Matted row strawberries planted into weed suppressing cover crops

Project Overview

FNE05-553
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2005: $4,020.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2007
Region: Northeast
State: Vermont
Project Leader:
David Marchant
River Berry Farm

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Fruits: general small fruits

Practices

  • Crop Production: cover crops, no-till
  • Production Systems: general crop production
  • Soil Management: green manures

    Proposal summary:

    Weed control in matted row strawberries is always time consuming. Use of sudex cover crops prior to planting enhances crop growth via improved soil structure, water retention, and nematode suppression. This project will investigate whether a winter-killed sudex cover crop or a roll-killed rye cover crop can provide adequate in-row weed control during the establishment year of matted row strawberries. Outreach will be via presentations to grower organizations.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.