There is a need to develop fully-integrated orchard management systems that will promote production and be environmentally sound. Healthy and vigorous orchards produce high-quality fruit at the best possible cost and also, reduce the need for chemical treatments.

Best management practices for orchards include attention to: site preparation, soil management, water management including irrigation and drainage, nutrient management and pest management. Growers can adjust each component to maximize profits while protecting the environment.

Orchard Site Preparation

When planning a new orchard, select and prepare an appropriate site at least one to three years in advance. Consider soil testing, past levels of nematodes, organic matter levels, perennial weed control, drainage, soil depth, slope, stoniness and frost pockets.
Soil testing is a must prior to planting. Determine nutrient and pH levels and correct any problems.
Control nematodes, especially Root Lesion nematode. This is crucial to proper establishment of young fruit trees. Nematodes can damage roots and allow fungi to enter roots, disrupting water and nutrient absorption. To determine whether fumigation is necessary, look at the previous crop (corn, for example, increases nematodes), soil type (sandy soils tend to have higher populations than clays), rootstocks tolerance to nematodes and the results of soil samples. If counts are higher than 1,000 nematodes per kilogram of soil, treatment is recommended.
Plan ahead – consider soil test results, past levels of nematodes, weed control, drainage, soil depth, slope, stoniness and frost pockets.

Fumigation

Applying fumigants is usually done with a three-point hitch cultivator which places fumigants in a shallow band 1.75 m wide and 15 cm deep. The entire field can be fumigated or just the strips where trees will be planted. Before applying fumigants, prepare a good seedbed. A new method uses a twin-shank subsoiler to deliver fumigant in a narrow band at 15, 30 and 45-centimetre depths. Establishing the sod cover in the summer before fumigation is recommended. Fumigating row strips through the sod allows better weed and erosion control. This may give better nematode control and also subsoils the planting area. The reduced tillage also preserves organic matter and reduces erosion.

Tree Density

Deciding how wide the tree rows should be and how far apart trees should be planted will affect productivity, nutrient management, pest management and water requirements. Before making a decision, consider equipment requirements, availability of skilled labour and availability of irrigation water.

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