Title: Spray-on-mulch helps apple trees grow and prevents weeds
Abstract: Apple producers are eager to grow fruit using fewer chemical inputs that can harm the environment. Finding cost effective and sustainable methods of weed control that encourage high yields of quality fruit is a goal amongst fruit producers. Due to improved recycling programs, organic mulch (made from any-thing that can decay, including grain, wood, paper, etc.) is increasingly available. It is considered effective at controlling weeds and improving soil health, but is seen as more costly than traditional chemical pesticides because of the labour-intensive method of application. However, if mulch could be sprayed onto orchards, it would be less expensive than traditional mulching. Previous research has shown that spray-on-mulch (SOM) can reduce the growth of most weeds. The goal of this research was to develop and evaluate a new way to apply SOM to make it more convenient and less costly to apply. The experiment involved 4 different apple species, grown in separate orchards. SOM (a combination of waste newsprint, chopped straw, non-coloured shredded paper, and water) was sprayed adjacent to trees using a mechanical sprayer. For each apple species, up to nine different methods of application were used. Standard levels of irrigation and fertilizers were used in all treatments. Researchers measured soil moisture and temperature, tree growth, amount of fruit produced and the number and types of weeds. The use of SOM increased soil moisture and made seasonal soil temperatures less extreme. When SOM was included in treatments, trees grew very well except when a residual herbicide was added to SOM. All trees with SOM treatments produced more fruit than trees with glyphosate treatments, except when SOM was sprayed on top of plastic sheeting. All SOM treatments outperformed glyphosate in controlling weeds. Adding a sticky substance to SOM provided only slightly improved weed control. SOM treatments also increased levels of potassium in leaves more effectively than glyphosate. Fruit nutrients were equivalent across treatments. [Cline, J., Neilsen, G., Hogue, E., Kuchta, S., Neilsen, D. (2011). Spray-on-mulch technology for intensively grown irrigated apple orchards: Influence on tree establishment, early yields, and soil physical properties. Journal of HortTechnology, 21(4) 398-411] ${imageDescription} Comment
Keywords: Apple orchards, weed control, chemical pesticides, organic mulch, application methods