matched with the nutrients applied through manure or compost.

For More Information:

The Nutrient Management Workbook OMAFRA Publication 818
Nutrient Management on the OMAFRA website

Issue: 18-24 Mulches: disposal of waste mulching materials

There is a disposal problem with waste plastic mulch.

What can you do?

Option #1- Action

Use degradable or slowly degradable mulching materials

use photodegradable mulches.

Option #2 - Action

Recycle or Reuse waste mulching materials:

utilize recycling programs if available
consider re-use for another aspect of production or another type of farm operation
buy plastic materials that can be used for a number of years before replacing.

For More Information:

Recycling Farm Plastic Films OMAFRA Factsheet Order No. 95-019

Option #3 - Compensating Factor

Properly dispose of plastic mulches at an approved landfill.

Issue: 18-25 Equipment noise

Some equipment (e.g. harvesters, sprayers and bird scarers) can cause noise issues with nearby neighbors.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Use design and maintenance practices to reduce noise levels:

redirect position and timing of noise if possible (e.g. move bird scarers)
conduct regular maintenance of machinery to reduce noise and use infrequently
loud bird scaring equipment only operated between sunrise and sunset.

Option #2 - Action

Use netting and other low noise alternate bird control methods.

For More Information:

Noise Control on Farms, OMAFRA Factsheet Order No. 96-033

Infosheet Table of Contents

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