The environmental impact of the orchard and levers that can be implemented
Orchards, varieties and data collection
Ten orchards and four apple varieties were selected for this study. The orchards were all managed using integrated fruit production (IFP) and the four apple varieties were grown on large areas. They are: Gala for early picking, Golden Delicious for mid-season picking, Pink Lady® for late picking and Juliet® for organic farming.
In interviews with growers and crop managers, the technical production systems were described, which provided the input data for the impact calculations: orchard density, types and quantities of fertiliser, plant protection products and quantities applied, orchard equipment such as hail protection nets, energy and water consumption, number of tractor-passes for orchard maintenance (soil preparation, harvesting, trellising, etc.).