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Mulches
Orchard Management
and the future
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By Peter W
M
aterman
ulches in agriculture have
long been considered a
no matter what crop. With tree fruits
positive management tool,
in the Okanagan we have moved
from a full-till approach for the
whole orchard floor to grass/natural
cover alleyways to
weed-free strips in
the tree row.
been used to
This has mostly
eliminate weed
PETER WATERMAN
competition for
Dr. Eugene Hogue is one of the world’s leading researchers into orchard
young trees, which
vegetation control.
is critical for tree
establishment and
good growth. In addition, water and
later for continued
nutrients were used more efficiently
if they were specifically for the tree’s
use. Herbicides have been used very
The
successfully, various formulations
and types have been developed over
the years.
Centre (PARC) there has been an
At the Pacific Agri-food Research
interdisciplinary approach to
Place
vegetation control in orchards, led
for the past 30 years by Dr. Eugene
Hogue. We are very fortunate to
GERARD’S
have one of the world’s leading
EQUIPMENT
researchers here in the Okanagan. LTD.
has been to control various
The primary goal of weed control
broadleafed and grass species, both
33684 Highway 97 South,
perennial and annual to enhance
Oliver , BC
tree growth in the early years of tree
(250) 498-2524 or (250) 498-6231
and crop development.
Fax (250) 498-3288
14
British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Fall 2009
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