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Potatoes - Maximillian Hardegg, Austria
Executive Summary
Key areas of good practice:
Resources
- The unique water system stores water for irrigation within wetlands on the farm while providing unique habitats for wildlife.
Management
- The farm has long-term set-aside, and an extensive network of hedges, providing natural habitats for wildlife.
Inputs
- The farm analyses soil nutrients and accurately applies its own pig slurry where required, reducing the reliance on purchased artificial fertilisers.
Additional areas of good practice:
Inputs
- The farm tests for phosphate and potash every 4 years. Mobilised nitrogen is tested in the autumn on land where cereal straws have been incorporated to ensure there is 90 kg N/Ha, to allow adequate breakdown of the straw in the soil. Mobilised soil nitrogen is tested in the spring, and pig slurry is applied to ensure adequate nitrogen availability for the growing crop, reducing the need to purchase artificial fertilisers.
Resources
- The centre pivot system irrigates around 800 hectares. A Dacom system allows precise monitoring of soil moisture levels and allows timely and accurate applications of water.
Outputs
- The ability to grow quality potatoes has enabled supply contracts to be drawn up and signed between the farm and a local processor, setting minimum prices with quality bonuses in place.
