Working with Blueberry Growers to Improve Environmental Impact

In the 2019-20 year North Coast Local Land Services was involved in two partnership projects aimed at reducing negative environmental impacts on Blueberry farms, mainly in the Coffs Harbour and Clarence Valley Local Government Areas. Sites ranged from Corindi to Bucca.

The NSW Catchment Action program provided Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare with $83,000 in grant funding to implement on-ground works projects to prevent soil erosion and improve water quality. Seven farmers worked with the Landcare group to:

  • Build rock mattresses and rock chutes to repair eroded gullies
  • Shorten rows on steep slopes and install buffer strips to prevent soil erosion
  • Control weeds and plant natives to create buffer zones in waterways
  • Do bush regeneration in riparian areas
  • Apply compost and seeding in areas with poor groundcover
  • Remove rubbish dumped by landholders
  • Install erosion control points on access roads
  • Create soil and water management plans for three new landholders
  • Use LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to map farms to assist with future management

North Coast Local Land Services also worked with Blueberry growers on similar works as part of the Clean Coastal Catchments projects. These form part of the larger federally funded Marine Estate Management Project.

Twelve growers also took part in a modified Hort360 farm management assessment. These assessments highlight areas that may need improvement in water, irrigation, soil and nutrient management and chemical management.

Hort360 is a computer-based, risk assessment tool, which is designed to give farmers a 360 degree view of their business operations. The Hort360 program is a pathway towards growers gaining an Environmental Management System Certification.

These assessments resulted in several growers seeking help from DPI to audit their irrigation systems. The audit gave growers a list of actions to take to fix their irrigation systems and management.

Five farmers also identified ways to improve the management of water and nutrients to prevent pollution of nearby waterways. Farmers received $41,000 in grants to carry out improvement works. Recipients were required to contribute financial or in-kind contributions to match grant funds.

Works included the:

  • Modification of irrigation lines to improve irrigation performance and reduce overwatering
  • Installation of a waste nutrient capture and re-use system for hydroponic berries
  • Installation of a drain tray irrigation monitoring system to reduce excess water use in a hydroponic berry system
  • Installation of new pumps and automated irrigation and dosing controllers to improve efficiency in irrigation and nutrient use.

The new resource - Erosion and sediment control for blueberry growers: A best management practice guide has just been completed. To get a copy contact  Julie Dart julie.dart@lls.nsw.gov.au Senior Land Service Officer (Agricultural Advice).

Before and after