Red Tractor Fresh Produce
See below for notes 12a to 12c
12a
Soil management
SM.1.requires that a soil management plan is established and implemented.
SM.1.a requires that production practices are adjusted to maintain soil structure and control erosion
SM.1.b The classification of soils on the farm is known
SM.1.c requires that crop rotations are employed whenever possible and details are recorded and
retained for at least 3 years
SM.1.d requires that appropriate measures are taken where possible to maintain crop cover to ensure
bare soil does not remain exposed for extended periods of time
SM.2.a It is recommended that the Soil Management Plan is informed by site specific data and key
information is shared. Includes the recommendation that Conservation and building of soil organic
matter is considered
SM.2.c It is recommended that Soil management is discussed with advisers and relevant staff in order to
ensure that cultivations are appropriate for soil type, cropping, topography, erosion risk and climate
SM.2.d It is recommended that Classification of soil type is included on farm maps
SM3 It is recommended that the Soil Management Plan includes strategies for minimising compaction
Additionally the Recommendations include:
HORTICULTURE: Implement crop rotations and soil management practices that are designed to build
soil health and organic matter levels (e.g. cover crops and reduced tillage).
POTATOES: Protect and, where possible, increase soil organic matter levels and soil biology across the
rotation (e.g. by using cover crops, extending the rotation to at least 6 years, etc).
12b
Nutrient management
EC.9 requires that manufactured fertilisers and organic manures must be applied in a manner that
minimises the risk of contamination and pollution
EC.9.a requires that any materials, including waste materials, that are applied to land should have
agricultural benefit
EC.9.c requires that a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) is established and implemented where
applications are made to land
EC.9.d requires that the NMP includes the following: timing, frequency and quantity of applications;
identification of any areas where particular applications cannot be made; nutrient content of organic
manures and fertilisers; plans to minimise nutrient loss
EC.9.j requires that applications of fertilisers and organic manures are justified and planned to not
exceed soil and crop nutrient needs
EC.9.1 requires that advisors making recommendations on manufactured fertiliser use are on the FACTS
Professional Register
EC.9.2 requires that fertiliser rates are based on a calculation of the nutrient requirements of the crop
and on regular analysis of nutrient levels in soil, plant or nutrient solution and with consideration of
nutrient content of any organic manure applications.
12c
Water resource management
IG.3.a requires that a Water Management Plan is in place
IG.3.b requires a plan identifies opportunities to optimise water efficiency – examples may include:
computer modelling of crop’s water requirements; irrigating at night; maintenance plans to reduce possibility of leakage; storage of winter storm water; collection and re-use of some water, such as from glasshouse roofs and winter rainfall; water audit
IG.3.1 It is recommended that the Water Management Plan gives consideration to participation in
collaborative water management activities with neighbouring stakeholders
