The following checklist provides a basis for self-assessing potential runoff in greenhouse and nursery sites, as well a checklist of management goals (MGs) and management practices (MPs) that can be used for mitigation. Please fill out this questionnaire as completely as possible. The first section concerns general information regarding your operation. The nature of your operation and the types of crops that you grow can dictate some of the problems you may face in controlling runoff and leaching from your property. The rest of the questionnaire is the checklist, which is divided into sections based on management goals and the related management practices. If you do not understand a management practice question or require further information to complete the questionnaire, review the explanatory narratives provided under the corresponding management goal. If a question is not applicable to your operation, check the “NA” box. However, please consider carefully before checking “NA” because some practices are always applicable to nursery operations. For example, unless there are nurseries with no pest problems, the management practice of monitoring crops for pests would always be applicable. Answering “no” to any question indicates a management practice that you may need to consider. Answering “no” does not necessarily suggest that nonpoint source pollution is occurring or imply a violation of water quality. However, you may be able to further reduce potential runoff and groundwater contamination by implementing this management practice in the future. This checklist was designed to be applicable for a wide variety of operations and crops including container nurseries, field soil nurseries, and greenhouse operations, and to cover runoff issues across locations and climates. When considering the implementation of additional management practices, always consider local and crop-specific recommendations. Your participation is appreciated and important for documenting the positive practices adopted by the industry. Contact your local cooperative extension office for more information on good management practices.

Julie Newman, Floriculture and Nursery Crops Advisor

University of California Cooperative Extension 669 County Square Drive Ste 100, Ventura, CA 93003-5401

Phone: 805/645-1459 Email: jpnewman@ucdavis.edu

Checklist for Assessing and Mitigating Runoff in

Greenhouses and Nurseries NNNurseries

2

GENERAL OPERATION

Larger operations that use greater volumes of water may have a higher potential to create runoff. Operations that do not use all the property space for production may have more options for managing runoff such as reuse on landscaped areas or construction of collection ponds. Nonproduction areas must also be managed to avoid contributing contaminants to runoff or creating runoff. Plant type may affect runoff potential based on moisture and leaching requirements. The amount or type of required chemical inputs for specific plants, such as fertilizers and pesticides, can affect contaminants that may be found in runoff. Indoor greenhouse operations may have different runoff issues than do outdoor nursery or shadehouse operations. Greenhouses must assess roof runoff management and the use of shading compounds; outdoor nurseries may need to assess soil erosion. Container operations may have different runoff issues than do in-ground operations, depending on various factors such as irrigation frequency, irrigation efficiency, and soil/media properties. For example, a container nursery may have a higher surface water runoff potential, whereas a nursery with in-ground production may have a higher subsurface leaching potential. Sediment from erosion may be the main source of pesticide runoff in an in-ground operation, and spilled potting soil may be the main source in a container nursery. Permeable surfaces are less prone to runoff, though groundwater infiltration may be a problem. Many ditches and drainage structures are part of a storm water system and may drain to water bodies. A higher potential to contaminate water bodies exists when a growing operation is located adjacent to streams, lakes, naturally occurring or constructed wetlands, or other waterways. In addition, an operation’s runoff may be subject to greater scrutiny by regulators if it flows directly into impaired waters.

DATE:

___________________________

NURSERY LOCATION (State, County):

______________________________

Circle acres (ac) or square-feet (ft2) below:

1. How large is the area in production? 1. _____ ac/ft2 total production

1. 2. How large is the entire operation? 2._____ ac/ft2 total property

3. What types of plants are produced and how large is the area in production for each type?

3._____ ac/ft2 cut flowers

_____ ac/ft2 potted plants for indoor use

_____ ac/ft2 bedding plants and other annuals

_____ ac/ft2 woody ornamentals

_____ac/ft2 herbaceous perennials, ornamental grasses

_____ac/ft2

propagation (e.g., flower seeds, cuttings, plugs, tissue cultured material for use by other growers)

4. What types of indoor or outdoor operations are there and how large are they?

4.

_____ ac/ft2 greenhouse

_____ ac/ft2 shade house or hoop house most or all of the year

_____ ac/ft2 uncovered but overwintered in house

_____ ac/ft2 uncovered year-round

3

5. What types of container or in-ground operations are there and how large are they?

5.

_____ac/ft2 container

_____ac/ft2 pot-in-pot

_____ac/ft2 field-grown and dug

_____ac/ft2 field-grown and cut

_____ac/ft2 hydroponic

6. What types of floor surfaces are used in indoor production? (Check all that apply.)

Indoor floor surfaces:

6. cement

plastic

weed cloth

bare soil

gravel, shells, mulch, pervious concrete or other

permeable paving

other _____________________

N/A (no indoor production areas)

7. What types of floor surfaces are used in outdoor production? (Check all that apply.)

Outdoor floor surfaces:

7. cement

plastic

weed cloth

bare soil

gravel, shells, mulch, pervious concrete or other

permeable paving

other _____________________

N/A (no outdoor production areas)

4

8. What types of irrigation systems are used? Estimate the percentage of each type.

8.

____ % low volume (drip stake, drip tape, other microirrigation)

____ % hand water

____ % capillary (ebb-and-flow, flooded floor, or capillary mat)

____% overhead (sprinkler, boom, water cannon, center pivot, traveling gun)

9. Estimate the percentage of total production acreage on a water recycling system or systems (if any).

9. ___________% recycled

10. Does your operation drain into open surface water or any engineered or constructed drainage or flood control systems?

10. Yes

No

11. If yes, indicate the types of water bodies and drainage systems your property drains into.

11. creek or river

wetland

pond

drainage ditch or storm drain

constructed wetland

impoundment (basin)

other___________________________

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A. IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT GOALS AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Management Goal A.1: Design or retrofit your irrigation system for improved irrigation uniformity and efficiency to reduce runoff and leaching.

Irrigation system performance can be measured by irrigation efficiency (how much of the applied water is used by plants) and uniformity (the capability of an irrigation system to evenly deliver water). Determining irrigation uniformity is an important step in limiting runoff and groundwater contamination. A system with low uniformity will typically overwater some plants to provide adequate water to other plants. Irrigation system audits can be done by the nursery operator, but it is often easier to have it done by professionals. Discharge from sprinkler heads or microirrigation devices should be collected to quantify irrigation uniformity and rate and diagnose problems of clogging. Pressure measurements should be taken at key locations in pipelines and tubings to characterize the system pressure distribution. Pressure typically controls the discharge rate so maintaining appropriate system pressure increases the overall irrigation uniformity. Operational conditions of the irrigation components such as valves, gauges, and filters should also be noted. Based on irrigation audits, irrigation systems can be retrofitted for improved performance. Some overhead systems (including impact sprinklers, traveling gun, and water cannons) are more prone to creating runoff due to high susceptibility to wind and evaporation losses. If necessary, other irrigation methods should be implemented to more efficiently deliver water such as booms, drip, or subsurface systems. To maintain uniform pressure in drip irrigation systems, use emitters that minimize pressure differences or use pressure compensating emitters; in overhead systems, flow control nozzles can be used when pressure is too high or variable. Runoff will be greater and occur more quickly on sloping ground. When growing on slopes, design your system to compensate for pressure differences at the top and bottom of the slope. Emitters with different flow rates should not be combined in the same watering zone to maintain good uniformity. Emitter flow rates must be correlated with plant types and container size as flow rates that are too high will apply water faster than plants can absorb and runoff will result. Use appropriate and uniform nozzle sizes; use sprinkler heads with a high uniformity rating and space them appropriately for optimal distribution uniformity.

A.1.1. Do you conduct in-house irrigation audits or use professional services to determine the uniformity and efficiency of the system and make appropriate adjustments based on these audits?

Yes No NA

A.1.2. If irrigation uniformity remains low after all practical improvements have been made, have you considered converting to an irrigation system with the potential of high uniformity?

Yes No NA

A.1.3. Do you use pressure regulators where appropriate? Yes No NA

A.1.4. Do you use emitters that minimize pressure differences or pressure compensating emitters?

Yes No NA

A.1.5. When using overhead or impact systems, do you use flow control nozzles when pressure is too high or variable?

Yes No NA

A.1.6. When growing on slopes, do you compensate for pressure differences at the top and bottom of the slope by running the main line vertical to the slope with pressure controllers at each horizontal line junction, and running each subline horizontal to the slope, including a pressure control valve?

Yes No NA

A.1.7. Do you ensure that each watering zone has spray stake or emitters with similar flow rates and avoid combining emitters with different flow rates in the same watering zone?

Yes No NA

A.1.8. Do you correlate emitter flow rates for spray stakes and drippers with plant types, media infiltration rates, and pot sizes in each watering zone?

Yes No NA

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A.1.9. Do you use appropriate and uniform nozzle sizes? Yes No NA

A.1.10. Do you use sprinkler heads with a high uniformity rating? Yes No NA

A.1.11. Do you use appropriate sprinkler spacing to assure proper overlap to attain optimal distribution uniformity?

Yes No NA

Management Goal A.2: Regularly maintain your irrigation system so that it continues to operate efficiently.

Regular system maintenance includes inspecting and repairing all leaks and replacing worn, outdated, or inefficient irrigation system components and equipment. It also includes flushing and unclogging lines, emitters, and sprinkler heads and regularly cleaning filters. Even if you only hand water, you should regularly inspect for hose leaks and crimps and regularly clean nozzle filters. Keep maintenance records and maintain a regular audit schedule.

A.2.1. Do you regularly inspect for leaks in mains and laterals, in irrigation connections, in hoses, or at the ends of drip tape and feeder lines and repair any found leaks?

Yes No NA

A.2.2. Do you regularly flush and unclog lines and emitters, keeping them free of mineral deposits and biological contaminants such as algae and bacterial slimes?

