cb4: saaga avocado leaf & soil sampling ... · web viewwhere the fertilizer records show that...

A TEMPLATE PROVIDED TO THE GROWER MEMBERS OF SAAGACompiled and updated by Athol Currie & the Subtrop technical team

NUMBER TITLE SUB SECTION SUB-TITLECB4 CROPS BASE FERTILIZER OVERVIEWCB4.1 ADVICE ON QUANTITY & TYPE OF

FERTILIZER CB4.1.1 QUALIFIED FERTILIZER ADVISOR

CB4.2 RECORDS OF APPLICATION

CB4.2.1 ORCHARD REFERENCECB4.2.2 APPLICATION DATESCB4.2.3 APPLIED FERTILIZER TYPESCB4.2.4 APPLIED QUANTITIESCB4.2.5 METHOD OF APPLICATIONCB4.2.6 OPERATOR DETAILS

CB4.3 FERTILIZER STORAGE

CB4.3.1 SEPARATE STORAGE FROM PPP’SCB4.3.2 COVERED STORAGE AREACB4.3.3 CLEAN STORAGE AREACB4.3.4 DRY STORAGE AREACB4.3.5 APPROPRIATE STORAGE REDUCING THE RISK OF CONTAMINATION OF WATER SCOURCESCB4.3.6 SEPARATE FROM HARVESTED PRODUCTCB4.3.7 STOCK INVENTORY

CB4.4 ORGANIC FERTILIZERCB4.4.1 BANNING OF HUMAN SEWAGE SLUDGECB4.4.2 ORGANIC FERTILIZER RISK ASSESSMENT & ORGANIC FERTILIZER NUTRIENT CONTRIBUTIONCB4.4.3 ORGANIC FERTILIZER STORAGE

CB4.5 NUTRIENT CONTENT CB4.5.1 DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF NUTRIENT CONTENTCB4.5.2 DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF CHEMICAL CONTENT INCLUDING HEAVY METALS

The fertilization decision-making process involves consideration of crop demands. Nutrients shall be available for crops in the growing substrate or soil and fertilization is often necessary. Correct application to optimize use and storage procedures to avoid loss and contamination shall be followed.

CROPS BASE FERTILIZER OVERVIEW – WATERFORD FARM


CB4: RATIONAL USE OF FERTILIZERS AND MANURESPOLICY STATEMENT

Waterford Farm will use fertilisers and mulches in a responsible and rational manner. Their use will be based on sound recommendations, by qualified personnel, using leaf and soil analysis results. Nutrition

management shall be undertaken to minimise environmental impact and shall take place within legal boundaries.

CB4: FERTILIZER APPLICATION OBJECTIVES & PLANS

Leaf samples are taken on an annual basis and soil samples for elemental analysis every alternate year. Trends in these levels are monitored and recommendations are based on norms per element for leaves and soil on avocados. Nitrogen contributions are taken into account from the soil, crop residues and incorporated organic material – soil analysis: soil organic matter/ carbon content. Crop removal factors are used per element and a recommendation made on the crop load. Recommendations are confirmed by visual inspection of the block using the bi-annual tree condition rating. Risks associated with fertilisation and the action plans to counteract these risks are covered in the nutrient risk assessments.

CB4: FERTILIZER USAGE BEST PRACTICES

Best practices regarding fertilizer use on Waterford Farm are:

Matching nutrient supply with the crop requirementsThe management of Waterford Farm uses all available information to establish the soil nutrient status and crop requirements prior to making fertilizer application decisions. Specific practices include soil testing, setting realistic yield goals, and balancing nutrient inputs with crop removal at optimum soil test levels.

Fertilizer applicationThe way fertilizers are managed can have a major impact on the efficiency of nutrient use by crops and potential impact on the surrounding environment. In all instances, the management of Waterford Farm strives to improve fertilizer-use efficiency by increasing production of avocado volumes per hectare for each unit of nutrient applied, and reducing the impact of fertilizers on the environment.

Minimising nutrient loss or transport from fieldsFrom an environmental impact perspective, the goal of Waterford Farm management is to retain soil and associated nutrients within the boundaries of the orchards and the rooting zones. Fertilizer application based on soil testing and realistic yield goals helps to ensure that proper rates are recommended and applied. This improves plant nutrient use efficiency and lessens the potential for residual nutrients to accumulate to excessive levels in our orchards and pose environmental threats.


