Integration of high-perennial fringes along edge structures in organic orchards (BIOFRUITNET Practice Abstract)

Summary in the original language of the document

Provision of increased supply of food and nesting sites, especially for insects. Flower strips also raise visual attractiveness and can provide a positive impact on regional or local tourism.
Practical recommendation
• Choose locations along edge structures within the orchards such as along fences, ditches or embankments or also unusable areas on the edges of the plantation.
• Lay out the HPF with a width of 1.0m or wider for an optimal development. The minimum width for an HPF is 0.5m, otherwise it will be suppressed by grass.
• The plant composition should include cut-tolerant herbs and food plants (e.g., caterpillar food plants, nectar/open flowers and pollen) and flower throughout the growing season (including selection of plant species with early flowering before apple blossom).
Planting:
• Timing: Depending on the region and weather conditions from early spring to autumn. When sowing in summer ensure proper irrigation.
• Mill the surface two times at two week intervals to keep competitive pressure low.
• Sow the seed only superficially (i.e., light germination) and roll it after sowing.
• Mow the HPF once a year in late spring, so animals may overwinter there.