The Open-Tatura Ground-Level Production System is one of the most efficient orchard systems that can be managed from the ground.
It invites the reader to look at an affordable high density planting of fruit trees like a vineyard.
Since sunlight is the energy that drives the production of fruit, the first chapter explains why the Open-Tatura Ground-Level Production System is built on and designed to effectively ‘harvest’ this source of energy.
Tree design is the next chapter and includes how to go about building a simple tree structure without branches that results in a high canopy surface (cropping) area, and the reasons for it.
The emphasis on Ground-level is supported by the ‘cost of height’ in the next chapter, which is followed by trellis construction, type of nursery tree to plant and tree training.
To help you get the best out of your trees, a chapter is devoted to precision crop load management which deals with orchard practices such as pruning and thinning, and is based on a good understanding of seasonal growth cycles.
Often overlooked in orchard management is the importance of the root system in a densely planted orchard. It is discussed in great detail in the next chapter.
Since the Open-Tatura Ground-Level Production System is a totally integrated orchard system, a chapter is devoted to soil and soil health.
It covers soil structure and the chemical and biological activities taking place in the surface soil; and includes the use of mulches and composts to increase soil organic matter.
Much of ‘doing it from the ground’ is focused on maximising labour efficiency and making orchard work attractive to seasonal workers, and not on investing in expensive machinery, including futuristic robotics, to replace workers.
A part of the integrated orchard system is water use efficiency and its management to control tree vigour and increase precocity. This chapter is followed by one on fertigation.
It is important to realise that once fruit has been harvested, trees prepare for next year’s crop—so post-harvest management is discussed in that chapter.
To minimise environmental risks such as hail, strong wind and sunburn from adversely affecting the high investment made in establishing an Open-Tatura Ground-Level Production System, a chapter is devoted to netting.
Finally, when you’ve digested the 220+ pages of information and enriched your knowledge, this manual asks if you can NOT afford to invest in an Open-Tatura Ground-Level Production System.
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See this article in Tree Fruit Feb 2023
