Orchards
The purpose of sowing grass/clover between the rows in orchards are the following:
To reduce the input of chemicals for weed control as the grass/clover covers the ground and thereby prevents the establishment of weed plants.
To improve the accessibility of machinery as the grass/clover gives a good ground cover and prevents poaching and makes it safe to drive also on slopes.
To reduce the fertilization with Nitrogen through N-fixation of white clover which make the production more sustainable and cheaper.
To prevent soil erosion on slopes.
The Following Species can be Recommended:
Perennial ryegrass - low and slow growing types of turf varieties can be recommended as the need is a dense and wear tolerant ground cover. Perennial ryegrass is mainly for areas where moisture is sufficient and where there are no extreme temperatures during summer and winter.
Red fescue of the rubra rubra types can be recommended as the rhizomes of this type ties the soil together and prevents soil erosion. The drought- and shade tolerance of red fescue is high which fits well with the growth of the fruit trees. The high drought tolerance means less competition with the fruit trees for water. Red fescue can be used also where moisture is limited and where soil conditions are poor - also in very cold regions.
Poa pratensis can be recommended as it is very low growing and forms rhizomes like red fescue rubra rubra. Poa pratensis is quite heat tolerant and is therefore useful in hot areas – especially in a mixture with tall fescue.
Tall fescue where the conditions are dry and hot. It is important to use the turf types as they are low and slow growing compared to forage types. This ensures less competition with the trees for moisture and nutrients.
White clover of the small leaved types is particularly recommended as the ground cover here is very high. At the same time the green mass production is low. White clover will release Nitrogen to the accompanying grasses and fruit trees.
A Mixture of the Above Mentioned Species can be made i.e.
10% white clover
80% grass - depending on the climatic conditions
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