Yes No NA

A.2.3. Do you ensure that appropriate filtration is used and regularly clean filters? Yes No NA

A.2.4. Do you maintain appropriate pressure throughout the system? Yes No NA

A.2.5. Do you regularly replace worn, outdated, or inefficient irrigation system components and equipment?

Yes No NA

A.2.6. Do you keep maintenance records and update them regularly? Yes No NA

A.2.7. Do you have a schedule for regular audits? Yes No NA

Management Goal A.3: Regularly manage crops, crop areas, and irrigation systems to avoid applying water to noncropped areas or applying irrigation when not needed.

Good irrigation requires applying the correct amount of water to just the locations desired. To reduce runoff when using overhead irrigation, containers should be placed as closely as possible without reducing plant quality due to reduced light. With drip systems, each emitter should be located in a pot to prevent runoff. When containers are moved, such as during harvesting operations or in retail areas, plants should be consolidated and the irrigation should be shut off in unused portions to avoid creating water zones from emitters located outside of the pots. Some emitters such as spray stakes can be "turned off" when not in use. Overhead emitters with check-valves can prevent line drainage and drip damage. The cumulative effect of many emitters creating small individual amounts of runoff can result in large overall runoff volumes. Spray patterns should be checked to ensure water is being applied only to plants, and not to walkways or roads. Hand watering should be performed carefully to avoid overwatering and creating runoff in between pots and on walkways; using an on/off mechanism will help keep water in the pots and prevent watering areas between pots.

A.3.1. When spacing plants in areas irrigated with overhead or impact systems, do you regularly place plants as closely together as possible to avoid applying water to noncropped areas?

Yes No NA

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A.3.2. Do you manage spray stake and dripper systems to ensure that every emitter is located in a plant or pot?

Yes No NA

A.3.3. Do you manage harvest operations and retail areas to avoid emitters located outside of pots?

Yes No NA

A.3.4. Do you consolidate plants and shut off irrigation in unused portions, including spray stakes and other emitters that can be “turned off” when not in use?

Yes No NA

A.3.5. Do you use overhead emitters with check valves to prevent line drainage and drip damage?

Yes No NA

A.3.6. Do you use an on/off valve in hand-watering systems to prevent runoff? Yes No NA

A.3.7. Do you check regularly to ensure that spray patterns of overhead irrigation systems uniformly deliver water only to plants, without creating overspray in walkways and edges?

Yes No NA

Management Goal A.4: Use appropriate irrigation rates and scheduling.

Irrigation scheduling should ideally be based and adjusted on environmental conditions and plant moisture requirements. Methods include measuring plant water use by weighing plant containers; estimating evapotranspiration (amount of water loss in a given surface area) using evaporation pans, atmometers, or automated weather stations; and direct measurement of soil moisture in the root-zone of a crop using moisture-sensing instruments such as tensiometers. By using multiple sensors to make decisions, irrigation can be set based on time, sunlight intensity or calculations that predict how quickly plants are drying based on changes in humidity and temperature. Plant types or container sizes with similar moisture requirements should be grouped into watering zones as much as possible to avoid overwatering some plants to provide adequate moisture to others. When using overhead irrigation systems, avoid irrigating outdoors in windy conditions that can lead to significant loss of distribution uniformity. Pulse irrigation is the practice of splitting irrigations into smaller increments (e.g., five-minute continuous irrigation changed to applying two, two-minute pulse applications). The goal is to reduce the amount of water applied by irrigating in smaller increments that can be more effectively used by the plants, rather than one larger increment that produces excessive leach rates and runoff. Automatic timers can assist in implementing more complicated irrigation schedules such as pulsing and avoid operator errors associated with manual systems. However, timers must be checked for accuracy and managed to correlate schedules with changing environmental conditions and plant growth stage; irrigation that operates during unsupervised off-hours should be routinely checked.

A.4.1. Do you base irrigation scheduling and amount on environmental conditions and plant moisture needs?

Yes No NA

A.4.2. Do you regularly adjust irrigation schedules to reflect changes in weather, plant needs, or measured soil moisture values?

Yes No NA

A.4.3. Do you group pot sizes or plant types in watering zones according to moisture requirements?

Yes No NA

A.4.4. Do you avoid irrigating outdoors in windy conditions unless using drip? Yes No NA

A.4.5. Do you use pulse irrigation to split irrigation into smaller increments that can more effectively be used by plants?

Yes No NA

A.4.6. When automatic timers are used, do you check regularly for accuracy and adjust to correlate scheduling with changing environmental conditions and plant growth stage?

Yes No NA

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Management Goal A.5: Provide appropriate training for personnel involved in irrigating in a language that personnel clearly understand, and maintain records documenting training.

Provide appropriate employee training in irrigation management in a language that employees clearly understand. Training should include irrigation scheduling, application practices, system evaluation and maintenance, and runoff management. Assign irrigation duties only to trained employees who will carefully monitor plant moisture requirements. Establish and maintain records of personnel training provided.

A.5.1. Do you provide training to ensure that irrigation duties are performed only by personnel who understand and practice appropriate irrigation scheduling, irrigation application practices, and crop management practices related to runoff management?

Yes No NA

A.5.2. Do you ensure that appropriate personnel are trained in proper irrigation system maintenance procedures and recordkeeping?

Yes No NA

A.5.3. If in-house irrigation audits are performed, do you ensure that personnel are trained to evaluate irrigation systems correctly and regularly?

Yes No NA

A.5.4. Do you keep records of employee training and maintain them for at least 5 years? Yes No NA

B. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT GOALS AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Management Goal B.1: Evaluate irrigation water, soils, growing media, and plant tissue to optimize plant growth and avoid overfertilization.

Fertilizer application is essential to commercial floriculture and nursery production, but it also can be an environmental issue. Inefficient fertilizer use can be a significant source of nitrogen and phosphorus that can harm water quality. It is important for growers to understand and implement practices that minimize the loading of these nutrients into surface waters and groundwater. A water quality management program begins with knowing what is in your irrigation water before it is applied. In addition to monitoring the pH and salinity hazard of irrigation water, growers should have water tested for other constituents that become toxic to plants if they accumulate, such as boron. Regularly testing irrigation water quality maintains good plant health and avoids problems associated with poor water quality. Furthermore, if well water is used on-site for human consumption, well water should be regularly tested for contamination from fertilizers. Simple testing equipment can be used to test parameters such as EC, pH, and nitrate-nitrogen. Nutrients already present in the irrigation water should be considered in fertilizer management: irrigation water can be a significant source of calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. In addition, some water sources contain enough nitrogen to be a significant fertilizer source. Over-fertilization and resulting high levels of nutrients in runoff and leachates can be minimized with sound nutrient management. Soil or growing media testing should be conducted regularly and used for making fertilizer management decisions; over-fertilization can result if nutrients already present are not taken into account. It is generally recommended that the chemical properties of media be tested whenever a new formulation of a mix is used, and at regular intervals during crop production. Plant tissue testing can also be a useful tool for diagnosing nutrient deficiencies and monitoring fertilizer practices. Although the nutritional requirements of most ornamental crops are not well defined, there are general guidelines for some crops that can be utilized. Fertilizer levels should be monitored in fertigation water to ensure that injectors are operating properly. Water quality and fertilizer use records can assist in the proper management of nutrients.

B.1.1. Do you monitor the quality of your irrigation source water seasonally or annually, analyzing for levels of constituents such as bicarbonates (HCO3

-), sodium (Na),

chloride (Cl-), nitrate (NO3

-), boron (B), soluble salts, and pH?

Yes No NA

9

B.1.2. If well water is used on-site for human consumption, have you tested the well water regularly for contamination from fertilizers?

Yes No NA

B.1.3. Do you maintain records of irrigation source water quality? Yes No NA

B.1.4. Do you consider nutrients already present in your irrigation water, recovered runoff, composts, manures, and previous fertilizer applications in fertilizer management decision making?

Yes No NA

B.1.5. Do you regularly test soil or growing media for nutrients, soluble salts, and pH? Yes No NA

B.1.6. Do you test plant tissue to determine concentrations of macro- and micronutrients?

Yes No NA

B.1.7. Do you use information and recommendations from soil, growing media, and plant tissue analyses in fertilization management?

Yes No NA

B.1.8. When available, do you use nutrient recommendations for your specific crop? Yes No NA

B.1.9. Do you regularly test fertigation water to monitor fertilizer levels and ensure that injectors are operating properly?

Yes No NA

B.1.10. Do you maintain records of fertilizer use? Yes No NA

Management Goal B.2: Conduct efficient fertilizer and leaching practices.

Nitrogen is often applied in excessive amounts to ornamental crops. Although some crops will take up some excess nitrogen, the unneeded nitrogen moves easily in water and soil particles. In mineral soils, phosphorus often chemically binds to soil particles, so that the dominant movement of phosphorus off-site will frequently be with eroded soil sediment moving with runoff water. However some soils have a lower phosphorus-fixing capacity, which can result in the phosphorus dissolved in water moving offsite in concentrations of environmental concern. In contrast, the solubility of phosphorus in soilless container media is relatively high, especially in acidic media, and phosphorus can be easily leached out of containers by rainfall or excessive irrigation. Incorporated fertilizers must be thoroughly mixed and evenly applied at correct rates to provide good nutrition and avoid leaching. Composts and manures that are not thoroughly composted may contribute bacteria and other contaminants to runoff. Top-dressed fertilizers must be carefully applied to keep granules in the pot or around the plants at the correct rate. Highly soluble liquid fertilizers are easily leached and must be carefully managed to minimize runoff. Controlled-release fertilizers can greatly reduce nitrogen losses if they are applied correctly. A limitation of controlled-release fertilizers is that application of nutrients cannot easily be varied according to crop needs. The likelihood of nitrogen leaching losses from controlled-release fertilizers is greatest in the first few weeks after planting, when plant root systems are limited, nutrient demand is low, and plants are consuming relatively small amounts of water. Fertilizer management that provides nutrients at appropriate growth stages will result in better plant nutrition and minimize nutrient losses to the environment. Salt accumulation in soil or container media can decrease yield and crop quality, although different plants have different tolerances to salts. Leaching is generally necessary to flush excess salts from the root zone. Excessive leaching or leaching performed too frequently will contribute to runoff and groundwater contamination. The electrical conductivity (EC) of leachate or root media can be monitored with simple equipment in order to determine the need for leaching. Use of high fertilizer concentrations may require more leaching to avoid build-up in containers. The optimum amount of leaching is 10–15%. This means 10–15% of the water applied runs through the container or root zone. Taking the time to measure the actual amount of leachate will demonstrate how easy it is to apply excess water that causes excessive leaching. Excessive leaching represents wasted water, fertilizer, and greater runoff volumes to manage, as well as potential groundwater contamination.

