A TEMPLATE PROVIDED TO THE GROWER MEMBERS OF SAAGA
Compiled and updated by Athol Currie & the Subtrop technical team
NUMBER / TITLE / SUB SECTION / SUB-TITLE
CB5.1 / ROUTINE CALCULATION OF IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS / CB5.1.1 / ROUTINE CALCULATION OF IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS
CB5.2 / IRRIGATION/ FERTIGATION MANAGEMENT / CB5.2.1 / WATER MANAGEMENT RISK ASSESSMENT
CB5.2.2 / WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CB5.2.3 / IRRIGATION RECORDS WATER USAGE
CB5.3 / WATER QUALITY / CB5.3.1 / USE OF SEWAGE WATER
CB5.3.2 / RISK ASSESSMENT WATER – PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL POLLUTION
CB5.3.3 / ANALYSIS OF WATER USED DURING PRE-HARVEST ACTIVITIES
CB5.3.4 / LABORATORY ANALYSIS: CHEMICAL & PHYSICAL CONTAMINATION
CB5.3.5 / CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR ADVERSE RESULTS
CB5.4 / SUPPLY OF IRRIGATION/ FERTIGATION WATER / CB5.4.1 / LEGAL WATER EXTRACTION
CB5.4.2 / LEGAL WATER EXTRACTION – RECORD KEEPING
CB5.5 / WATER STORAGE FACILITIES / CB5.5.1 / WATER STORAGE FACILITIES
CROPSBASE ROUTINE CALCULATION OF IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS
CB5.1.1 SYSTEMATIC PREDICTION METHODS
Number / Control Point / Compliance Criteria / Level / References
CB5.1.1 / Are tools used routinely to calculate and optimize the crop irrigation requirements? / The producer can demonstrate that crop irrigation requirements are calculated based on data (e.g. local agricultural institute data, farm rain gauges, drainage trays for substrate growing, evaporation meters, water tension meters for the percentage of soil moisture content). Where on-farm tools are in place, these should be maintained to ensure that they are effective and in a good state of repair. N/A only for rain-fed crops. / MINOR /
- Attached: CB5.1.1 Calculation of irrigation requirements.
- Office P.C:AquaCheck Login.
- Irrigation File: Application records.
- Irrigation File: Rainfall records.
CB5.1.1 ROUTINE CALCULATION OF IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS
- The farm makes use of Aqua-Check soil moisture probes & software installed on the farm in order to determine soil moisture percentage, this monitoring system is used for systematic irrigation predictions.
- All rainfall on the farm is measured and recorded.
RESPONSIBLE WATER USAGE POLICY - ALL FARMS
CB5.2: RESPONSIBLE WATER USAGE POLICY - ALL FARMS
The Management of All farms is committed to the responsible use of water, reducing water wastage and protecting water quality by focusing on the following key areas:
- Only water that has been registered through the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry will be used on the farm for irrigation.
- Irrigation systems used on the farm are to be designed by qualified irrigation engineers.
- Soil moisture probes, in combination with specific avocado crop correction factors areto be used to determine how much water is needed to satisfy tree requirements.
- All irrigation scheduling shall be recorded and saved for future reference.
- The micro-jet irrigation system used on the farm must have the ability to deliver water to plant roots with minimal loss.
- Filter banks will be used to ensure particle free water delivery to the emitters; this will assist in reducing down time and increase application efficiency.
- In order to maximize water penetration into the soil, compaction must be monitored and all efforts will be made to ensure that heavy equipment is kept away from root zones.
- Regular maintenance will be carried out on the the farm irrigation system.
- Irrigation pumps must fitted with variable speed drives in order to ensure efficient water volume delivery to the orchards.
- Irrigation staff will be instructed/ trained in irrigation maintenance and techniques used on the farm.
- Annual water testing for chemical, physical & microbial contamination will be carried out on the farm.
- Adverse water tests resulting from activities carried out on the farm will be investigated by Senior Management – Where necessary corrective/ remedial actions will be applied.
- Regular monitoring and maintenance of application techniques and equipment will be carried out in order to limit run-off and drift of chemicals & fertilizers into water sources.
- All application equipment will be monitored and maintained in order to prevent water wastage.
Athol Currie
General Manager – Subtropical Farms
The Fruit Farm Group South Africa
CROPS BASE IRRIGATION/ FERTIGATION MANAGEMENT
CB5.2.1 WATER MANAGEMENT RISK ASSESSMENT
Number / Control Point / Compliance Criteria / Level / References
CB5.2.1 / Has a risk assessment been undertaken that evaluates environmental issues for water management on the farm and has it been reviewed by the management within the previous 12 months? / There is a documented risk assessment that identifies environmental impacts of the water sources, distribution system and irrigation and crop washing usages. In addition, the risk assessment shall take into consideration the impact of own farming activities on off-farm environments, where information is known to be available. The risk assessment shall be completed, fully implemented and it shall be reviewed and approved annually by the management. See Annex AF.1 (General Guideline for Risk Assessments) and Annex CB.1 (Guideline for On-farm Water Management) for further guidance. No N/A. / Minor Must
(Will become Major Must as of 1 July 2017) /
- Attached: CB5.2.1 Water Management Risk Assessment.
