Florette Baby Leaf - Pentaflor Hortícola, Spain
Inputs
Soil testing for phosphate, potash, magnesium and acidity (pH) are undertaken when new fields are introduced into the farming system, ensuring that the farm’s fertiliser applications are based on good practice and sound data. Subsequently, ideal soil nutrient reserves are maintained for the growing crop, providing the perfect balance between profitable agricultural production and environmental protection. The risk of applying excessive fertiliser is reduced, minimising the risk of nutrient pollution in the environment.
Nitrogen deficiency symptoms are generally seen on older leaves, which turn yellow or pale green. Low nitrogen levels in the soil slow crop growth and reduce final yields, whilst excessive nitrogen levels can result in low yields and decreased crop quality. Soil nitrogen supply which exceeds crop demand may lead to nitrate (NO3) entering ground or surface water. The farm undertakes tests for nitrogen levels in soil and in leaf samples. This ensures that nitrogen application is based on sound data which reduces the risks associated with nitrogen losses and provides optimum levels for the growing plants. Although nitrogen testing of leaf samples gives variable results it does show whether application rates are correct. This is crucial as high levels of nitrogen can reduce raw material quality. This policy has lead to a 30% reduction in the use of nitrogen fertilisers.
The principle of irrigation scheduling is to calculate the precise volume of water required by a crop and the specific timings of application. This approach maximises irrigation efficiencies by applying the exact amount of water required to replenish the soil moisture levels to the determined point. This system enables both water and energy to be saved through careful attention to detail.
Fertigation is a method of applying dissolved nutrients (fertilisers) to a growing crop through an irrigation system. This is the technique the farm uses to supply nutrients to the growing crop. The farm chooses this as it is increasingly important in salad production that the nutrients can be accurately applied to the growing plants in the correct dosage, at the optimum time and at a specific stage of plant growth. The plants receive measured amounts of fertiliser as the crop requires them and nutrient levels are then decreased as the crop approaches harvest. The farm’s policy is to reduce soil nitrogen levels to 50 kg/hectare in the week prior to harvest, benefitting raw material quality, reducing fertiliser costs and diminishing soil nitrogen reserves which limits the risk of leaching.
Leaf and soil testing and the use of precise irrigation & fertigation techniques have resulted in plants receiving the optimal application of water and nutrients to optimise crop quality and minimise environmental damage.