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This report on 'Land suitability for selected horticultural crops in Victoria' was published by the former Department of Natural Resources and Environment in January 1999. It was prepared by the former Centre for Land Protection Research in collaboration with the former Institute for Horticultural Development. The report investigated opportunities where horticultural development can potentially occur by identifying areas of land that would support sustainable crop production by meeting plant production requirements, in conjunction with the protection of the natural resource base. The consideration of the following components (climate, landscape, soil, groundwater, surface water, and the presence of public land) led to the generation of an individual land suitability map for each of the following crops; · potatoes (summer and winter crop), · carrots (summer and winter crop), · cauliflower/broccoli (summer and winter crop), · lettuce (summer and winter crop), · asparagus (summer crop only), · sweet corn (summer crop only), and · fresh market tomatoes (summer crop only). Analysis of climate, landscape and soil factors allowed the identification of areas of land classed as either highly suitable, moderately suitable, or not suitable for each crop. Each land suitability class was determined by the most limiting component or sub-component. Where no limiting component or sub-component was present, land was deemed to have a high probability of being suitable for horticulture. The maps were considered suitable for broad scale planning purposes only, with further on-site assessment required prior to any investment. |
Statewide Crop Suitability - Catchment Management Authorities | Statewide Crop Suitability - Groundwater & Surface Water Resources |
Potatoes (Summer Crop) | Potatoes (Winter Crop) |
Carrots (Summer Crop) | Carrots (Winter Crop) |
Broccoli & Cauliflower (Summer) | Broccoli & Cauliflower (Winter) |
Lettuce (summer) | Lettuce (Winter) |
Asparagus (Summer) | Sweet corn (Summer) |
Fresh Market Tomatoes (Summer) |