MULCHING
Mulching is the application of natural and/or synthetic material to cover the soil surface. Applying mulchduring the plant’s early growth stage provides more benefitsthan application at the late growth stage. Organic mulch is relatively low cost compared to synthetic mulch.
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and other micro-nutrients must be available to plants during different growth stages to ensure optimal yields. These can come from synthetic or organic sources.. Measuring soil fertility will avoid excessive or improper timing of application of nutrients.
PEST MANAGEMENT
Preserving and enhancing populations of beneficial organisms. Prevention of pest population build-up. Ensuring a healthy crop that can withstand some degree of damage. Regular monitoring of the crop for pests, beneficial insects and crop damage. Managing the crop to early maturity to reduce the length of time the crop is exposed to pests.
SELECTION OF PESTICIDES
Choosing pesticides that have a lower toxicity, avoiding highly toxic substances and selecting pesticides that are effective against a number of different pests will minimise negative impacts from pesticide use. If there is an organic alternative, this should be used.