CB5.2.1WATER MANAGEMENT: ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT
Annual review required
What is the hazard? / Who or what might be harmed and how? / How is the harm likely to take place? / What is being done to manage this hazard? / When is management of the hazard necessary? / Who will manage the hazard? / Risk
Water shortage due to illegal extraction /
- Downstream users
- Crops
- Wetland and riparian areas
- Extraction according to registered water rights
- Regular communication with the local water users association
Water shortage due to over extraction /
- Downstream users
- Crops
- Wetland and riparian areas
- Sound irrigation practices
- Scientific irrigation scheduling and application
Run-off, drift of chemicals & fertilizers into water sources /
- Any person, flora & fauna that comes into contact with contaminated water
- Training
- Correct storage of products
- Sound handling & application practices
Flooding caused excessive run-off from dams and orchards /
- People & crops downstream from dams
- Qualified personnel carry out planning & construction of dams and orchard layouts
Soil Erosion due to poor water management /
- Downstream users
- Crops
- Wetland and riparian areas
- Correct orchard orientation
- Maintaining of waterways & roads
Microbial contamination of water sources by animal and/ or human sludge, waste or faeces /
- End users
- Water users
- Crops
- Wetland and riparian areas
- Annual water analysis of potable, irrigation and crop spray mix water, for microbial contamination.
- No sewage water is used on Waterford Farm
What is the hazard? / Who or what might be harmed and how? / How is the harm likely to take place? / What is being done to manage this hazard? / When is management of the hazard necessary? / Who will manage the hazard? / Risk
Contaminated Waste Water /
- Surface water bodies
- Underground water
- soils
- downstream users
- flora & fauna
- Installation of waste water catch and evaporations tanks at wash bays
- Application of surplus spray mix onto designated orchards
Soil salinity and waterlogging
* See additional notes below /
- Soil,
- Environment,
- Crop & water resources (including underground water resources)
- Only qualified irrigation engineers are involved with planning & installation of irrigation systems
- Sound irrigation practices
- Scientific irrigation scheduling and application
Leaching of soil nutrients /
- Water bodies
- Soils
- Downstream users
- Flora & fauna
- Loss in production
- Only qualified irrigation engineers are involved with planning & installation of irrigation systems
- Sound irrigation practices
- Scientific irrigation scheduling and application
Production Manager / Low
Poorly maintained irrigation systems /
- Crop & water resources
- Continual monitoring
- Repair & maintenance of the system
Poor irrigation scheduling & timing /
- Crop & water resources
- Sound irrigation scheduling and application
Annual review completed by
Designation
Date
*additional notes
Environmental impacts from land and stream salinity include:
- Decline of natural vegetation and loss of habitat
- Loss of nesting sites and decline in bird populations
- Decline in wildlife fauna other than birds
- Reduced food for wildlife populations
- Increased soil and wind erosion
- Reduced wetland habitat and decline in fish and aquatic populations
- Reduced aesthetic value
- Reduced recreational and tourism values
- Reduced biodiversity in stream fauna, riparian vegetation and wetlands
- Increases in invasive plants and weeds
CB5.2.2 WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Number / Control Point / Compliance Criteria / Level / References
CB5.2.2 / Is there a water management plan available that identifies water sources and measures to ensure the efficiency of application and which management has approved within the previous 12 months? / There is a written and implemented action plan, approved by the management within the previous 12 months, which identifies water sources and measures to ensure efficient use and application.
The plan shall include one or more of the following: maps (see AF 1.1.1.), photographs, drawings (hand drawings are acceptable) or other means to identify the location of water source(s), permanent fixtures and the flow of the water system (including holding systems, reservoirs or any water captured for re-use).
Permanent fixtures, including wells, gates, reservoirs, valves, returns and other above-ground features that make up a complete irrigation system, shall be documented in such a manner as to enable location in the field. The plan shall also assess the need for the maintenance of irrigation equipment. Training and/or retraining of personnel responsible for the oversight or performance duties shall be provided. Short and long-term plans for improvement, with timescales where deficiencies exist, shall be included. This can either be an individual plan or a regional activity that the farm may be participating in or is covered by such activities. / Minor Must
(Will become Major Must as of 1 July 2017) /
- Attached: CB5.2.2 Water management plan.
- Attached: WF Water Source Map.
- Maps File: WF Water Source Map & WF Map Valve Locations.
- Legislation File: National Water Act 36 of 1998.
CB5.2.2WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN - IDENTIFICATION OF WATER SOURCES
Water Source / Usage
Illovo River / Main water source for the farm - irrigation water
Reservoir / Storage of water extracted from the Illovo river
Dams / Storage of irrigation water
Borehole / Potable and spray mix application
Continued/…
CB5.2.2WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN - IDENTIFICATION OF WATER SOURCESCB5.2.2WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN - IRRIGATION METHOD & WATER CONSERVATION
Avocado irrigation related facts:
- Avocados are native to the humid sub-tropical and tropical regions of central and northern South America where rainfall is abundant.
