Apricot Root Development and Morphology as Influenced by Mulching and Multispecies Ground Cover

Polverigiani, Serena; Massetani, F.; Tarragoni, A.; Neri, Davide

doi:10.17660/actahortic.2013.1001.41

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…These root architectural and morphological traits can be crucial in shaping orchard soil environment through a range of mechanisms, including the interaction with the soil microorganisms [60]. Such hypothesis can be supported by considering that higher values of the morphological traits were found in the samples from the upper soil layer confirming the observations that roots of herbaceous plants are commonly found in this layer [25]. Even though no statistical differences were observed in terms of RDWD of apple roots between the different living mulches, on average, apple RDWD was 38% higher in the selected mulching species than in the natural vegetation cover, and 11% higher in the deeper soil layer compared to the upper one.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 55%

“…Despite these benefits, it is crucial to understand how apple roots respond to living mulch soil communities to avoid the risk of unwanted competition. Root architecture parameters, especially root dry weight density (RDWD), root length (RL), root surface area (RSA) and root diameter (RD) allow us to infer the root activity and behavior under different soil conditions [24], particularly of fine roots, which are mainly responsible for absorption of water and nutrients [25]. Soil organisms present in the rhizosphere greatly depend on plant root exudates [26,27].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Living Mulch with Selected Herbs for Soil Management in Organic Apple Orchards

et al. 2021

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The establishment of living mulches in organic orchards could potentially improve the orchard biodiversity and, when specific plant species are selected, provide additional eco-services and functions, including adequate weed management. This study was conducted in an organically managed apple orchard in Skierniewice (Poland) to assess the effect of two selected living mulching species: Alchemilla vulgaris and Mentha piperita. They were assessed on weed control, weed biodiversity, tree nutritional status, root dry weight density (RDWD), and other root morphological traits compared to a natural soil cover (control). Overall, both living mulches produced 42.5% more dry biomass, increased weed species number (+29%), and increased soil coverage (+33%) compared to control mowed plots. The apple leaf chlorophyll index and nutrient content were higher in the presence of both living mulches than in the control. In addition, apple trees had 30–46% higher root dry weight densities, even though other root morphological traits were not affected by the treatments. The results suggested that the tree row can be managed with living mulches of herbs; these species have the potential to provide an additional income to the farmer, as well as beneficial effects for the orchard biodiversity, without impairing the tree root development and nutrient status.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 55%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Living Mulch with Selected Herbs for Soil Management in Organic Apple Orchards

et al. 2021

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“…Orchard floor management, including cover crops, plays an important role in providing favorable conditions for the growth and yield of apricot and apple trees as well as in maintaining biodiversity (Polverigiani et al, 2013a(Polverigiani et al, , 2013b. Increased biodiversity and functional biodiversity in low-input orchards is, to a large extent, connected with the presence of flowering plants that attract natural enemies of fruit pests (Fitzgerald and Solomon, 2004;Fiedler and Landis 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Growth and yield of plum trees in response to in-row orchard floor management

Lisek¹,

Buler²

2018

Turk J Agric For

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Research was conducted in 2009-2015 on Valjevka plum trees (Prunus domestica L.) that were grafted onto Myrobalan seedlings (Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. var. divaricata Ledeb.). Trees were planted in the spring of 2008. From 2009 the following methods of soil cultivation under tree canopies were introduced: spraying with foliar herbicides; mulching with organic waste, i.e. straw with compost; mechanical soil cultivation with the use of rotary cultivators and hoe; weed mowing. On the control plots with limited weeding, the weeds growing around tree trunks were pulled several times a year. From 2010 to 2015, highest total yield of plums was produced on plots weeded with herbicides and it was substantially higher than on the mulched plots. The method of soil cultivation had no influence on the area of cross-section of the tree trunks or the total soluble solids of the fruit, and the mean weight of the fruit was noticeably higher on the mowed plots than the control plots and plots cultivated mechanically. Strong trees of Valjevka plum grafted on cherry plum proved tolerant to weeds.

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Permanent, undisturbed, in-row living mulch: A realistic option to replace glyphosate-dominated chemical weed control in intensive pear orchards

Paušič¹,

Tojnko²

2021

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

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Apricot Root Development and Morphology as Influenced by Mulching and Multispecies Ground Cover

Cited by 5 publications

References 0 publications

Living Mulch with Selected Herbs for Soil Management in Organic Apple Orchards

Living Mulch with Selected Herbs for Soil Management in Organic Apple Orchards

Growth and yield of plum trees in response to in-row orchard floor management

Permanent, undisturbed, in-row living mulch: A realistic option to replace glyphosate-dominated chemical weed control in intensive pear orchards

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