cover crops for prune production
TRANSCRIPT
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Cover Crops For Prune Production Fred Thomas CERUS Consulting
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What is a cover crop?
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What is a cover crop?
A cover crop is a ‘non harvested’crop that is planted or grown to benefit the main crop.
Dried beans in almonds, alfalfa in young walnuts are not cover crops.
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Potential Benefits
Improved soil structure and water infiltrationImproved wheel tractionAddition or conservation of nitrogenAddition of organic matter and carbon to soilReduced dust and association webspinningmite pressureReduced soil erosion and nutrient runoff
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Potential Drawbacks
Increased water useCompetition with prune trees for soil moisture and nutrientsIncreased frost hazardIncreased vertebrate pestsIncreased costs and management
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Two Selection Decisions
Do you disk or do you mow?
Is the prune orchard fully irrigated or is it drip or microspinkler?
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Disked Orchards (young orchards)
Oats, bell beans, peas, mustard, triticale, vetch, barley
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Benefits of Triticale
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Nontill Annuals
Bur CloverCrimson CloverPersian CloverRose CloverSub Clover
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Nontill Perennials
Chewings FescueCreeping Red FescueDwarf Perennial RyegrassHard FescueNew Zealand White Clover
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Nontill Perennials
Flood irrigationSolid setMicrosprinklers ?Rarely drip
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Management Challenges
Planting too deep – small seedsBrush removal on small seedlingsBanding potassiumDrought
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