Advantages and disadvantages of weed control in tree rows using soil coverage (BIOFRUITNET Practice Abstract)

Summary

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