Orengine International

Monitoring Operations
Monitoring operations - Upon completion of the transplanting and weed-control operations, certain results should be verified so as to correct any errors noticed while carrying out the work done thus far. Monitoring must be done between 15 and 45 days after the date of transplanting. This must cover:

the vigor of the suckers, which must be sufficient
the efficiency of the weed-control treatment and the presence of the main perennial and annual infestations;
the even distance between plants, between rows and along the row, which in any event should always be monitored from the beginning of the transplanting operations
the total percentage of plants that have taken root, considering a maximum tolerance of 10%;
the proper standing position (upwards) of the cuttings, considering a maximum tolerance of 3% on deformity;
the proper removal of the cuttings from the space beneath electrical and phone wires, whenever their distance from the ground is less than 10 meters.

© Orengine International 2008, 2010 - Monitoring Operations

Work on the land after the harvest - Grass is not allowed to grow between the rows, except for environmental purposes; however, in that case it should be contained by repeated cutting, so as to limit excessive water intake or competition between root systems; in the event of ailment symptoms, the grass layer must be removed immediately using harrows or clod smashers. During the first two-year growth period, it is vital to harrow periodically, often enough to keep weeds to a height of not more than 30 cm. With regard to the equipment, it is preferable to use a disc harrow or a tined cultivator and to absolutely avoid rotavators because of their negative effect on compaction and on the formation of the soil-working surface.

Plant protection - Plant protection treatments must only be carried out according to the needs of an individual event and must not be regarded as the basis for general prevention programs. The amounts and dosage of all active ingredients must be used as specified on their labels. All products with a broad spectrum of action should be avoided and therefore all the low- environmental-impact techniques foreseen by national and regional authorities should be implemented, even if there are no specific regulations for poplars. Special attention should be paid to poplar Chrysomela (Melasoma populi). If, during the month of April, a relevant presence is detected, it should be treated promptly with pyrethroid or nicotinoide based products, so as to prevent any further reproduction of the insect. In any event, treatment should be carried out only after the damage limit has been exceeded, which should be checked on periodically by the expert in charge. Every operation carried out and product used must be noted in the treatments record. All equipment used for the treatments must comply with the current safety regulations. Grass infestations higher than 30 cm must be eliminated, as they host the Poplar Longicorn (Saperda carcharias). Whenever possible, biological means, such as the Bacillus thuringiensis spp, should be used.