ISHS Acta Horticulturae 313: III International Symposium on Computer Modelling in Fruit Research and Orchard Management
EFFECTS OF PERMANENT COVER CROP COMPETITION ON SOUR CHERRY TREE EVAPOTRANSPIRATION, GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY |
| Authors: | J.L. Anderson, G.E. Bingham, R.W. Hill |
| Abstract:
A transpiration-yield model (CRPSM) was used to compare tree growth and yield in ‘Montmorency’ sour cherry trees on mahaleb and mazzard rootstocks. Orchard floor management systems included clean cultivation, vegetation-free glyphosate-treated non-cultivation, and permanent fescue and ryegrass sods of varying configurations. After five years, tree growth rates as measured by trunk diameter increase varied with orchard floor management systems; growth rate of trees in vegetation-free plots was twice that of trees with a complete sod cover. During the sixth season individual tree yields varied from one to over 50 kg. The transpiration model successfully explained tree growth and yield differences on the basis of transpiration competition between tree crop and grass cover. | |
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