Continued/…CB4: SAAGA AVOCADO LEAF & SOIL SAMPLING GUIDELINES

Soil & leaf analysis gives the grower a good indication of the trees nutrient status as well as the trees actual fertilizer requirements. Correct tree nutrition will ensure maximum production of quality nuts. Leaf analysis, done in conjunction with soil analysis, is thus the only method whereby the trees nutrient status can be optimized. LEAF SAMPLING:TimingLeaf sampling should be done annually from March (Northern production areas of SA) or April (early May is also acceptable in the cooler, southern KZN production areas). Sampling procedure:

A leaf sample should represent a planting area of not more than 3 ha’s. Sample each cultivar & different age trees of the same cultivar separately. Try not to vary the sample time from year to year, as this makes comparison with previous years difficult. Leaves should only be taken from healthy trees not showing signs of Phytophthora, sunburn, deficiency symptoms, insect damage etc. Leaves should preferably be sampled in the mornings after the dew has dried off. The less fertilizers that have been applied during the previous 6 weeks, the easier it will be to interpret the results. Sample approximately 30-40 leaves per cultivar/block & sample 1-2 leaves per tree Select the youngest fully expanded leaf from the hardened off summer flush (3rd or 4th leaf from tip) of a non-bearing shoot (recommended) OR select 6 -8

month old spring flush leaves on non-bearing shoots (SA method)(Fig. 1). Select trees randomly in the orchard that will represent the average of the whole orchard. Sample those sections of the orchard separately which show

deficiency symptoms etc. Maintain your same orchard numbers from one year to the next – NB for traceability.


Figure 1: Leaf sampling, SA method (Picture courtesy of The Cultivation of Avocados ARC-ITSC)SOIL SAMPLING:Soil sampling should preferably be done at the same time as leaf sampling in order to simplify the interpretation of the analysis.

Take the sample under the tree, half way between the stem & the drip line of the canopy. Take samples 0 to 15cm (annually) & 15-30 and 30 to 45cm (every 3 years).

Take approximately 10 subsamples per cultivar/block & combine all the 0-15cm samples. Place them in a bag, thoroughly mix the sample & send a sample of the composite sample to the lab. Sample sizes vary depending on the Lab. Do the same for the 15cm to 30cm etc. samples. Note it is not necessary to take the deeper sample every year.

Contact your nearest SAAGA/Subtrop officer for Laboratory details in your area.

Continued/…

KZN Soil and leaf analysis LaboratoriesCedara Fertilizer Advisory ServicesKZN Department of Agriculture & Environmental AffairsPO Box X9059Pietermaritzburg, 3200Tel: 033 3559194Fax: 033 3559454

SASRI Soils Labs170 Flanders DriveMt Edgecombe, 4300Tel: (031) 508 7400Fax: (031) 508 7597Website: www.sugar.org.za/sasri

SAAGA SOIL & LEAF NORMS FOR AVOCADO


Leaf Norms Soil Norms

Nitrogen (N)

Fuerte 1.7 - 1.9%

Organic matter 1% =+30kg N/ha/yr.Hass 2.2 - 2.3%Pinkerton 2.0%Ryan 2.1%Edranol 2.0%

Phosphate (P) All Varieties 0.15 - 0.20%Ambic (Cedara) 14-46 ppmResin (ITSC) 8-27 ppmBray 1 (Other) 18-60 ppm

Potassium (K) All Varieties 0.75 - 1.15% Clay Soils 150-250 ppmSandy Soils 70-150 ppm

Calcium (Ca) All Varieties 1.2 - 2.0% 500-2000 ppmBoron (B) Pinkerton 30 - 50 ppm

Caution toxicity when over applied Sand 0.25 - 12 clayOthers 50 - 80 ppmZinc (Zn) All Varieties 40 - 100 ppm 5-20 ppmMagnesium (Mg) All Varieties 0.4 - 0.8% 200-400 ppmSulphur (S) All Varieties 0.2 - 0.6% >20 ppmManganese (Mn) All Varieties 50 - 250 ppm 6-40 ppmCopper (Cu) All Varieties 5 - 15 ppm 3-10 ppmIron (Fe) All Varieties 50 - 150 ppm 4-20 ppmChloride (Cl) All Varieties <25 ppm NASodium (Na) All Varieties <15 ppm <20 ppmAl All Varieties NA <30 ppmCa/Mg All Varieties NA 2.5 - 5.0Ca+Mg/K All Varieties NA <8pH (water/KCl) All Varieties NA 5.8 - 6.5/4.8 - 5.5Resistance All Varieties NA 1000 ohms Note: 1ppm = 1 mg/kg = 0.01%


