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Fresh Fruit Production, Carolyn Demoranville, Frank L. Caruso, Joseph Deverna

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Practices recommended for the preservation of environmental quality and effective management of the bog physical plant (e. g., water control structures, erosion control, pesticide storage and handling) are universally applicable regardless of whether a bed is producing fruit for processing or for the fresh market. However, certain practices require modification to effectively produce abundant, high quality cranberries for fresh fruit. This document should be used in conjunction with and in addition to the remainder of the Best Management Practices Guide, providing additional recommendations for the fresh fruit grower. This document was developed by the University of Massachusetts Cranberry Station and …

Composting Cranberry Leaves, Hilary A. Sandler

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Composting may offer a reasonable alternative to facilitate the management of these leaf piles. Composting hastens natural breakdown processes associated with biological materials. Farm-produced compost fits well as part of a more sustainable food production system. The organic matter produced from the composting process could be incorporated back into the cranberry production system, used in other agricultural settings, or marketed to the public as a soil amendment or mulch.

An Introduction To The Revised Guide, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Cranberries are grown on approximately 14,000 acres in Massachusetts and are an important horticultural commodity in the Southeastern region of the state. In addition, more than 60,000 acres of open space are associated with cranberry operations. This open space provides habitat to many plant and animal species as well as providing an aesthetic value. Open space associated with cranberry farms serves to protect and recharge watersheds. Cranberry farming also contributes to the economy and quality of life in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Harvest And Post-Harvest Management, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Cranberries are harvested by two basic methods, dry harvest and water harvest. The dry harvest fruit is destined primarily for the fresh market while the water harvested fruit is processed. Growers manage cranberry plantings to facilitate these harvest methods and fruit uses. Ideally, the fruit are harvested at full maturity with good color (anthocyanin content) but prior to the fruit becoming over-ripe. Timing of harvest is important for fresh-market fruit so that the berries are sufficiently red but retain good storage quality, while fruit for the process market ideally has maximum color. Cranberry marketing companies produce ‘no color added’ products, …

Chemigation, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler, Steve Ward

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

In addition to providing water to the cranberry vines, many cranberry growers use their irrigation system to deliver many of their pesticides and fertilizers. When an irrigation system is used to dispense chemicals, every effort should be made to maximize the performance of the system. Review the Irrigation, Mixing and Loading, Pesticide Application, and Pesticide Storage BMPs for additional information on pesticide use.

Frost Management, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Cranberries, like many other temperate crops, are sensitive to below-freezing temperatures during the active growing season. This sensitivity is an important factor in cranberry management. Cranberry bogs have traditionally been placed in lowland areas such as swamps and marshes, compounding frost concerns since the temperatures on cranberry bogs tend to be lower than those in surrounding lands. In recent years bogs have also been constructed in upland areas on mineral soils. However, all bogs are constructed with the planted area at a lower level than its adjacent surroundings. This arrangement contributes to the development of ‘frost pockets’ on the bogs. …

Flood Management, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

No abstract provided.

Managing Animal Damage, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler, David Nolte

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Certain wildlife species may cause damage to agricultural property at various times during the year. The Animal Damage Control (ADC) program, part of the Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS), recommends using integrated pest management (IPM) to reduce wildlife damage. Animal or varmint IPM may involve adjusting management practices, dispersing animals, and/or removing specific individuals. Residents of Massachusetts may wish to consult CMR 131:37, which details the exception to the game laws when property damage is occurring.

Erosion And Sediment Control, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary Sandler

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

No abstract provided.

Mineral Soil Bog Construction, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Regulatory restrictions on development of new cranberry bogs in wetlands have resulted in a limitation on the sites where bogs may be constructed. While renovation of existing wetland cranberry bogs is permitted, new acreage is restricted to non-traditional settings, typically uplands. In either setting, an ample supply of good quality fresh water, adequate drainage of the bogs, and the ability to hold a flood to cover the cranberry vines are essential to successful cranberry production.

