Identifying Non-Profitable Blocks
Brad Ashlin at Calthorpe orchard in Tasmania knew some apple trees were taking up valuable space. He targeted these "passenger blocks" for removal. The question was: what varieties would be more profitable? Jazz™, Royal Gala, and Envy™ were chosen for their high yield potential and market value. This strategy paid off, with top performers producing 104 tonnes per hectare by the fourth leaf.
Replacing trees wasn't cheap. Brad had to balance costs while ensuring success. He opted for spindle systems with 3,300 trees per hectare to create uniform canopies.
In Western Australia, Newton Brothers Orchards faced similar challenges. In 2008, Paul Good realized their yields were only 35-40 tonnes per hectare instead of the expected 50. He implemented changes in 2009, revising pruning techniques and increasing tree density. By 2013, they averaged 58 tonnes per hectare. Drip irrigation proved crucial, delivering nutrients directly to the roots and boosting canopy growth.
Practical Steps for Orchard Success:
- Careful block-by-block analysis
- Setting clear KPIs
- Pre-plant soil tests
- Customized nutrient mixes
- Investing in water and nutrient management tools
- Strategic nitrogen applications for young trees
- Bud counting during winter pruning
These data-driven decisions, high-value varieties, and effective resource management set a blueprint for orchard success.
Optimizing Young Tree Growth
At Top Qual's Calthorpe orchard, Brad Ashlin knew young tree performance was crucial. Every step was carefully planned to boost sapling growth.
Key Strategies:
- Thorough soil preparation
- Soil tests to determine exact needs
- Capital fertilizers worked into soil
- Fumigation to create pest-free environment
- Focused nutrition management
- Nitrogen delivered via fertigation in autumn and growing season
- Goal: rapid canopy development
- Robust tree support structures
- Six wires spaced every 500mm
- Precision irrigation
- Guided by G Dot, T Bugs, and tensiometers
- Real-time data for optimal water use
- Detailed data collection
- Weekly records of moisture levels, shoot growth, and fruit growth
These rigorous standards helped Jazz blocks at Calthorpe achieve productivity levels surpassing industry averages, with steady year-on-year growth.
Implementing Advanced Irrigation and Fertigation Systems
Drip irrigation has revolutionized orchard watering techniques. Unlike inefficient micro sprinklers, drip systems deliver water and nutrients directly to tree roots, minimizing waste and maximizing absorption.
Newton Brothers Orchards embraced this technology, replacing micro sprinklers with drip systems. The results were impressive, leading to enhanced canopy growth and higher productivity.
Fertigation takes this a step further, blending fertilization with irrigation. Nutrients are dissolved in water and delivered straight to the roots during watering. Paul Good at Newton Brothers partnered with the WA Department of Agriculture for a fertigation monitoring trial on Kanzi and Fuji blocks, ensuring optimal nutrient delivery and minimizing leaching.
Economic Benefits of Advanced Irrigation:
- Reduced resource waste
- Lower costs
- Higher yields
- Improved fruit quality
Newton Brothers surpassed their 50 t/ha target, reaching 58 t/ha in 2013, largely due to these smarter irrigation and fertigation systems.
Setting Strategic Goals and Monitoring Progress
Successful orchard management requires clear goals and consistent monitoring. Here's how to approach it:
- Set ambitious yet achievable productivity targets
- Use tools like SWOT analysis and value analyzers
- Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Conduct regular progress reviews
- Involve the entire team in planning and execution
- Use scorecards to rate annual performance
- Align short-term actions with long-term strategies
John Lyman III's approach at Lyman Orchards demonstrates the power of strategic planning. Their 1,100 acres transformed into a thriving mix of fruit production, retail, and events.
"Remember, strategic planning is an ongoing process. Regular check-ins and adjustments keep you on track."
By focusing on the big picture and using precise performance metrics, you can guide your orchard towards the sweet success you envisioned.
- Robinson T, Hoying S, Fargione M. The evolution towards more competitive apple orchard systems in New York. New York Fruit Quarterly. 2007;15(1):3-7.
- Bravin E, Kilchenmann A, Leumann M. Economic evaluation of apple production systems. Acta Hortic. 2009;824:247-252.
- Fallahi E, Fallahi B, Neilsen GH, et al. Efficient irrigation for optimum fruit quality and yield in apples. HortScience. 2010;45(11):1616-1625.