Site selection is important. Slopes to the north east are preferred for maximum sunlight, warmth, and protection from wind. Slopes are prone to erosion and need to be farmed with care. To prevent soil erosion and the silting of waterways, do not grow vegetables on slopes greater than seven degrees (7°).
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Buffer Zones
Buffer zones are areas of vegetated land need to be established or left in place to protect sensitive environmental areas and provide a habitat/sanctuary for wildlife. They should be located between the area of farm activity and any areas of possible water quality impairment or contamination. Water environs or features to be protected are:
Riparian areas include flood plains, adjacent to rivers and streams and other watercourses.
Wetlands (the areas of land that are either temporarily or permanently covered with shallow water, and which play a crucial role in nutrient recycling). Wetlands have a high ecological productivity and should not be drained, filled or used as storages.
Drainage lines. Care for your creek. Leave a strip of uncleared native vegetation between the top of the bank and your farming activities for at least 20 m for small streams and 50–100 m for rivers like the Hawkesbury–Nepean. This buffer zone will intercept and filter farm chemical and nutrient run-off.
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Soil types
Soil types need to be suitable for the crop being grown. The better soil types are deep, well-drained sands, sandy loams and loams. Heavy clays are much less suitable as they drain poorly and waterlog easily. If in doubt have a physical test of the soil type.
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Groundwater contamination
Check for groundwater contamination. Any contamination of the groundwater by pollutants can affect your farm business operations. Although well-drained soils are preferred for growing vegetables, there is a greater risk that pesticides, herbicides and fertilizer can leach through them and contaminate groundwater resources.
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Windbreaks
Wind protection and screening of the whole farm and of individual large paddocks is recommended. Screening of the property, especially with trees, prevents many complaints about farm activities. Windbreaks also prevent drift and movement of sprays, dust, pests, and noise to adjoining areas.
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Soil management
You need to plan your soil management strategies. It is important to provide good drainage and install grassed drainage/ waterways in conjunction with fields designed to prevent erosion from irrigation and heavy rain. To prevent soil erosion on a 3° slope on Hawkesbury sandstone derived soils (sandy clay loam), you will need contour banks at intervals of 50 m. The Soil and Vegetation Management Directorate of DLWC offers expert advice in this area.
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Water management
Water management strategies require pre-cropping assessment. Water supplies must be able to meet the needs of crops in periods of drought when water demand is the highest. Inadequately designed water supplies will limit crop production and profitability. Water quality is also important. Poor water quality reduces the growth and yield of crops. Using poor quality water can damage both the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Avoid high-volume sprinkler and flood irrigation in areas of high soil and/or water salinity or where the water table is rising. In such situations use low volume mini sprinklers or drip irrigation and irrigate at night.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
DESIRABLE LAYOUT OF VEGETABLE FARM
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Site Selection
Site selection is important. Slopes to the north east are preferred for maximum sunlight, warmth, and protection from wind. Slopes are prone to erosion and need to be farmed with care. To prevent soil erosion and the silting of waterways, do not grow vegetables on slopes greater than seven degrees (7°).
Picture
Buffer Zones
Buffer zones are areas of vegetated land need to be established or left in place to protect sensitive environmental areas and provide a habitat/sanctuary for wildlife. They should be located between the area of farm activity and any areas of possible water quality impairment or contamination. Water environs or features to be protected are:
Riparian areas include flood plains, adjacent to rivers and streams and other watercourses.
Wetlands (the areas of land that are either temporarily or permanently covered with shallow water, and which play a crucial role in nutrient recycling). Wetlands have a high ecological productivity and should not be drained, filled or used as storages.
Drainage lines. Care for your creek. Leave a strip of uncleared native vegetation between the top of the bank and your farming activities for at least 20 m for small streams and 50–100 m for rivers like the Hawkesbury–Nepean. This buffer zone will intercept and filter farm chemical and nutrient run-off.
Picture
Soil types
Soil types need to be suitable for the crop being grown. The better soil types are deep, well-drained sands, sandy loams and loams. Heavy clays are much less suitable as they drain poorly and waterlog easily. If in doubt have a physical test of the soil type.
Picture
Groundwater contamination
Check for groundwater contamination. Any contamination of the groundwater by pollutants can affect your farm business operations. Although well-drained soils are preferred for growing vegetables, there is a greater risk that pesticides, herbicides and fertilizer can leach through them and contaminate groundwater resources.
Picture
Windbreaks
Wind protection and screening of the whole farm and of individual large paddocks is recommended. Screening of the property, especially with trees, prevents many complaints about farm activities. Windbreaks also prevent drift and movement of sprays, dust, pests, and noise to adjoining areas.
Picture
Soil management
You need to plan your soil management strategies. It is important to provide good drainage and install grassed drainage/ waterways in conjunction with fields designed to prevent erosion from irrigation and heavy rain. To prevent soil erosion on a 3° slope on Hawkesbury sandstone derived soils (sandy clay loam), you will need contour banks at intervals of 50 m. The Soil and Vegetation Management Directorate of DLWC offers expert advice in this area.
Picture
Water management
Water management strategies require pre-cropping assessment. Water supplies must be able to meet the needs of crops in periods of drought when water demand is the highest. Inadequately designed water supplies will limit crop production and profitability. Water quality is also important. Poor water quality reduces the growth and yield of crops. Using poor quality water can damage both the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Avoid high-volume sprinkler and flood irrigation in areas of high soil and/or water salinity or where the water table is rising. In such situations use low volume mini sprinklers or drip irrigation and irrigate at night.
Explanation: