Horticultural Crops
 

Table of Contents

Introduction to the

 

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Table of Contents
for Horticultural Crops BMP Booklet

4 HORTICULTURAL CROPS
4 Introduction
   
5 UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS
5 Soil Management
11 Water Management
12 Nutrient Management
13 Pest Management
   
18 VEGETABLES
18 Field-Seeded and Transplanted Vegetables
29 Potatoes
34 Muck Crops
   
39 FRUITS
39 Tree Fruit
48 Small Fruit
53 Grapes
   
58 GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION
   
64 TOBACCO
   
68 NURSERY CROPS
   
72 SOD PRODUCTION
   
72 REFERENCES AND READING MATERIALS
   
  CONTACTS

 

 HORTICULTURAL CROPS

 

INTRODUCTION

Unlike some of the other crops grown in Ontario, horticultural crops are usually grown on small acreages but are very valuable and require intensive, skilled management. Most are used or consumed directly by consumers. Today's consumers are very demanding. They want high quality and yet, are concerned about the environmental impact of agriculture.

Sustainability and competitiveness have become key words to horticultural crop producers. Growers need to be efficient in production to stay competitive and they need to conserve and protect soil and water to be sustainable. At times, these concepts appear to conflict but actually, they complement each other. Healthy soil and water will make horticultural crops more competitive.

To be considered a best management practice, an action must maintain or increase crop production while minimizing impact on the environment. In the case of many crops, this means using good management so that the crop is well-established and healthy. This allows growers to reduce treatments such as pesticides that may affect the environment. There is no one best management practice for all crops. The best ones for your farm will depend on your individual problems and opportunities.

This booklet does not cover every horticultural crop. Nor is it intended to give you exhaustive information on crop production. What this booklet will do is provide you with a place to start as you assess, develop and adapt your own system.

The booklet is divided into two major sections: Understanding the Basics covers problems and practices that are common to many crops; the other section looks at individual crops and outlines some best management practices.

You may wish to change your crop management system for many reasons: to save money, to increase yields, to save time and labour, to solve erosion problems or to reduce pesticide use. Whatever your reason, the first stage is to assess where you are now and what your goals are. Once that is done, this booklet will help you evaluate the options available.

 


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Last Updated: Friday, May 08, 2009 07:29:52 AM