Integration of different agronomical practices for inter-row soil management in organic orchards (BIOFRUITNET Practice Abstract)

Summary in the original language of the document

Mixtures of leguminous plants and grasses grown as cover crops can protect the soil against compaction and erosion while increasing soil fertility, microbial biodiversity and activity.
Practical recommendations
Alternatives to manage the inter-row can include:
• Use of white clover (Trifolium repens) or micro-clover or dwarf alfa-alfa. The micro/dwarf ecotypes produce less biomass than normal types but compete less for water and nutrients. They form a “carpet-like” cover in the inter-row.
• Use of mixtures of a leguminous and a grass (e.g., white clover and sheep fescue) or mixture of more species. The grass develops first, followed by the legume, as it normally occurs in meadows, reducing weed competition during the establishment phase.
• For both cases, a seed quantity of 2 g/m² provides a good density and establishment. However, particularly in the case of micro-clover, water availability (or some irrigation) and full light during the germination phase are needed to ensure good development. The initial development after sowing can be slow in case only legumes are used, but they are resistant to soil compaction by machines.
• Cuts from the inter-row in May-June used as row mulch, can provide up to 50-60 kg N, 10 kg P and 70-80 kg K per ha.