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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.

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.

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 …