Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
do a good job of preventing erosion, soil compaction, and loss of soil organ-
ic matter. The negative side is that alley crops compete with your orchard
crops for soil moisture and nutrients and can reduce fruit yields. There are
several approaches to permanent alley crops, two approaches being espe-
cially popular at the moment: 1) The alley crops can be made up of a sod-
forming grass or blend of grasses, often supplemented with clovers; or 2)
the alley crop can be made up of legumes, usually alfalfa or alfalfa blended
with clovers, such as white Dutch clover. In areas where soil frost heaving
is not severe, bunch-forming grasses that go dormant during the hot, dry
summer months can reduce competition with the orchard crops while still
reducing soil compaction and erosion and allowing access during wet condi-
tions. Typical permanent cover crops include various fescues, wheatgrasses,
alfalfa, and clovers.
Annual alley crops.
For a young fruit planting where soil amendments may
be required, consider using annual cover crops, such as barley, oats, ryegrass,
or wheat, supplemented with peas. Annual alley crops provide many of the
benefits of permanent covers, but they can be quickly and easily removed, if
necessary.
Whatever strategies you choose, keep in mind that young fruit trees and
bushes compete poorly with other vegetation. At a minimum, keep a 3- to
4-foot diameter, vegetation-free circle around each newly planted tree or
bush.