B.2.1. Do you incorporate solid fertilizers in a manner that optimizes nutrient availability to growing roots?

Yes No NA

10

B.2.2. When using composts or manures, do you ensure that they are thoroughly composted before application?

Yes No NA

B.2.3. Do you carefully apply top-dressed fertilizers to keep granules in the pot or around the plants at the correct rate?

Yes No NA

B.2.4. Do you ensure that injected fertilizers are carefully mixed and applied at the correct rate?

Yes No NA

B.2.5. Do you calibrate fertilizer injectors to accurately deliver liquid fertilizer through the irrigation system?

Yes No NA

B.2.6. Do you use slow-release or controlled-release fertilizers? Yes No NA

B.2.7. Do you time fertilizer applications with environmental parameters and the growth stage of the plants?

Yes No NA

B.2.8. Do you flush excess salts from the root systems by using carefully managed leaching practices?

Yes No NA

B.2.9. Do you use the electrical conductivity (EC) of root media or leachate water to determine leaching practices?

Yes No NA

B.2.10. Do you set irrigation schedules to perform appropriate leaching by turning the fertilizer injectors off (using clear water) at set irrigation events or by applying the appropriate leaching fraction with fertilizer water at each irrigation?

Yes No NA

B.2.11. Do you measure the amount of leaching that occurs and ensure that only 10 to 15% of the water applied runs through the container?

Yes No NA

Management Goal B.3: Avoid fertilizer material spills during all phases of transport, storage, and application.

All nurseries should have a plan for dealing with fertilizer spills—ground water contamination can result even from a small fertilizer spill. Fertilizers should be stored in a manner that prevents their direct entry into groundwater or surface water, complying with local, state, and federal guidelines. They should be placed in covered and secure locations to prevent direct contact with water from rainfall or irrigation, and should be kept as far as possible from wells or surface water. The storage area should provide secondary containment to prevent movement of fertilizers in the event of a spill. The secondary containment should have an impermeable floor, as well as waterproof curbs around the storage area. Fertilizer storage tanks should also have secondary containment. Mixing and loading fertilizers should be conducted on an impermeable surface such as a concrete pad, where you can retain, collect and reuse most spilled fertilizer. Small quantities spilled in the mixing and loading area regularly in the same place can build up in the soil and eventually reach the ground water. All fertilizer operations should be performed at least 100 feet downslope of a well. Ensure that fertigation equipment is calibrated and tanks are free of leaks. Be careful not to spill fertilizers when transporting or transferring them, and display appropriate placards on vehicles. When applying fertilizers in the field from a tractor or rig, shut off fertilizer applicators during turns and use check valves when possible. In the event of a spill, promptly sweep up dry fertilizer and return it to the storage container, or place it in a properly labeled sealable container. Liquid spills can be recovered by pumping the solution into labeled tanks for reuse. Fertilizer bags should be disposed in trash bins with lids. Make sure injected fertilizer does not backflow into wells or other water sources. Backflow prevention devices should be tested annually, and the date and results of the tests should be recorded and saved.

B.3.1. Do you have a plan for dealing with fertilizer spills? Yes No NA

B.3.2. Do you store fertilizers in a storage structure that complies with local, state, and federal guidelines?

Yes No NA

11

B.3.3. Do you locate fertilizer storage and mixing areas as far away as possible from water conveyances (streams, creeks, and storm drains)? Yes No NA

B.3.4. In the fertilizer storage facility, do you include a concrete pad and curb to contain spills and leaks that is protected from rainfall and irrigation? Yes No NA

B.3.5. Do you equip fertilizer tanks with secondary containment to contain spills and leaks? Yes No NA

B.3.6. Do you conduct fertilizer mixing and loading operations on an impermeable surface such as a concrete floor in a covered area or where potential for runoff is low?

Yes No NA

B.3.7. Do you perform fertilizer operations at least 100 feet downslope of a well or other water supply? Yes No NA

B.3.8. Do you regularly verify that fertigation equipment is properly calibrated and fertilizer solution tanks are free of leaks? Yes No NA

B.3.9. When transporting fertilizer, are you careful not to overfill trailers or tanks, being sure to cover loads properly and display appropriate placards on vehicles? Yes No NA

B.3.10. When transferring fertilizer into on-farm storage or into a fertilizer applicator, do you ensure that you do not allow materials to spill? Yes No NA

B.3.11. Do you immediately clean up fertilizer spills according to a predetermined protocol? Yes No NA

B.3.12. Do you use check valves on application equipment? Yes No NA

B.3.13. When applying fertilizer from a tractor or rig in a field, do you shut off the fertilizer applicators during turns? Yes No NA

B.3.14. Have you installed backflow prevention devices, and do you check them at least once a year, recording the date and result of this check? Yes No NA

B.3.15. Whenever you are injecting fertilizer into irrigation water, do you make sure that you do not allow backflow into wells or other water sources? Yes No NA

B.3.16. Do you dispose of fertilizer bags in trash bins with lids? Yes No NA

Management Goal B.4: Provide organized training sessions for personnel handling fertilizers in a language that personnel clearly understand and maintain records documenting training.

Employees who handle fertilizers should receive training in the application and use of fertilizers, including proper calibration of equipment and safe leaching practices, in a language that they clearly understand. They should also receive training on safe fertilizer transport and storage practices. Assign fertilizer and leaching duties only to trained employees. All employees should receive training on what to do in case of a fertilizer spill. Establish and maintain records of personnel training provided.

B.4.1. Do you provide training to ensure that appropriate personnel understand how and when to use fertilizers?

Yes No NA

B.4.2. Do you provide training to ensure that appropriate personnel understand how and when to leach?

Yes No NA

12

B.4.3. Do you provide training to ensure that appropriate personnel understand safe fertilizer transport, storage, and disposal practices?

Yes No NA

B.4.4. Do you provide training for all personnel on what to do in case of a fertilizer spill? Yes No NA

B.4.5. Do you keep records of personnel training provided and maintain them for at least 5 years?

Yes No NA

C. PEST AND AGRICULTURUAL CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT GOALS AND

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Management Goal C.1: Establish an integrated pest management (IPM) program to reduce pesticide use and the potential contamination of groundwater and surface water with pesticides.

The best method for mitigating pesticide runoff is to reduce chemical inputs by establishing an IPM program. The backbone of an IPM program is an ongoing monitoring (scouting) program to detect pests (e.g., insects, mites, snails, slugs, pathogens, weeds, and vertebrates) before crop damage. Monitoring records include pest counts, degree of injury, and other data needed to determine pest pressure and pest population trends. Environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity can also be monitored to predict growth of pest populations, including the use of degree-days to predict insect development and computer modeling programs for disease forecasting. Relative estimates of pest population densities are determined from data collected by the scout, and these population densities are compared over time. Economic thresholds are established to determine when the benefit of controlling a pest is worth the pesticide application cost and the associated potential hazards—some damage may be tolerated, for example damage on lower leaves of cut flowers, which are removed before flowers are sold to the final consumer. Pesticides are applied only when justified by pest population size and crop damage threshold levels, resulting in fewer pesticide applications and reduced pesticide runoff and drift, in addition to improved plant quality, lower pest management costs, and reduced exposure of workers to pesticides. All personnel who are involved in scouting should be trained to identify pests and damage symptoms and be familiar with pest life cycles. Furthermore, training other employees who handle or walk the crop can increase the inflow of data to the scout when employees communicate pest problems that they see. Accurately diagnosing a problem may require professional assistance before a control action is taken. Always have a diagnosis before treating because applying the wrong treatment can exacerbate the problem and results in unnecessary use of pesticides. When pests become pesticide-resistant, chemical use often escalates. This can be avoided by rotating pesticides with different modes of action. Using the lowest pesticide rate reduces pesticide loads in runoff and helps to avoid pesticide resistance. Spot spraying (spraying only identified areas in the nursery and plant parts where pests reside) and directing spray (spraying towards the part of the plant where the pest resides, e.g., terminals for thrips and lower plant portions for spider mites) can result in reduced pesticide use. The use of adjuvants such as spreader-stickers can also reduce the amount of pesticides applied. To ensure that your control tactics are effective, consult your cooperative extension office for the most recent IPM recommendations for your crops.

C.1.1. Do you regularly monitor (scout) your crop for insects, mites, and other nursery pests such as snails and slugs, looking for pests and for pest damage, including disease symptoms?

Yes No NA

C.1.2. Do you regularly inspect the crop and noncrop areas for weeds? Yes No NA

C.1.3. Do you regularly inspect crop and noncrop areas for vertebrate pests? Yes No NA

C.1.4. Do you ensure that all personnel who scout are trained to identify disease symptoms and pests commonly found in your nursery and are familiar with pest and pathogen life cycles?

