posted on 2024-06-21, 03:56authored byAimee Lister
We wanted to better understand if low-growing, perennial plants can be established as a ground cover in pipfruit orchards, as an alternative to a traditional 'weed spray strip'. The weed strip area often has low light, poor soil structure, and with long-term herbicide use can result in low organic matter levels, poor soil biology and unfavourable soil organisms. This trial looked at the establishment and impact of seven under-row 'cover crops' over a 9-month period. Prepared for NZ Apples and Pears, funded by Our Land and Water National Science Challenge (Rural Professionals Fund)
Funding
Funded by the New Zealand Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment's Our Land and Water National Science Challenge (Toitū te Whenua, Toiora te Wai) as part of project Rural Professionals Fund 2022–23