Effect of Straw, Leguminous and Non-Leguminous Cover Crops on Productivity and Weed Suppression in Organically Managed Asparagus Beds

Note to readers, attached is the complete final report for FNE02-424.

Based upon the results from the monitored growth parameters, there is no significant difference between treatments for the 2002 growing season. All treatments exceeded the growth parameters from the preceding year with the exception of spear number. This could be expected since many spears were harvested and would not be counted during the later months. Mulched rows produced 17% more spears and 7$ higher total weight in comparison to the cultivation control. For a more passive management it appears that white clover may offer the best perennial weed suppression although production reduced (18% fewer spears and 27% lower total weight). The growth of white clover in the rows of asparagus provided effective weed suppression amongst the asparagus which was a major problem in the previous year and stabilized the ground during the wet fall and winter. These productivity parameters were reduced for buckwheat, rape and crimson clover, in comparison to the control plots.

• FNE02-424 Final Report