Yes No NA

13

C.1.5. Do you update training as new pests and diseases are introduced? Yes No NA

C.1.6. Do you train other employees who handle or walk the crop, such as irrigators and flower harvesters, to recognize common pests and diseases so they can communicate problems they see to the scout?

Yes No NA

C.1.7. Do you use diagnostic lab services or other professional assistance to identify unknown pathogens, pests, or growth problems before implementing a control measure?

Yes No NA

C.1.8. Do you monitor environmental parameters to help predict growth of pest and pathogen populations?

Yes No NA

C.1.9. When applicable, do you use degree-days to predict insect development and timing of pesticide applications, or computer modeling programs for disease forecasting?

Yes No NA

C.1.10. Do you keep records of pest counts, degree of injury, and other data needed to determine pest pressure and pest population trends?

Yes No NA

C.1.11. Do you summarize monitoring data collected over time by graphing to illustrate pest population trends, or compare current data with the previous collection period?

Yes No NA

C.1.12. Do you base decisions on using pesticides and other control options on monitoring information?

Yes No NA

C.1.13. Do you use economic thresholds in deciding when and if chemical pesticides should be used?

Yes No NA

C.1.14. Do you use monitoring and threshold data to select the most appropriate control strategies?

Yes No NA

C.1.15. Do you use techniques to reduce pesticide use such as spot spraying, direct spraying, applying pesticides at the lowest recommended rate on the label, and adjuvants?

Yes No NA

C.1.16. Do you rotate pesticides with different modes of action? Yes No NA

C.1.17. Do you use the most recent IPM recommendations for your crops? Yes No NA

14

Management Goal C.2: Use good sanitation and other preventive control techniques to avoid pest problems and maintain a healthy production environment.

Pesticide use in the nursery and pesticide loads in the environment can be reduced by practicing preventative control techniques, including good sanitary practices, use of resistant varieties, and proper plant culture. Prevention is the best control method and is critical to any IPM program. Sanitation practices remove pathogen sources before they spread. By heat steaming or chemically treating planting beds and recycled container media before establishing a new crop, pest problems can be eliminated from previous crops. Weeds must be removed because many plant disease vectors and other pests proliferate on weeds. Sterilizing tools between use on infected and highly susceptible crops will help prevent the spread of disease. Keeping hoses off the floor will prevent pathogens from being transferred to the plants. Standing water should also be eliminated to avoid spread of disease or a breeding area for pests. Hand dispensers and foot baths at production house entrances and in propagation facilities can be used to disinfest hands and shoes. All plant material brought into the nursery must be free of pests and diseases. Certified or culture-indexed stock is available for some plant species that are vegetatively propagated and tested to confirm that they are free of specific pathogens. Carefully inspect all new shipments, discarding or treating any that are infested, and quarantine plants prior to introduction to the nursery; also inspect and treat propagation areas. Infested plant material that is discarded should be disposed promptly, in a manner whereby other plants will not become infected by the discarded material. Pest problems can also be prevented by selecting plants that are tolerant or resistant to pests and diseases whenever possible; many pest problems can be prevented by providing good growing conditions to avoid environmental stresses.

C.2.1. Do you inspect plant material brought into the nursery to ensure that it is free of pests and diseases?

Yes No NA

C.2.2. Do you treat or discard infected plant material promptly before introducing it into the growing area in a manner whereby other plants will not become infected by the discarded material?

Yes No NA

C.2.3. Do you inspect propagation areas and treat or discard infected plants before they are introduced into the growing area?

Yes No NA

C.2.4. Do you quarantine new plants before introducing them into growing areas? Yes No NA

C.2.5. Do you eliminate weeds in the growing environment and noncropped areas? Yes No NA

C.2.6. Do you fumigate, heat steam, or chemically treat planting areas and recycled media before establishing new crops to eliminate pests from previous crops?

Yes No NA

C.2.7. Whenever possible, do you select plants that are tolerant or resistant to pests and diseases?

Yes No NA

C.2.8. Do you use certified or culture-indexed stock where available and feasible? Yes No NA

C.2.9. Do you keep irrigation hose nozzles off the ground to avoid contaminating plants? Yes No NA

C.2.10. Do you avoid standing water in the growing environment? Yes No NA

C.2.11. Do you remove diseased plants, destroying them or treating them in an isolated area?

Yes No NA

C.2.12. Do you use hand dispensers and foot baths at production house entrances and in propagation facilities to disinfest hands and shoes, ensuring that appropriate employees use them regularly?

Yes No NA

15

Management Goal C.3: Where feasible and appropriate, use nonchemical control tactics to reduce overall pesticide use.

The use of non-chemical strategies slows the development of pesticide resistance and reduces pesticide pollutant loads that can contaminate the environment. Cultural controls are modifications of normal plant care activities that reduce or prevent pests (e.g., locating susceptible varieties together so you can intensify pest management strategies in this area, and separating new plantings from older plantings to avoid movement of pests to newer crops). Mechanical control tactics reduce pests using methods such as hand-picking, physical barriers, or machinery (e.g., hand-pulling weeds, applying mulch for weed control, and installing screens to exclude insects). Environmental control methods indirectly control pests by manipulating the physical environment (e.g., heat treatments used to control soil-borne pests, altering humidity and temperature to control foliar pathogens, improving drainage and aeration of planting media to prevent pathogenic problems). The use of natural or released predators or parasites to keep harmful pests in check can be highly effective when combined with good management practices and judicious selection and use of chemical agents. Learn to identify naturally-occurring beneficial organisms so that you can watch for them in your monitoring program. Spot spraying and direct spraying can be used to conserve beneficial organisms. Ant control is important when relying on insect parasitoids for pest control because ants often attack and kill beneficial parasitoid insects.

C.3.1. Do you incorporate cultural controls (modifications of normal plant care activities) to reduce or prevent pests?

Yes No NA

C.3.2. Do you incorporate mechanical controls into your IPM program using methods such as hand-picking, physical barriers, or machinery to reduce or prevent pests?

Yes No NA

C.3.3. Do you use environmental control methods (manipulating the physical environment to reduce pests and prevent damage)?

Yes No NA

C.3.4. Are you familiar with the beneficial insects and mites that naturally occur in your growing area?

Yes No NA

C.3.5. Do you monitor populations of beneficial insects and mites (natural or introduced)?

Yes No NA

C.3.6. When beneficial insects are present, do you consider the effects of pesticides on them and use compatible pesticides whenever possible?

Yes No NA

C.3.7. Do you use control strategies that conserve beneficial insects and mites such as direct spraying, spot spraying, and reduced pesticide rates?

Yes No NA

C.3.8. Have you incorporated commercially available beneficial organisms into your IPM program on crops where their use has been demonstrated to be effective?

Yes No NA

C.3.9. Do you prevent ants from disrupting natural enemies? Yes No NA

16

Management Goal C.4: When chemical pest control is necessary, select reduced-risk pesticides to prevent contamination of groundwater or surface water with toxic chemicals.

Pesticides should be selected for lower migration-risk based upon site conditions, pesticide label, and hazard warnings. Consider formulation, application timing, runoff potential, and leaching potential. Migration-risk associated with specific pesticides can be checked using online resources, e.g., WIN-PST, a pesticide environmental risk screening tool developed and supported by the USDA-NRCS National Water and Climate Center (http://www.wsi.nrcs.usda.gov/products/W2Q/pest/winpst.html), the University of California’s PesticideWise website (http://www.pw.ucr.edu/), the “Water Quality Compare Treatments” within the University of California IPM Pest Management Guidelines (http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/crops-agriculture.html), or the Pesticide Action Network (http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Search_Chemicals.jsp). Whenever possible, avoid pesticides that will potentially contaminate surface water and disrupt aquatic life, including organophosphate insecticides (e.g., chlorpyrifos, diazinon); carbamate insecticides (e.g., carbaryl); and synthetic pyrethroids (e.g., cyfluthrin, permethrin, bifenthrin). After application, pyrethroids are strongly adsorbed on soil and organic materials. They will move offsite primarily when the soil or potting media particles have eroded away under the force of storm runoff or irrigation-induced runoff. Therefore, effective steps for mitigating runoff of pyrethroids involve reducing offsite movement of potting mix, associated organic materials, and eroded soil. Be especially careful if your property is adjacent to water bodies—in runoff-sensitive areas, select pesticides with low aquatic toxicity and low mobility. In areas where there are shallow water tables, or where soils are permeable or have low organic matter content, avoid the use of groundwater-risk pesticides. Also be especially careful not to apply these types of pesticides in rainy weather. Additionally, choose pesticides that are the most selective for the target pest species, avoiding the use of broad-spectrum pesticides whenever possible. This will enhance natural population control mechanisms and reduce pesticide need as well as protect ecosystems.

C.4.1. Do you consider site conditions, pesticide labels, and hazard warnings of migration risk when selecting pesticides?

Yes No NA

C.4.2. Whenever possible, do you select pesticides that do not potentially contaminate groundwater?

Yes No NA

C.4.3. Do you avoid the use of groundwater-risk pesticides in rainy weather, in areas of shallow water tables, and where soils are sandy or have low organic matter content?

Yes No NA

C.4.4. Whenever possible, do you select pesticides that will not potentially contaminate surface water?

Yes No NA

C.4.5. Whenever possible, do you choose pesticides that are the most selective for the target pest species, avoiding the use of broad-spectrum pesticides?

Yes No NA

Management Goal C.5: Apply pesticides in a safe manner to reduce pesticide loads and potential runoff.

