Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
mental N, and the implementation of any practices aimed to enhance soil water
penetration, build soil organic matter and minimise soil erosion.
3.7 USDA National Organic Program
The National Organic Program (NOP)
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is a regulatory program housed
within the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS). The intent of
the NOP is to assure consumers that products bearing the USDA Organic seal
have been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural,
biological and mechanical practices designed to promote resource cycling and
ecological balance and conserve biodiversity. The USDA accredits certifying
agents who are responsible for ensuring that certified farm and processing
facilities produce products that meet or exceed all organic standards. Certified
farms and processors are allowed to represent their products as organic.
Two sections of the organic standard address soil parameters: the Soil
Fertility and Crop Nutrient Management Practice Standard and the Crop
Rotation Practice Standard. The Soil Fertility and Crop Nutrient
Management Practice Standard
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requires producers to (1) implement tillage
and cultivation practices that improve the physical, chemical and biological
condition of soil and minimise soil erosion; (2) manage crop nutrients and soil
fertility through rotations, cover crops and the application of approved plant
and animal materials; and (3) maintain or improve soil organic matter content
in a manner that does not contribute to contamination of crops, soil or water.
Additionally, producers are prohibited from using biosolids and any fertilisers
or composted materials that contain synthetic substances not included on the
allowed materials list. Under the Crop Rotation Practice Standard,
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producers are required to implement a crop rotation regime that maintains
or improves soil organic matter content, manages deficient or excess plant
nutrients and provides erosion control.
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3.8 Central Coast Vineyard Sustainability in Practice
Certification Program
The Sustainability in Practice Certification Program (SIP)
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was developed by
the Central Coast Vineyard Team to promote environmentally safe and
economically sustainable farming methods among California winegrape
growers. The SIP certification standards contain both required practices and
management enhancements across ten sustainability areas, including
Conservation and Enhancement of Biodiversity, Vineyard Establishment and
Management, Soil Conservation and Water Quality, Water Conservation,
Energy Conservation and Efficiency, Air Quality, Social Equity, Pest
Management, Continuing Education, and Product Assurance and Business
Sustainability. In addition, growers must develop a farm plan in order to
qualify for certification.