CB4.2.1 QUALIFIED FERTILIZER ADVISORNumbe

rControl Point Compliance Criteria Level References

CB4.1.1 Are recommendations for the application of fertilizers (organic or inorganic) provided by competent and qualified persons?

Where the fertilizer records show that the technically responsible person determining quantity and type of the fertilizer (organic or inorganic) is an external adviser, training and technical competence shall be demonstrated via official qualifications, specific training courses, etc., unless employed for that purpose by a competent organization (e.g. official advisory services).Where the fertilizer records show that the technically responsible person determining quantity and type of fertilizer (organic or inorganic) is the producer, experience shall be complemented by technical knowledge (e.g. access to product technical literature, specific training course attendance, etc.) and/or the use of tools (software, on farm detection methods, etc.).

MINOR Certificates & Registrations File: Advisors.

CROPS BASE ADVICE ON QUANTITY & TYPE OF FERTILIZER


CB4.2 FERTILIZER APPLICATION RECORDS4.2.1 to 4.2.6: Do records of all applications of soil and foliar fertilizers, both organic and inorganic, include the following criteria: Numbe


CB4.2.1 Field, orchard or greenhouse reference and crop?

Records are kept of all fertilizer applications, detailing the geographical area and the name or reference of the field, orchard or greenhouse where the registered product crop is located. Records are also kept for hydroponic situations and where fertigation is used. No N/A.

MINOR

Office PC: WF Dropbox – WF Fertilizer Records.

CB4.2.2 Application dates? The exact dates (day, month and year) of the application are detailed in the records of all fertilizer applications. No N/A.

MINOR

CB4.2.3 Applied fertilizer types? The trade name, type of fertilizer (e.g. NPK), and concentrations (e.g. 17-17-17) are detailed in the records of all fertilizer applications. No N/A.

MINOR

CB4.2.4 Applied quantities? The amount of product to be applied in weight or volume relative to a unit of area or number of plants or unit of time per volume of fertigation is detailed in the records of all fertilizer applications. The actual quantity applied is recorded, as this is not necessarily the same as the recommendation. No N/A.

MINOR

CB4.2.5 Method of application? The method and/or equipment used are detailed in the records of all fertilizer applications. In the case the method/equipment is always the same, it is acceptable to record these details only once. If there are various equipment units, these are identified individually. Methods may be e.g. via irrigation or mechanical distribution. Equipment may be e.g. manual or mechanical. No N/A.

MINOR

CB4.2.6 Operator details? The name of the operator who has applied the fertilizer is detailed in the records of all fertilizer applications. If a single individual makes all of the applications, it is acceptable to record the operator details only once.If there is a team of workers performing the fertilization, all of them need to be listed in the records. No N/A.

MINOR

CROPS BASE FERTILIZER APPLICATION RECORDS

Note: Up-to-date fertilizer records required.


CB4.3 FERTILIZER STORAGE4.3.1 to 4.3.7: Are all fertilizers stored:Numbe

rControl Point Compliance Criteria Leve

lReferences & Comments

CB4.3.1 Separately from plant protection products?

The minimum requirement is to prevent physical cross-contamination between fertilizers (organic and inorganic) and plant protection products by using a physical barrier (wall, sheeting, etc.). If fertilizers that are applied together with plant protection products (i.e. micronutrients or foliar fertilizers) are packed in a closed container, they can be stored with plant protection products.

MINOR All fertilizers including foliar fertilizers are stored separately from PPP’s on Waterford farm.

Visual inspection required.

CB4.3.2 In a covered area? The covered area is suitable to protect all inorganic fertilizers (e.g. powders, granules or liquids) from atmospheric influences (e.g. sunlight, frost and rain, high temperature). Based on a risk assessment (fertilizer type, weather conditions, storage duration and location), plastic coverage could be acceptable. It is permitted to store lime and gypsum in the field. As long as the storage requirements on the material safety data sheet are complied with, bulk liquid fertilizers can be stored outside in containers.

