Cover Crops for Christmas Trees and Other Orchard Crops

Cover Crops for Christmas Trees and Other Orchard Crops

Summary

It is essential that weed growth around young Christmas tree seedlings be controlled to prevent deformity of lower limbs and to eliminate competition for water and nutrients. This is usually done by mowing and through the use of herbicides which is expensive, time consuming, leads to soil erosion, and could possibly be harmful to the environment.

Producers need economically and environmentally sound recommendations for cover crops that will reduce the use of herbicides, undesirable weed growth and soil erosion. And just as importantly, these recommendations must not have a negative impact on growth and/or yield.

The goal of this project is to investigate the use of low-growing, dense cover crops which would control weed growth, reduce or eliminate soil erosion, reduce the use of herbicides and reduce the number of mowing trips. If the cover crop were a legume, it could add nitrogen to the soil if managed properly. Other benefits will be the improvement of wildlife habitat and improved aesthetics.

The trial will begin with the planting of various cover crops in one and two year old Christmas tree plantations. Both summer and winter cover crops will be planted. Legume and non-legume crops will be used. Treatments will be replicated three times with control plots, and growth measurements will be taken on trees in the plots.

Technical assistance will be from the Lamar County Extension Coordinator and from the Plant Materials Center, Americus, Georgia. They will recommended cover crops to be planted as well as cultural practices. The District Conservationist will assist in evaluating the effects of the cover crops on soil erosion.

Collaborators: