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Living mulches in-rows as an alternative for herbicide fallow in a pear Pyrus communis L. orchard

Author

Listed:
  • Ireneusz Sosna

    (Department of Horticulture, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland)

  • Ewa Fudali

    (Department of Botany and Plant Ecology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland)

Abstract

Weed control and replenishing soil moisture and fertility are important areas in fruit production. The number of studies focused to determine whether living mulches in tree rows can fulfil these tasks increases recently. In the paper the results of an 11-year experiment on the effect of two such mulches (Trifolium repens L. and Agrostis capillaris L.) on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of three pear cultivars ('Alfa', 'Dolores', 'Amfora') in relation to herbicide fallow are presented. In the experiment, a single sowing of covering plants without additional treatments was used. A statistically significant reduction in yield (20-22%) was found for both mulches used, which was related to weakening the vegetative growth of trees. The average fruit mass did not change significantly, but the percent share of large fruits increased significantly (about 17%) in the A. capillaris mulch. Fruits from trees growing in T. repens contained significantly more soluble solids and Ca. However, that mulch became heavily infested with weeds after a few years. The obtained results allow us to recommend the use of the living mulch A. capillaris in the tree rows of a commercial pear orchard. The 'Dolores' and 'Amfora' cvs are particularly recommended.

Suggested Citation

  • Ireneusz Sosna & Ewa Fudali, . "Living mulches in-rows as an alternative for herbicide fallow in a pear Pyrus communis L. orchard," Horticultural Science, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 0.
    • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlhor:v:preprint:id:14-2023-hortsci
    DOI: 10.17221/14/2023-HORTSCI
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