MINOR All fertilizers on Waterford Farm are stored in a covered purpose built fertilizer shed.

Visual inspection required.

CB4.3.3 In a clean area? Inorganic fertilizers (e.g. powders, granules or liquids) are stored in an area that is free from waste, does not constitute a breeding place for rodents, and where spillage and leakage may be cleared away.

MINOR All fertilizers on Waterford Farm are stored in a clean purpose built fertilizer shed that is free of waste & rodents. Spillage & leakage is easily cleared when required.

Visual inspection required. CB4.3.4 In a dry area? The storage area for all inorganic fertilizers (e.g. powders, granules or

liquids) is well ventilated and free from rainwater or heavy condensation. Storage cannot be directly on the soil except for lime/gypsum.

MINOR All fertilizers on Waterford Farm are stored in a dry well ventilated purpose built shed, with a concrete floor. Bulk fertilizers are stored in sealed containers.

Visual inspection required. CB4.3.5 In an appropriate manner,

which reduces the risk of All fertilizers are stored in a manner that poses minimum risk of contamination to water sources. Liquid fertilizer stores/tanks shall be surrounded by an impermeable

MINOR Visual inspection required.

CROPS BASE FERTILIZER STORAGE


contamination of water sources?

barrier to contain a capacity to 110% of the volume of the largest container, if there is no applicable legislation.

CB4.3.6 Not together with harvested products?

Fertilizers shall not be stored with harvested products. MAJOR Visual inspection required.

CB4.3.7 Is there an up-to-date fertilizer stock inventory or stock calculation listing incoming fertilizer and records of use available?

The stock inventory (type and amount of fertilizers stored) shall be updated within a month after there is a movement of the stock (in and out). A stock update can be calculated by registration of supply (invoices or other records of incoming fertilizers) and use (treatments/applications), but there shall be regular checks of the actual content so as to avoid deviations with calculations.

MINOR Visual Inspection: Stock control sheet at fertilizer shed.

Office PC: WF Dropbox – WF Fertilizer stock.


CROPS BASE ORGANIC FERTILIZER

CB4.4 ORGANIC FERTILIZERNumbe

rControl Point Compliance Criteria Leve

lReferences & Comments

CB4.4.1 Does the producer prevent the use of human sewage sludge on the farm?

No treated or untreated human sewage sludge is used on the farm for the production of GLOBALG.A.P. registered crops. No N/A.

MAJOR No human sewage sludge is used on Waterford Farm. Attached: CB4.4 Risk Assessment Organic Fertilizer.

CB4.4.2 Has a risk assessment been carried out for organic fertilizer, which, prior to application, considers its source, characteristics and intended use?

Documented evidence is available to demonstrate that a food safety and environmental risk assessment for the use of organic fertilizer has been done, and that at least the following have been considered: • type of organic fertilizer• method of treatment to obtain the organic fertilizer• microbial contamination (plant and human pathogens)• weed/seed content• heavy metal content• timing of application, and placement of organic fertilizer (e.g. direct contact to edible part of crop, ground between crops, etc.). This also applies to substrates from biogas plants.

MINOR Mulching is used on trees in the form of wood chips. Wood chips are composted & applied under tree canopies. Composting is carried out in order to reduce the C: N ratio of the mulch.

Attached: Table 1 C: N Ratios. Attached: CB4.4 Risk Assessment Organic Fertilizer. Attached: Table 1 Nutrient contribution of mulch. Attached: CB4.4 Risk Assessment Organic Fertilizer.

CB4.4.3 Is organic fertilizer stored in an appropriate manner, which reduces the risk of contamination of the environment?

Organic fertilizers shall be stored in a designated area. Appropriate measures, adequate according to the risk assessment in AF 1.2.1., have been taken to prevent the contamination of water sources (e.g. concrete foundation and walls, specially built leak-proof container, etc.) or shall be stored at least 25 meters from water sources.

MINOR Mulching materials are transported to a non-productive holding/ loading area situated more than 25m from any surface water body.Mulching materials do not pose a risk of contamination to the environment.

Visual inspection required. Attached: CB4.4 Risk Assessment Organic Fertilizer.