- In South Africa, avocados are grown in the summer rainfall region, and require supplementary irrigation during the dry winter months
- Avocado trees have a larger drip zone (under tree canopy) than most fruit trees, in order to cover this root zone,microjet irrigation is often the most efficient system for avocado irrigation.
- The efficiency of the irrigation system is important, growers should aim for 80% efficiency with high distribution uniformity, this is achievable with a well-designed microjet irrigation system.
- For optimal growth and yields avocado trees require approximately 1100 mm of water per annum.
- Most of the avocado roots grow in the top 20 centimetres of soil, and are under the canopy out to the drip line.
- The avocado tree does not search for water, therefore water needs to be provided to the trees at the right times.
- Moist soils are needed to support the large numbers of roots needed for healthy trees.
- The soil where the roots are located is prone to drying out.
- Avocado roots are sensitive to water logging and are prone to root rot.
- The microjet irrigation system used on the farm has been designed by qualified irrigation engineers.
- All micro jet emitters & spreaders used on the farm are suitable for the irrigation of avocado trees.
- All valve clusters are fitted with pressure regulators. Pressures are set at 1.8 bar (180 KPa) in order to optimise the system design output.
- Filter banks are used to ensure particle free water delivery to the emitters.
- Soil moisture probes are used in order to avoid over & under watering of trees.
- All pump houses are fitted with hour meters in order to monitor water usage.
- Mulching is used under tree canopies in order to conserve moisture.
- The irrigation system is continually checked for leaks, and water pressure is measured at the valve clusters on a regular basis.
- It can be easier to manage a microjet than a drip system, and management is not only associated with technical ability but also with time available.
- Irrigation headwork breakdowns and pipe breakages in drip systems that operate daily increases the risk of crop losses.
- Water savings are possible with drip but there is greater risk of over-irrigation and nutrient leaching.
- Microjets will maintain some growth of weeds and cover crops in the inter-row. This may offer a good environment for beneficial insects if appropriate species are grown in the inter-row.
- In some heavier soils, drip irrigation is more likely to cause structural decline and there is a risk of waterlogging.
- Microjets can provide some frost protection.
Continued/…
CB5.2.2 WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN - ALL FARMSFor avocado irrigation on all farms, optimal water efficiency means restricting losses due to poor irrigation system and equipment maintenance, evaporation, runoff or subsurface drainage while maximizing production:
- Only water that has been registered through the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry will be used on the farm for irrigation
- The microjet irrigation system used on the farm will be designed by qualified irrigation engineers.
- Copies of irrigation design information, maps and layouts will be kept in the farm office.
- Soil moisture probes, in combination with specific avocado crop correction factors will be used to determine how much water is needed to satisfy tree requirements.
- All irrigation scheduling must be recorded and saved for future reference.
- The microjet irrigation system used on the farm must have the ability to deliver water to plant roots with minimal loss.
- Filter banks will be used to ensure particle free water delivery to the emitters; this will assist in reducing down time and increase application efficiency.
- In order to maximize water penetration into the soil, compaction must be monitored and all efforts will be made to ensure that heavy equipment is kept away from root zones.
- Regular maintenance will be carried out on the the farm irrigation system.
- Irrigation pumps must fitted with variable speed drives in order to ensure efficient water volume delivery to the orchards.
- Irrigation staff will be instructed/ trained in irrigation maintenance and techniques used on the farm.
- Annual water testing for chemical, physical & microbial contamination will be carried out on the farm.
- The Illovo Water Users Association will be informed of any adverse test results regarding the Illovo River. The Illovo Water Users Association will investigate adverse test results, and are responsible for engaging at Government department level with regards water quality issues & remedial actions.
- Adverse water tests resulting from activities carried out on the farm will be investigated by Senior Management – Where necessary corrective/ remedial actions will be applied.
CB5.2.3 IRRIGATION RECORDS WATER USAGE
Number / Control Point / Compliance Criteria / Level / References
CB5.2.3 / Are records for crop irrigation/fertigation water usage and for the previous individual crop cycle/s with total application volumes maintained? / The producer shall keep records of the usage of crop irrigation/fertigation water that include the date, cycle duration, actual or estimated flow rate, and the volume (per water meter or per irrigation unit) updated on a monthly basis, based on the water management plan and an annual total. This can also be the hours of systems operating on a timed flow basis. / MINOR /
- Attached: CB5.2.3 Irrigation records water usage.
- Office P.C:AquaCheck Login.
- Office P.C: Dropbox WF Irrigation Records – Form 5.2.3a
CB5.2.3IRRIGATION RECORDS & WATER USAGE FOR ALL FARMS
- The farm makes use of the AquaChecksoftware program in conjunction with soil moisture probes, this enables recording of irrigation stand times and the quantity of irrigated water used.
- Irrigation cycles, stand times and rainfall is also recorded by irrigation staff on form CB5.2.3a: Irrigation Application Recording.