In traditional wetland bogs, nutrients and pesticides are retained in the soil of the bog largely due to the high organic matter content of the …

Irrigation, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler, Bruce Lampinen

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

The water requirement of cranberries during the growing season can vary from 0.4 to over 1.5 inches per week. Because of this variability, it is essential to adjust water management practices based on soil moisture monitoring to avoid deficit or excess conditions. In periods of low rainfall and high demand, cranberries must be supplied with additional water through irrigation. During periods of high rainfall, adequate drainage must be supplied to avoid damaging anaerobic conditions in the root zone. In general, cranberries are irrigated by manipulation of the water table or through the use of low-gallonage sprinkler systems or some combination …

Renovating Producing Cranberry Acreage, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Over the course of time, conditions may arise on the bog (e.g., weed infestations, invasion by nonproductive mongrel vines, etc.) that may become severe enough to necessitate renovation of the bog. Renovation is a costly procedure in both time and money. Thoroughly consider the implementation of all other available remedial activities before initiating renovation of the bog. If positive outcomes are not obtained within a reasonable time frame, then consider renovation.

Pesticide Storage, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Pesticides should be stored in a secure storage building or area. The floor of the storage area should be made of treated concrete or other chemically-impervious material. Protective coatings are available that help prevent the corrosive actions of pesticides and fertilizers on concrete.

Consider the risk of environmental contamination when locating and securing pesticide storage areas.

Post signs that clearly indicate that you store pesticides in the building. See references at the end of this BMP.

Do not store pesticides with food, feed, seed, fertilizers or personal protection equipment (PPE).

Designate a specific area within the storage facility for each …

Pesticide Mixing And Loading, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Mixing and loading may be the most hazardous activities associated with normal pesticide use. Because of the concentrations and quantities of pesticides involved, accidental releases of pesticides at a mixing and loading site pose a high risk of ground and surface water contamination. Also, when you mix and load, you handle a pesticide in its most concentrated form and experience the greatest potential for exposure. To prevent pollution and safeguard human health, the mixing and loading of pesticide and the washing and rinsing of equipment should be conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible fashion.

Water Resource Protection And Enhancement, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Cranberry growers manage water on bogs to ensure sufficient moisture and adequate drainage for optimum plant growth. Water management practices on cranberry bogs differ from those used for other forms of agriculture because of the variety of ways that water is used in cranberry culture. Water is used for disease and insect control, frost and heat protection, sanding, harvesting, and protection from winter desiccation and cold injury. Because of the periodic need for sizable amounts of water, impoundment of water adjacent to the bogs is a normal farming practice in cranberry production. In addition to storage ponds and sumps, components …

Pesticide Application, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Pesticide use is typically recommended as part of an overall management plan for controlling pests that cause crop damage or loss. Pesticide applications in Massachusetts are generally made through chemigation systems, by aerial applications, or by ground rig. Be sure your application system complies with both state and federal laws. It is a violation of Federal law to introduce pesticides into an irrigation system through the suction side of the pump.

Pesticides that may be used during the course of a growing season include herbicides, insecticides, miticides, and fungicides. Pesticides should be used within the context of an integrated pest …

Water Control Structures, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Commercial cranberry management requires the ability to manipulate water during the course of the season. Activities that rely on diking systems and water control structures include flooding the beds, impounding water, manipulation of the water table in the bed, and drainage functions. Dikes are used to separate the cranberry beds into manageable units for flood harvest.

Sanding, Carolyn J. Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

No abstract provided.

Nitrogen Management In Cranberry Systems, Joan Davenport, Carolyn Demoranville

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

The single most important nutrient element in cranberry production is nitrogen. Nitrogen is required by cranberry plants for the production of vegetation (new leaves and stems), roots, and fruit (crop). Cranberry plants get nitrogen from the soil, from water (very little), or from added fertilizers.