Continued/…


CB4.4 RISK ASSESSMENT ORGANIC FERTILIZERCB4.4.1 HUMAN SEWAGE SLUDGE

What is the hazard?

Who or what might be harmed and how?

How is the harm likely to take place?

What is being done to manage this hazard?

When is management of the hazard necessary?

Who will manage the hazard?

Magnitude of risk.

Risk to human health

All employees, sub-contractors and end users that come into contact with the product

N/A The use of human sewage sludge is banned on the farm

N/A Senior Management

Low

Environmental risk

Negative impact on soil, water, bio-diversity (flora & fauna) & air

N/A The use of human sewage sludge is banned on the farm


Low

CB4.4.2 USE OF ORGANIC FERTILIZERType of compost Human health, crop, soil &

environmentN/A: Composted wood chips do not

pose a risk to human healthN/A Production

ManagerLow

Composting method

Human health, crop, soil & environment

N/A: No additives are used in wood chip mulches

N/A Production Manager

Low

Weed/ seed content

Environment N/A: Wood chips do not contain any form of weed /seed


Low

Heavy metal content

Human health, crop, soil & environment

N/A: Wood chips are free of heavy metals


Low

Timing of application

Environment & crop N/A: Wood chips are free of chemicals & toxins that might cause a risk through run-off, air pollution & product contamination


Low

Fertilizer placement

Environment & crop N/A: Mulching is placed directly under the tree canopy, and does not come into contact with the fruit


Low

Excess nutrients Soil & environment N/A Composted wood chips have a low C: N ratio: Refer to Table 1


Low

CB4.4.3 ORGANIC FERTILIZER STORAGEContamination of surface water

Water N/A Wood chip mulches have a low moisture %, and are stored least 25 m from surface water bodies.


Low


TABLE 1Carbon: Nitrogen ratios, and percentage nitrogen content of mulching materials (modified from Handreck & Black 1994)

MULCHING MATERIAL % N IN D.M. C: N RATIO COMMENTSUncomposted pine bark

0.1 500 Not used on the farm

Bagasse 0.4 120 Not used on the farmComposted pine bark 1.1 30 - 40 Used on the farmMaize stalks 1.2 33 Not used on the farmGrasses 1.8 22 Used on the farmKraal manure 2.6 15 Not used on the farmComposted chicken litter

2.4 10 - 11 Not used on the farm

CROPS BASE NUTRIENT CONTENT OF INORGANIC FERTILIZERSNote: MSDS & HEAVY METAL CONTENT to be updated annually (fertilizer supplier to forward latest available data).

CB4.5 NUTRIENT CONTENT OF INORGANIC FERTILIZERSNumbe


CB4.5.1 Is the content of major nutrients (NPK) of applied fertilizers known?

Documented evidence/labels detailing major nutrient content (or recognized standard values) is available for all fertilizers used on crops grown under GLOBALG.A.P. within the last 24-month period.

MINOR MSDS & Labels File: Labels. Attached: Table 2 Standard Nutrient Values for Fertilizers.

CB4.5.2 Are purchased inorganic fertilizers accompanied by documented evidence of chemical content, which includes heavy metals?

Documented evidence detailing chemical content, including heavy metals, is available for all inorganic fertilizers used on crops grown under GLOBALG.A.P. within the last 12-month period.

RECOM MSDS & Labels File: Heavy Metal Content.

TABLE 2CB4.5.1 STANDARD NUTRIENT CONTENT VALUES FOR FERTILIZERS USED ON ALL FARMS

FERTILIZER TYPE N P K S Zn B Ca MgPOTTASIUM SULPHATE (40%) 0% 0% 40% 18.4% 0% 0% 0% 0%


SUPER PHOSPHATE (10.5%) 0% 10.50% 0% 11% 0% 0% 0% 0%

GREENSULF (26%) 26% 0% 0% 4% 0% 0% 5% 0%

312(31)+1% Zn+0.25% B 15.50% 5.17% 10.33% 0% 1% 0.25% 0% 0%

GYPSUM 0% 0% 0% 18% 0% 0% 22% 0%

CALCITIC LIME 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 40% 0.2%

BORONAT (11%) 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 11% 0% 0%

ZINC SULPHATE 0% 0% 0% 8% 22% 0% 0% 0%

cb4: saaga avocado leaf & soil sampling ... · web viewwhere the fertilizer records show that...

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