Apply pesticides according to the label and follow environmental hazard instructions. Know the exact location of the area to be treated and the site conditions, including the potential hazard of spray drift or subsequent pesticide movement to the surrounding areas. Schedule pesticide applications to avoid pesticide movement off-target. Do not apply pesticides before scheduled irrigations, unless the product must be activated by moisture and is so indicated in the label instructions. Control the quantity of irrigation water to limit pesticide movement in irrigation water runoff and percolation. When applying pesticides outdoors, it is important to consider weather conditions (e.g., fog, rain, wind), scheduled irrigation, and pesticide characteristics for potential leaching and runoff. Calibrate pesticide spraying equipment and replace worn nozzles to ensure the best coverage, effective pesticide applications, and accurate application rates. Also check equipment for leaks and malfunction and replace cracked hoses and faulty gauges. Accurately measure pesticides to assure that you are within the label rate and to eliminate disposal problems associated with excess spray solutions. Maintain records of the amount and type of pesticides applied. Use these records to plan future pest control measures and limit pesticide accumulation.

17

C.5.1. Do you accurately measure pesticides to assure that you are within the label rate and to eliminate disposal problems associated with excess spray mix?

Yes No NA

C.5.2. Do you know the exact location of the area to be treated, as well as the potential hazard of spray drift or subsequent pesticide movement to the surrounding areas?

Yes No NA

C.5.3. Do you apply pesticides according to the label and follow environmental hazard instructions?

Yes No NA

C.5.4. Do you calibrate pesticide spray equipment to ensure the best coverage and efficacy of pesticide applications and accurate application rates?

Yes No NA

C.5.5. Do you check equipment for leaks and malfunctions and replace worn nozzles and screens, cracked hoses, and faulty gauges?

Yes No NA

C.5.6. Do you avoid spraying pesticides outdoors when wind could move them off-target as drift?

Yes No NA

C.5.7. Do you avoid applying pesticides when rain or scheduled irrigation could move pesticides in runoff and ground percolation?

Yes No NA

C.5.8. Do you maintain records of the amount and type or pesticides applied? Yes No NA

Management Goal C.6: Avoid pesticide spills and leakage during all phases of transport, storage, and application.

Leaks or spills can occur during transporting, storing, or while using pesticides. Pesticide storage structures should comply with legal requirements, be fireproof, be located as far away from waterways as possible or at least 100 feet from wells, include a concrete pad and curb to contain spills and leaks, and be protected from rainfall and irrigation to prevent pesticide residues from washing into surface water bodies. Check pesticide labels for special storage instructions. Keep an up-to-date inventory of the pesticides and a spill kit available at the storage facility. A spill kit should include: detergent, hand cleaner, and water; absorbent materials such as absorbent clay, sawdust, or paper to soak up spills; a shovel, broom, dustpan and chemical resistant bags to collect contaminated materials; and a fire extinguisher. Spill kits should also be available at other appropriate sites where pesticides are used. Pesticides should always be transported in the back of a covered truck, and all containers should be secured to prevent breaking or spilling. Pesticides should not be left unattended in a vehicle unless they are in a locked container. Care should be taken when transporting pesticides, transferring them into storage, and transferring them into pesticide application equipment to prevent materials from spilling. Pesticide mixing and loading operations must be conducted on an impermeable surface such as a concrete floor to avoid saturating the soil with pesticide. Perform operations involving pesticides in areas over 100 feet down-slope of a well or other water supply. Whenever pesticides are injected into irrigation water, make sure that you do not allow backflow into wells by use of a mechanical anti-siphoning device or an air gap. Check backflow devices at least once a year. Use check valves on pesticide application equipment and when applying pesticides from a tractor or rig in a field, shut off the nozzles during turns. Regularly verify that pesticide solution tanks are free of leaks. Immediately clean up pesticide spills, and do so according to a predetermined protocol. Always refer to the pesticide product MSDS for information on cleaning up and decontaminating small spill sites. Clean up any spilled potting media that contains pesticide residues. If pesticides are mixed into potting media before potting, concrete curbs or sand bags should be used to isolate these areas so that the potting mix does not get washed away in the runoff. Triple rinse or pressure rinse empty pesticide containers and add the rinse to the spray tank. Do not contaminate nearby bodies of water when disposing of equipment wash water. Apply excess spray mix and rinse water from pesticide application equipment to the crop; do not spray it on bare ground. This will reduce pesticide contamination in non-target areas during the clean up process following application. Dispose of pesticides and pesticide containers according to label instructions and in an environmentally safe manner.

18

C.6.1. Do you store pesticides in a storage structure that complies with local, state, and federal guidelines?

Yes No NA

C.6.2. Do you locate pesticide storage and mixing areas and other operations involving pesticides as far away as possible from streams, creeks, and storm drains, and at least 100 feet from a well or other water supply?

Yes No NA

C.6.3. Do you include a concrete pad and curb to contain spills and leaks in the pesticide storage facility that is protected from rainfall and irrigation?

Yes No NA

C.6.4. Do you conduct pesticide mixing and loading operations on an impermeable surface such as a concrete floor and in areas where potential for runoff is low?

Yes No NA

C.6.5. Do you verify regularly that pesticide solution tanks are free of leaks? Yes No NA

C.6.6. When transporting pesticides, do you ensure that pesticides do not spill by not overfilling trailers or tanks and covering loads properly?

Yes No NA

C.6.7. Do you ensure that pesticides are always transported in the back of a truck and that all containers are secured to prevent breaking or spilling?

Yes No NA

C.6.8. Do you ensure that pesticides are never left unattended in a vehicle unless they are in a locked container?

Yes No NA

C.6.9. When transferring pesticides into storage or into pesticide application equipment, do you take care to prevent materials from spilling?

Yes No NA

C.6.10. When applying pesticides from a tractor or rig in a field, do you use check valves on application equipment and shut off the nozzles during turns?

Yes No NA

C.6.11. Whenever you inject pesticides into irrigation water, do you ensure that you do not allow backflow into wells or other water sources?

Yes No NA

C.6.12. Have you installed backflow prevention devices and do you check them at least once a year, recording the date and result of this check?

Yes No NA

C.6.13. Do you clean up any spilled potting media that contains pesticide residues? Yes No NA

C.6.14. If pesticides are mixed into potting media before potting, are concrete curbs or sandbags used to isolate these areas so that the potting mix is not washed away in the runoff?

Yes No NA

C.6.15. Do you keep a spill kit available at the pesticide storage facility and any other appropriate sites where pesticides are used?

Yes No NA

C.6.16. Do you immediately clean up pesticide spills according to a predetermined protocol, referring to the pesticide product material safety data sheet (MSDS) for information on cleaning up and decontaminating small spill sites?

Yes No NA

C.6.17. Do you distribute rinse water from pesticide application equipment evenly over the crop to reduce pesticide contamination in nontarget areas during the cleanup process following application?

Yes No NA

C.6.18. Do you dispose of pesticides and pesticide containers according to label instructions and in an environmentally safe manner?

Yes No NA

19

Management Goal C.7: Ensure that the use of other agricultural chemicals potentially toxic to the environment do not contribute to runoff.

In addition to pesticides and fertilizers, other agricultural chemicals can potentially contaminate water, including postharvest treatments, growth regulators, exterior shading compounds, cleaning products, and disinfectants. Silver thiosulfate (STS) is a postharvest treatment that was developed as a pretreatment for flowers and plants that are sensitive to ethylene gas. It is a plant growth regulator, which is classified as a pesticide. Care should be exercised when using STS because silver is a heavy metal that persists in soil and water for long periods and may pollute drinking water. STS is toxic to aquatic organisms including fish and plankton. When absorbed by the body, heavy metals accumulate and at toxic levels will affect the nervous system. When using STS, do not allow the product to reach ground water, surface waterways or sewage systems. Residual product should be neutralized before disposal following manufacturer instructions. An alternative to STS is 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). For some crops, STS may be more effective than 1-MCP, but there are no disposal issues associated with 1-MCP. Many exterior shading compounds contain latex paint which is toxic to marine life; they may contain ethylene glycol, which can also be hazardous to humans. The so-called “environmentally friendly” shading compounds may be strongly alkaline, and high pH water can be toxic to fish. Select exterior greenhouse shading compounds that are relatively non-toxic, or alternatively, use interior shade fabric or reflective covers. Apply and remove exterior shading compounds in a manner so that minimal runoff is produced, the runoff is kept on the property, and does not enter waterways. Also use care when disposing of household products used in greenhouses and nurseries such as cleaning products and disinfectants.

C.7.1. When using silver thiosulfate (STS, Chrysal AVB) for treatment of ethylene-sensitive cut flowers and plants, do you ensure that the product does not reach groundwater, surface waterways, or sewage, and do you neutralize residuals before disposal following manufacturer instructions?

Yes No NA

C.7.2. Where 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP, EthylBloc) is an effective treatment for ethylene-sensitive crops, do you select it as an alternative to STS?

Yes No NA

C.7.3. Do you select exterior greenhouse shading compounds that are relatively nontoxic, or select interior shade fabric or reflective covers?

Yes No NA

C.7.4. Do you apply and remove exterior shading compounds so that they produce minimal runoff and remain on the property?

Yes No NA

C.7.5. Do you exercise care when disposing of household products used in greenhouses and nurseries such as cleaning products and disinfectants?

Yes No NA

Management Goal C.8: Provide organized training sessions for personnel handling pesticides in a language that personnel clearly understand and maintain records documenting training.

Employees who handle pesticides should receive training, including safe application, transport, storage, and disposal practices, in a language that they clearly understand. All employees should receive training on what to do in case of a pesticide spill. Assign pesticide handling duties only to trained employees. Establish and maintain records of personnel training provided.

C.8.1. Do you provide training to ensure that appropriate personnel understand how and when to use pesticides in a safe manner?

Yes No NA

C.8.2. Do you provide training to ensure that appropriate personnel understand safe pesticide transport, storage, and disposal practices?