Approximately 95% of the nitrogen in a given soil that becomes 'plant-available' in a single growing season comes from the decomposition of soil organic matter. Cranberries are grown in either organic soils modified by surface application of sand or in mineral soils. Average organic matter in the surface horizon of Massachusetts cranberry soils is less …

Disease Management, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler, Tom Bicki

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Cranberries are grown on approximately 14,000 acres in Massachusetts and are an important horticultural commodity in the Southeastern region of the state. In addition, more than 60,000 acres of open space are associated with cranberry operations. This open space provides habitat to many plant and animal species as well as providing an aesthetic value. Open space associated with cranberry farms serves to protect and recharge watersheds. Cranberry farming also contributes to the economy and quality of life in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Preventing And Responding To A Fuel Or Oil Spill, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler, Tom Bicki

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

The best way to reduce the possibility of a fuel or oil spill is to take preventative steps to minimize the chance that a spill will occur. Preventative steps include: (1) use of food grade oil; (2) proper storage and handling of fuel and oils and; (3) regular maintenance and inspection of equipment. In spite of taking these steps to minimize spills, accidents do occur.

Even though most spills tend to happen during harvest, you should be prepared to handle a fuel or oil spill at any time during the year. Should an accidental spill occur, be prepared to respond …

Neighbor To Neighbor Relations, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler, Tom Bicki

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

U. S. Census data indicate that people are leaving the urban population centers for suburban and rural areas. People may move to rural areas with an expectation that their new home will be located in a quiet, peaceful, rustic, and isolated setting. The consequence of this population migration is that more and more people, with little or no understanding of cranberry production, are moving into homes in close proximity to cranberry bogs. Late evening or early morning bog inspections and frost protecting, as well as helicopter activity, can be quite disconcerting to your neighbors. The management practices outlined below can …

Insect Management, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler, Tom Bicki

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Minimizing damage to the plants and crop by insect pests is one of the most important challenges in cranberry production. Failure to manage pest insects properly can result in severe crop loss, vine damage, or in extreme cases, the death of large areas of the bog. The most effective insect management strategy is an integrated approach using scouting techniques to monitor insect populations. Cultural, biological, or chemical control measures are applied only when the pest pressure (insect population) reaches an action threshold. The action or economic threshold is the ‘break even’ point where damage by a certain pest population begins …

Nutrient Management, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler, Tom Bicki

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Nutrient elements are required by cranberry plants for the production of vegetation (new leaves and stems), roots, and fruit (crop). Cranberry plants get these nutrients from the soil, from water, or from fertilizers added to the bog. While cranberries require the same nutrients as other plants, they are unique in that the amounts required are much smaller than for most crop plants. The reason for this is that cranberries have adapted through evolution for growth on acid, sandy soils. These soils have little nutrient content, and the plants in the family Ericaceae such as cranberries and blueberries that evolved on …

Phosphorus Management In Cranberry Systems, Joan Davenport, Carolyn Demoranville

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

Research in WI has shown that cranberries require additions of phosphorus fertilizer for sustained productivity. However, trying to determine the right amount of phosphorus to add and when to add it is very difficult - one of the few aspects of crop management where cranberries have something in common with other crops. What makes the situation extra hard in cranberries is that programs of soil and tissue testing often give conflicting information - it is not uncommon to see soil test values of phosphorus in or above the normal range (20-80 ppm Bray P) and tissue phosphorus contents either at …

Integrated Pest Management, Carolyn J. Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler, Tom Bicki

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

No abstract provided.

Weed Management, Carolyn Demoranville, Hilary A. Sandler, Tom Bicki

Cranberry Station Best Management Practices Guide - 2000 Edition

In order to select the best management practices for weed management, it is important to understand how weeds grow, how they affect cranberry yields, how weeds are affected by environmental factors, and how the various herbicides work. Often, using several strategies in an integrated program may produce better weed management than any single control measure alone.