Best Management Practice (BMP)

Use of BMP blocks for yield intensification

We have proved that our systematic and step-wise approach to yield improvement delivers large yield improvements as a result of more focused management and generally small adjustments to external input use.

We advocate setting up best management practice (BMP) blocks (1 block per 1,000 ha) where all agronomic practices are implemented without compromise, even when resources (budget allocation, material availability) are scarce. Yields in BMP blocks reach the likely upper limit after about 40 months (i.e., the time interval between floral initiation and bunch harvest). BMP blocks then provide benchmark information on maximum economic yield over the long term.

Thomas Fairhurst

Increased production without increasing area.
Negligible capital expenditure outlay for increased production.
BMP blocks provide clear information on the size of yield gaps and maximum economic yield.
Best management practices lead to better environmental standards.
Testing ground for new technologies (e.g., new spraying techniques, new agrochemicals).
Training ground where staff can see what the correct agronomic techniques look like in practice.
Estimation of the cost of implementing and maintaining best management practices.
Estimation of the time required to close yield gaps.