Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Mulches, whether inorganic, organic, or living, help prevent erosion
within the crop rows and some add organic matter to the soil. Bare
soil is highly susceptible to compaction and erosion. Even raindrops
or droplets of irrigation water striking bare soil can damage structure
near the surface and lead to sheet or rill erosion. To the greatest extent
possible, reduce the amount of bare soil in your orchard.
Managing Fruit Crop Rows
For many years, tree rows have primarily been maintained free of other ve-
getation — a strategy that eliminates much of the competition with the fruit
crops and reduces rodent problems. For newly planted orchards, vegetation-
free strips in the tree rows remain the method of choice. During their first
few years in the orchard, fruit trees lack the size and vigor to compete with
other vegetation. Even if they survive the competition, they will likely remain
stunted and unproductive.
Many strategies are available to prevent competing vegetation from es-
tablishing within crop rows. For very small plantings, hand weeding can pro-
duce acceptable results. One of the best implements for this task is a “speed
hoe” equipped with a looped U-shaped blade. This implement cuts weeds off
at or just below the soil surface and does not damage the crop's roots. As the
orchard grows beyond a small home planting, however, more efficient meth-
ods are needed.
Mulches
Mulches have long been used to manage weeds in fruit plantings. These ma-
terials come in many different forms, but most act to prevent light from
reaching the soil surface or reduce the amount of light. Some mulches also
create physical barriers that seedlings and shoots cannot penetrate.