Yes No NA

C.8.3. Do you provide training for all personnel on what to do in case of a pesticide spill? Yes No NA

C.8.4. Do you keep records of personnel training provided and maintain them for at least 5 years?

Yes No NA

20

D. EROSION AND RUNOFF MANAGEMENT GOALS AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Management Goal D.1: Evaluate the water quality of irrigation and storm runoff to comply with water regulations and determine options for reuse or treatment.

Knowing what contaminants are present in runoff is critical to proper management. Various options for reuse and or treatment will depend on the quality of runoff. Basic water quality parameters to test for include pH, EC, nitrates, and phosphates. This can be performed with simple, inexpensive equipment. In addition, it is recommended to test for other contaminants according to the products utilized, such as specific pesticides that you suspect may be present in runoff. Inventory chemicals used in your operation, especially those likely to be present in runoff. Results of water analyses should be compared against local, state, and federal water quality standards and regulations for potential noncompliance issues. Establish and maintain water quality runoff records, and use them in planning and evaluating future improvements.

D.1.1. Do you inventory chemicals used in your operation, especially those likely to be present in runoff?

Yes No NA

D.1.2. Do you regularly sample runoff water, following commercial lab instructions for taking and handling samples?

Yes No NA

D.1.3. Do you analyze (or have a lab analyze) runoff water samples to determine what is in it and at what levels, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrate (NO3

-)

and phosphate (PO43-

)?

Yes No NA

D.1.4. Do you compare water analyses against local, state, and federal water quality standards and regulations?

Yes No NA

D.1.5. Do you maintain water quality runoff records for at least 5 years? Yes No NA

Management Goal D.2: Use practices that improve soil/media infiltration and water-holding capacity to reduce soil erosion, runoff, and excessive leaching.

In field production, soil compaction can reduce water penetration and moisture holding characteristics. Clay soils may have poor aeration and water infiltration; sandy soils may have poor water- and nutrient-holding capacity. Use of mulches and plant covers on bare soil and incorporation of amendments can improve soil properties and reduce soil erosion. Amendments improve soil structure by increasing the spacing among soil particles so that the soil can absorb and hold more moisture, which in turn reduces runoff and the damaging effects of excessive runoff. Amendments also improve other physical, chemical, and biological characteristics so that the soils become more effective in production while sustaining water quality. Organic amendments (e.g. compost, sphagnum peat, wood chips, grass clippings, straw) are recommended for improving soil aeration and water infiltration in clay soils and improving both water- and nutrient-holding capacity in sandy soils. Animal wastes such as cattle manure or poultry litter can be applied to fields as a fertilizer and an amendment, but bacterial pollution of surface flow and ground water from animal manure has been well documented. Salinity and metals are also problems associated with biosolids. Ground covers include inorganic materials (e.g., plastics and gravel), plant cover (cover crops and landscaped areas), and mulching. Ground covers prevent the soil surface from being exposed to rain or irrigation drop impact, thereby improving infiltration. Organic mulching conserves moisture, improves soil structure, reduces soil erosion, improves the water-holding capacity, and provides other benefits. In container nurseries, media should be tested and selected or mixed to provide high moisture capacity and good drainage to avoid excessive leaching. Organic materials such as peat moss and wood residues have a waxy outer coating that repels water. As these materials dry they become increasingly difficult to re-wet. Wetting agents may increase the water absorption of some media types, allowing quicker wetting and reducing channeling down sides of pots. Wetting agents can also be used in field soils to improve infiltration rates where water-repellence is a problem. Wetting agents should not be overused, as they can be toxic to plants and a contaminant in runoff.

21

D.2.1. Do you incorporate organic amendments on sandy soil to improve water-holding capacity and prevent excessive leaching?

Yes No NA

D.2.2. Do you incorporate amendments on clay soil to improve infiltration and reduce runoff?

Yes No NA

D.2.3. Do you use mulches or cover crops on bare soil to reduce runoff? Yes No NA

D.2.4. Do you test media used in containers and select media for high water-holding capacity as well as good drainage?

Yes No NA

D.2.5. Do you use wetting agents to increase water absorption, allow quicker wetting, and reduce channeling down the sides of pots?

Yes No NA

Management Goal D.3: Use practices that retard movement of runoff water and sediment and keep it on the property.

Nursery runoff can cause soil erosion and wash sediment, fertilizers, and pesticides into waterways. In field soil nurseries, protection of soil losses from erosion is especially important when crops are harvested with soil (e.g., balled and burlapped trees). The first step is to determine where and how much erosion and runoff is generated from irrigation and storm events and identify their causes. Under dry weather conditions, irrigation is the single most important driving force of runoff and erosion. By maintaining irrigation systems with uniform distribution and by proper irrigation scheduling and timing, surface and groundwater pollution can be reduced. If irrigation management practices cannot prevent erosion and runoff problems, then management practices must be implemented to retard movement so that sediment and runoff are trapped on-site. Bare soil areas must be protected from concentrated flows of water; cover bare soil with ground covers such as mulch, cover crops, rock protection, and landscaping. Plant covers reduce the amount and speed of runoff and can trap sediment, thereby reducing soil losses considerably compared to bare soil. Vegetated buffers can be used between production areas and waterways to prevent contamination from the nursery; they can also be used along drainage channels to trap sediment particles and stabilize the banks. Vegetated buffers are areas or strips of land maintained in permanent vegetation that reduce runoff flow velocity, uptake nutrients, and remove pesticides on soil particles by trapping sediment and providing a beneficial environment for decomposition. Examples of buffers include vegetated bioswales, vegetated filter strips, and constructed wetlands. In selecting plants for vegetated buffers, avoid the use of ornamental species in natural areas where use may result in invasiveness. Consult your NRCS office for recommended species in your area. Alternatively, sediment barriers such as sand bags, straw wattle, and synthetic hay bales can be used to curtail runoff and reduce erosion. Areas susceptible to erosion can be treated with polyacrylamides (PAM) to improve stabilization. PAM is a synthetic flocculating agent that has been widely used to reduce erosion, increase infiltration, and enhance plant uptake of excess nutrients. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of PAM in settling suspended sediments and stabilizing surface soil in the field or along the banks of a drainage ditch. Some research studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of PAM in reducing the movement of pesticides from the site of their application. Use of the product must be such that it remains on-site, as some formulations may be harmful to aquatic organisms. Wind erosion wears away topsoil and has a direct effect on the productivity of the nursery land, in addition to causing air and water pollution. Wind erosion can be controlled by maintaining good soil structure and using plant covers. Furthermore, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation can be planted as windbreaks (shelterbelts) along the upwind boundaries of the production field to reduce wind erosion and protect sensitive nursery stock from wind burning and sand blasting and reduce spray drift. Container media should be mixed and stored in a location sheltered from wind and away from drainage channels so that wind does not move media into waterbodies. If your property is affected by discharge sediment or runoff from upslope or upstream properties, it is a good practice to contain this sediment or runoff to prevent contaminates from entering your property, using engineered diversions, filter strips, sediment basins, and underground outlets (conduits installed beneath the surface of the ground to collect surface water and convey it to a suitable outlet). Coordinate these efforts with neighboring nurseries and farms. Maintain a record-keeping system for documenting management practices addressing runoff management, and use it to plan future improvements.

22

D.3.1. Do you determine where and how much erosion and runoff is generated, the causes of erosion and runoff, and whether runoff exits the property?

Yes No NA

D.3.2. Do you protect bare soil areas with mulch? Yes No NA

D.3.3. Wherever possible, do you convert paved or bare soil areas to vegetation that retards runoff and takes up nutrients, pesticides, and other pollutants?

Yes No NA

D.3.4. Do you use sediment barriers such as sandbags, straw wattle, and synthetic hay bales to curtail runoff and trap sediments?

Yes No NA

D.3.5. Have you established engineered barriers or vegetated buffers between production areas and ditches, creeks, ponds, lakes, or wetlands?

Yes No NA

D.3.6. Have you considered using polyacrylamide (PAM) to reduce sediment runoff? Yes No NA

D.3.7. Do you use windbreaks (shelterbelts) in areas prone to wind erosion? Yes No NA

D.3.8. Do you store and mix container media in a location sheltered from wind and away from drainage channels?

Yes No NA

D.3.9. If your property is affected by discharge sediment or runoff from upslope or upstream properties, do you use practices to contain this sediment or runoff, such as diversions, filter strips, sediment basins, and underground outlets?

Yes No NA

D.3.10. Have you implemented and maintained a record-keeping system for documenting management practices addressing runoff management?

Yes No NA

Management Goal D.4: Manage hilly, sloped areas to prevent soil erosion and increased runoff volume and velocity (including hilly production areas as well as sloped nonproduction areas).

Outdoor hilly, sloped areas must be managed for erosion and increased runoff volume and velocity. Eroded sediments are considered a water contaminant and can additionally carry chemicals from production areas into the water. Management methods can include the use of terraces, mulches, buffer vegetation, cover crops, landscaping, and berms. Erosion control blankets, rolls or mats made from natural or synthetic polymer fibers can provide ground and slope stabilization, facilitating vegetation establishment. When growing on slopes, pressure differences at the top and bottom of the slope must be compensated for in the irrigation design to ensure uniform distribution. Irrigation scheduling is critical to avoid excessive runoff volume and velocity. Fertilizer and pesticide application and handling must be carefully managed.

D.4.1. Do you use terraces where appropriate to control soil erosion and runoff? Yes No NA

D.4.2. Do you use mulches where appropriate to control soil erosion and runoff? Yes No NA

D.4.3. Do you use vegetation (cover crops, buffer strips, grassed swales, etc.) to control soil erosion and runoff?

Yes No NA

D.4.4. Do you use berms to control soil erosion and runoff? Yes No NA

D.4.5. Do you use proper irrigation management in hilly production areas and in hilly landscaped nonproduction areas to avoid runoff and soil erosion?

