Soil cover can be a very efficient weed control method and can also improve water management. However, it also may cause disadvantages for tree growth and yield.
Solution
By keeping the tree row free of plant cover and other material, the tree row is less attractive for rodents and the heat radiation from the soil reduces the risk of frost damage during flowering.
Description
Bare soil reduces the risk of frost damage during flowering. The supply of fertiliser and watering is more efficient. Damages from rodents are reduced. Competition for water and nutrient between the fruit trees and weeds are reduced.
Practical recommendations
Disadvantages of soil coverage
• Keep the soil in the tree rows free from weeds. It is most important from the green tip period until after the T-stage of the fruitlets. Both to reduce frost damage risks during flowering and support tree growth and fruit set
• Plants/grass/weeds/cover crops as soil cover will compete with the trees for water and nutrients
• Bare soil reduces frost damage risks during flowering due to heat radiation from the soil surface
• Rodents can hide in plant cover; they prefer soil with eatable roots and can live safely under plastic or straw cover
Advantages of soil coverage
• If soil cover is wanted, e.g., if watering is not possible, a cover with rapeseed straw is a good choice. The straws are stiff, prickly, slowly degraded and an uncomfortable habitat for rodents
• Biodiversity and flower strips may be established in the alleyway, in areas especially selected for this or in
irregular corners
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In order to use the comment function, you must register with the third-party provider "Disqus".
When you activate this function, your browser establishes a direct connection with the servers of the third-party provider. We would like to point out that data is transmitted to the third-party provider after activation, and the latter may set cookies that can also be used for analysis and marketing purposes. For more information, please refer to our privacy policy.
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