Yes No NA

D.4.6. Do you use proper pest and nutrition management practices in hilly production areas and in hilly landscaped nonproduction areas to avoid pesticide and fertilizer runoff?

Yes No NA

23

Management Goal D.5: Design and manage nursery roads to prevent erosion and contaminated runoff. Nursery roads must be properly designed and constructed, complying with applicable grading regulations and other local and state regulations, including permit requirements. Poorly planned roads can cause excess runoff and erosion during storm events, leading to sedimentation that can pollute water supplies, increase flooding potential, and trigger landslides. In the design process, soil type should be considered for erodibilty, excessive slopes should be avoided, roads should generally follow natural contours and slopes to minimize disturbance of drainage patterns, and all cuts and fills should be designed to have stable slopes. Locating roads near waterbodies should be avoided; use buffers such as vegetated filter strips to protect waterways by absorbing road runoff and trapping toxic sediment. Adequate road drainage from both the road surface and hill slope is important. The type of drainage structure used will depend on the intended use and runoff conditions. Waterbreaks (waterbars), dips built at an oblique angle across the road with a berm at the end, are recommended on steep grades where runoff and erosion is anticipated. Diverted water from waterbreaks should flow only into stable areas, avoiding septic fields or waterways. Waterbreak discharge areas must be vegetated or have other erosion resistant materials. Surface crowning can also help direct road runoff into the side drainage ditches. Alternatively, when crops are grown adjacent to roads, surfaces can be graded to slope slightly toward the center line of the road rather than into ditches where erosion can threaten crops. Unpaved roads require protection from concentrated flows of water. Thoroughly compact all backfill in irrigation pipeline trenches along unpaved roads. In Mediterranean climates, seed moderately used road surfaces and exposed soils with traffic-resistant vegetation like annual or perennial grasses prior to winter rains and mulch during establishment. Alternatively, stabilize roads with gravel. Inspect culverts, roadside ditches, waterbreaks, and outlets after each major runoff event and restore flow capacity as needed. Maintain vegetated areas in adequate cover, re-seeding and mowing as needed. Inspect roads with waterbreaks periodically to insure that proper dimensions and slope are maintained and that outlets are stable. Avoid excessive road maintenance—re-grade to remove deep ruts or damaged areas caused by storms and to maintain proper road dimensions and slope; remove roadside vegetation that obstructs line of site or overall road maintenance. Re-grade existing roads and construct new roads only during dry weather. Using roads during wet weather may aggravate erosion and drainage problems, particularly when roads are not protected by vegetation or gravel. Contaminant-laden dust from traffic and wind erosion should be avoided by sealing or watering unpaved roads, ensuring that dust control with applied water does not create runoff. Minimize damage to vegetative buffers adjacent to the road when it is necessary to chemically treat the road surface.

D.5.1. Do you ensure that all new roads are properly designed and permitted to avoid erosion?

Yes No NA

D.5.2. Do you use filter strips to protect waterways by absorbing runoff from roads and trapping toxic sediment?

Yes No NA

D.5.3. Do you use and regularly maintain waterbreaks (waterbars) on nursery roads with gradients exceeding 8% to control surface runoff, ensuring that discharge areas are vegetated or have other erosion resistant materials?

Yes No NA

D.5.4. Do you grade roads to direct road runoff into ditches or, when crops are grown adjacent to roads, toward the center line of the road?

Yes No NA

D.5.5. Do you thoroughly compact all backfill in irrigation pipeline trenches along unpaved roads?

Yes No NA

D.5.6. Do you seed moderately used road surfaces and exposed soils with annual or perennial grasses prior to winter rains and mulch during establishment?

Yes No NA

D.5.7. Do you inspect culverts, roadside ditches, waterbreaks, and outlets, cleaning them out after each major rain event so that water drains freely?

Yes No NA

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D.5.8. Do you construct and re-grade roads only during dry weather and avoid using unpaved roads during wet weather when feasible?

Yes No NA

D.5.9. Do you prevent contaminant-laden dust from traffic and wind erosion by sealing or watering unpaved roads, ensuring that dust control with applied water does not create runoff?

Yes No NA

Management Goal D.6: Collect excess irrigation and storm water runoff and sediment.

During irrigation and storm events, pesticides and nutrients are washed away from plants and potting mixes and move offsite with runoff water. Water impoundments (basins) can be built to temporarily detain sediment and runoff water. For example, in constructed drainage ditches where sediment is expected to accumulate, a sediment trap (small basin or depression) can be used for slowing flow and trapping sediment suspended in runoff. For intercepting larger amounts of sediment, a sediment basin can be constructed at the base of a field. Sediment basins temporarily detain sediment-laden runoff under quiescent conditions, allowing sediment to settle out before the runoff is discharged. Impoundments can also be constructed to collect large runoff flow and “retain” (store) water for longer periods (e.g., retention basins, infiltration basins, ponds, recycling systems, tailwater recovery systems, and reservoirs). In these type of impoundments, water dissipates by infiltrating into the ground (in unlined basins) and by evaporation. Overflow may be prevented by using the collected water to irrigate landscapes and other noncrop areas. Furthermore, in some systems, the captured water is treated and used to irrigate crops, conserving both water and fertilizers. In recycling systems, before the collected water can be reused for irrigation, floating debris and suspended particulate matter must be removed. A separate sediment basin may be required to provide adequate retention time for the breakdown of chemicals in the runoff water—pesticides that are attached to soil and potting mix particles such as pyrethroids can settle out in the sediment basin. Captured sediment can also be reused without changing the overall properties of the mix by incorporating it into container substrate mixes at rates of less than 5%. Fiber filters or activated charcoal filters may be used along with the other practices for further removal of pesticides through physical filtration. After the filtering process, the water should be treated to control pathogens (e.g., Phytophthora, Pythium, and fungal pathogens). Treatments can be based on monitoring, e.g. monitoring root rot fungi by baiting and culture plating. The final step is to blend with fresh water before reuse to reduce the salt concentration to levels that will not damage plants. Recycling systems may not be designed to store all rainfall from large precipitation events, including winter rains in Mediterranean climates. Therefore during storm events there may be some overflow from the impoundment. Practices to reduce storm runoff overflow from impoundments include vegetated buffers, landscaping, cover crops, sediment barriers, diversions, and underground outlets. Furthermore, in some cases, controlled flows from the impoundment may be periodically necessary to obtain sufficient room for blending when salt levels are high. Controlled flows should be treated and remain on-site so that water containing nutrients and pesticides does not migrate off the property (e.g., using sheet flow through a constructed wetland or other vegetated buffer area). Water impoundments require periodic removal of sediment to maintain design capacity and efficiency. Remove sediment from traps or storage facilities before rain seasons because large storms can move sediment, along with the accumulated pesticides, into creeks and streams. Other maintenance such as cleaning and re-grading storage facilities, maintenance of mechanical components, algae control, mosquito control, and debris removal may be required, depending on the type of impoundment. Water used for irrigation should be regularly analyzed to evaluate nutrients, pesticides, and pathogens. Impoundments should be designed to meet all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. Use qualified engineers to design the impoundment based on maximum irrigation runoff, probable storm events, and expected sediment loads and to prevent seepage, a source of groundwater contamination.

D.6.1. In locations where erosion is expected, do you use methods to intercept sediment-laden runoff (e.g., sediment traps or sediment basins)?

Yes No NA

D.6.2. Do you capture excess irrigation runoff and/or storm water using impoundments (e.g., retention basins, infiltration basins, ponds, recycling systems, tailwater recovery systems, and reservoirs)?

Yes No NA

D.6.3. If you capture runoff water, do you reuse the water for irrigation (noncrop areas or on crops)?

Yes No NA

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D.6.4. If you capture runoff water, have you designed the impoundment to capture at least part of the storm and do you reduce storm overflow runoff by using management practices such as vegetated buffers, landscaping, cover crops, sediment barriers, diversions, and underground outlets?

Yes No NA

D. 6.5. If controlled flows are necessary to allow sufficient room for blending for recycling, do you ensure that controlled flows are managed so that they are treated (e.g., using vegetated buffers to remove excess nutrients and pesticides) and remain on-site?

Yes No NA

D.6.6. If you use a recycling system, do you use fiber or activated charcoal filters to filter pollutants such as pesticides?

Yes No NA

D.6.7. If you use a recycling system do you treat pathogens before reuse? Yes No NA

D.6.8. If you capture runoff water, do you remove sediment from traps or water storage facilities before rain seasons?

Yes No NA

D.6.9. If you capture runoff water, do you perform other regularly required maintenance appropriate to the type of impoundment (e.g., cleaning and re-grading storage facilities, maintenance of mechanical components, algae control, mosquito control, and debris removal)?

Yes No NA

Management Goal D.7: Manage greenhouse roof runoff to reduce pollution and erosion, to prevent flooding, and improve drainage.

The purpose of roof runoff management is to prevent roof runoff from flowing across concentrated waste areas and roads, to reduce pollution and erosion, to improve water quality, to prevent flooding, and to improve drainage. Roof runoff contains contaminants; flow should be directed so that it does not contaminate waterways. In some cases, stormwater can be collected for reuse. Check regulations in your area regarding potential restrictions on stormwater recycling.

D.7.1. Do you direct roof runoff to avoid flow across areas where contaminants could be washed into a municipal storm water system, sewer system, or agricultural drainage system?

Yes No NA

D.7.2. Do you direct roof runoff into pervious areas such as gravel, vegetation, paving material, self-contained tailwater system, or retention ponds?

Yes No NA

D.7.3. Do you collect and/or reuse collected roof runoff for irrigation (noncrop areas or on crops)?

Yes No NA

Management Goal D.8: Provide organized training sessions for personnel in runoff management in a language that personnel clearly understand, and maintain records documenting training.

All appropriate employees should receive training in runoff management and all applicable regulations in a language that they clearly understand. Staff should be trained so that they are aware of all drainage conduits and ditches and know where they drain. All municipal storm water or sewer system conduits and ditches should be stenciled or designated with signs. There should be no illicit connections to the municipal stormwater or sewer system. Establish and maintain records of personnel training provided.

D.8.1. Do you ensure that all appropriate employees receive training in runoff management and all applicable regulations?

Yes No NA

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D.8.2. Do you train staff so that they become aware of all drainage conduits and ditches on the property and know where they drain?

Yes No NA

D.8.3. Do you ensure that all municipal storm water or sewer system conduits and ditches are stenciled or designated with signs, and that there are no illicit connections to the municipal storm water or sewer system?

Yes No NA

D.8.4. Do you keep documentation and records of employee training for at least 5 years?

Yes No NA

E. Management Goals and Management Practices for Nonproduction Areas

Management Goal E.1: Ensure that all nonproduction areas where nursery-related activities occur do not contribute to dry or wet weather runoff, including walkways, driveways, packing areas, loading areas, and parking areas.

Dry weather runoff and sediment should be prevented from entering street gutters, rivers, creeks, and conveyances like ditches that drain to public waters or a public stormwater system. Discharging dry weather runoff and sediment onto neighboring properties may also be illegal, unless done with consent. Outdoor walkways, packing areas, loading areas, and parking areas may contain fertilizers, pesticides, or vehicle contaminants and should be periodically cleaned to prevent pollutants or debris from washing off during wet weather and contaminating surface and groundwaters. However, only dry methods should be used for cleaning so that contaminates do not enter into the municipal stormwater or sewer system or leach into groundwater. Dry methods include sweeping or the use of dry absorbents. Dry methods should also be used for cleaning indoor walkways, loading areas, and packing areas.

E.1.1. Do you clean indoor walkways, loading areas, and packing areas using only dry methods (such as sweeping or dry absorbents)?

Yes No NA

E.1.2. Do you periodically clean outdoor driveways, walkways, parking areas, loading areas, and packing areas to remove debris, vehicle residues, and other contaminants and prevent them from washing off during wet weather, using only dry methods?

Yes No NA

Management Goal E.2: Maintain vehicles, trucks, and tractors and their storage areas so that they do not leak fluids into groundwater or surface water.

A small amount of petroleum product can contaminate a large body of water. Preparedness for spills can eliminate or minimize contamination of harmful substances into surface and groundwaters. Vehicles and equipment utilize numerous fluids that are very toxic to the environment. These should be carefully located, managed, and disposed of to avoid contamination. Maintenance and storage areas should be periodically cleaned to avoid build up of oil and grease. Wash runoff must not enter the municipal stormwater or sewer system. Retired vehicles, equipment and storage tanks should be drained of fluids and properly disposed. Immediately and properly clean up petroleum product spills from vehicles, trucks, and tractors.

E.2.1. Do you regularly maintain vehicles, trucks, and tractors used in the nursery to detect and prevent fluid leaks?

Yes No NA

E.2.2. Do you ensure that wash runoff from vehicles, trucks, and tractors remains on the property and does not drain into a municipal storm water or sewer system, or leach into groundwater?

Yes No NA

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E.2.3. Do you properly dispose of collected fluids? Yes No NA

E.2.4. When there are vehicles, equipment, and storage tanks that are no longer used on the property, do you drain fluids and properly dispose of them?

Yes No NA

E.2.5. Do you locate maintenance and storage areas for vehicles, trucks, and tractors where wet weather will not wash fluids into surface water or cause them to percolate into groundwater?

Yes No NA

E.2.6. Do you clean maintenance and storage areas to avoid oil and grease buildup? Yes No NA

E.2.7. Do you immediately and properly clean up spills from vehicles, trucks, and tractors?

Yes No NA

Management Goal E.3: Locate and maintain fuel tanks so that they do not leak, spill, overflow, or leach into groundwater or surface water.

Fuel tanks should be carefully located and managed to avoid contamination. Preparedness for spills can eliminate or minimize contamination of harmful substances into surface and groundwaters.

E.3.1. Do you locate fuel tanks where wet weather will not wash fluids into surface water or cause them to percolate into groundwater?

Yes No NA

E.3.2. Do you check and maintain fuel tanks to prevent leaks? Yes No NA

E.3.3. Do you perform fueling activities carefully to avoid overflow and spills? Yes No NA

E.3.4. Do you immediately and properly clean up fuel spills? Yes No NA

Management Goal E.4: Keep the nursery property free of debris and trash so that it does not clog storm drains and litter or pollute waterways and beaches.

Solid waste and debris can clog storm sewers and cause fatalities for marine life through strangling or ingestion. Solid waste and debris also creates an unsightly mess in waterways and on beaches.

E.4.1. Do you regularly maintain the entire nursery property to keep it clean and free of debris?

Yes No NA

E.4.2. Do you ensure that an adequate number of waste containers are available where needed and that they are regularly collected to avoid overflow?

Yes No NA

E.4.3. Do you ensure that waste containers are kept in good condition and kept closed?

Yes No NA

E.4.4. Do you ensure that waste containers, collection areas, storage areas, and stockpile areas are located indoors or covered when outdoors?

Yes No NA

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Management Goal E.5: Maintain restrooms to avoid spills and leakage of fecal coliform from human waste into the municipal storm water system.

Properly maintained restrooms and portable toilets are necessary to prevent sewage and human waste from entering the municipal stormwater or sewer systems. Human waste contains fecal coliform bacteria, which pose serious human and animal health hazards.

E.5.1. Do you ensure that adequate restrooms and portable toilets are available where needed?

Yes No NA

E.5.2. Do you ensure that toilets, floor, and sink drains in restrooms are properly hooked up to the sanitary sewer system?

Yes No NA

E.5.3. Do you ensure that portable toilets are located where wet weather will not wash waste into a municipal storm water system?

Yes No NA

E.5.4. Do you ensure that restrooms and portable toilets are regularly maintained to prevent sewage and human waste from entering a municipal storm water system?

Yes No NA

Management Goal E.6: Provide organized training sessions in waste, sanitation, and spill management for all personnel in a language that they clearly understand, and maintain records documenting training.

All growing operation employees must understand and implement the required practices for waste and sanitation management. All employees should be trained on what to do in the event of a spill and receive training on proper waste disposal and management of restrooms/mobile toilets. They should also be trained to recycle waste at the nursery such as metal, oil, paper, and plastic and how to properly dispose potentially hazardous materials. Training can include internal training or attending outside training. Establish and maintain records of personnel training provided. Documentation can include written instructions, posted signs, and information received at meetings. Record-keeping helps to document sanitation and spill management training.

E.6.1. Do you ensure that all employees receive training in proper waste disposal and use of restrooms and mobile toilets?

Yes No NA

E.6.2. Are all employees trained on what to do in the event of a spill? Yes No NA

E.6.3. Do you educate and require your employees to recycle all the waste that you can from your nursery operation such as metal, oil, paper, and plastic?

Yes No NA

E.6.4. Do you educate employees in the proper disposal of batteries, paints, and other potentially hazardous materials used in the nursery?

Yes No NA

E.6.5. Do you document and maintain records of employee training for a minimum of 5 years?

Yes No NA

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Checklist for Assessing and Mitigating Runoff in Greenhouses and Nurseries

REFERENCES

Evans, R. Nutrient Management Goals. 2008. Pesticide use and water quality protection, Chapter 4. In Greenhouse and Nursery Management Practices to Protect Water Quality. Univ. of Calif. Div. of Agric. and Nat. Resour. Publication 3508. Oakland, CA.

Gan, J., D. Haver, and J. Newman, J. 2008. Pesticide use and water quality protection, Chapter 6. In

Greenhouse and Nursery Management Practices to Protect Water Quality. Univ. of Calif. Div. of Agric. and Nat. Resour. Publication 3508. Oakland, CA.

Haver, D. 2004. Sediment Management Goals and Management Practices for Nursery and Floriculture.

Univ. of Calif. Div. of Agric. and Nat. Resour. Publication 8124. Oakland, CA. Lu, J., L. Wu, and B. Faber. 2008. Erosion and runoff management, Chapter 7. In Greenhouse and

Nursery Management Practices to Protect Water Quality. Univ. of Calif. Div. of Agric. and Nat. Resour. Publication 3508. Oakland, CA.

Merhaut, D. 2008. Water Recycling in Nurseries, Chapter 8. In Greenhouse and Nursery Management

Practices to Protect Water Quality. Univ. of Calif. Div. of Agric. and Nat. Resour. Publication 3508. Oakland, CA.

Newman, J., V. Mellano, K. Robb, D. Haver. 2008. Conducting an environmental audit, Chapter 9. In

Greenhouse and Nursery Management Practices to Protect Water Quality Univ. of Calif. Div. of Agric. and Nat. Resources. Publication 3508. Oakland, CA.

Newman, J. K. Robb, and C. Wilen. 2008. Using IPM to prevent pesticide runoff, Chapter 5. In

Greenhouse and Nursery Management Practices to Protect Water Quality Univ. of Calif. Div. of Agric. and Nat. Resources. Publication 3508. Oakland, CA.

Schwankl, R. Evans, and B. Faber. 2008. Irrigation management practices in nurseries, Chapter 3. In

Greenhouse and Nursery Management Practices to Protect Water Quality Univ. of Calif. Div. of Agric. and Nat. Resources. Publication 3508. Oakland, CA.

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2007. Access Road: Conservation Standard. Practice Code

560. http://efotg.nrcs.usda.gov/references/public/VT/VT560-0307.pdf.