ISHS Acta Horticulturae 347: II International Symposium on Integrated Fruit Production
ORCHARD FLOOR MANAGEMENT AFFECTS CHERRY TREE GROWTH AND MOISTURE UTILIZATION |
| Authors: | M.L. Parker, J. Hull |
| Abstract:
The effect of six orchard floor management treatments on tree growth were evaluated for cherry trees (Prunus cerasus L. cv. Montmorency/Mahaleb). Vegetation-free areas ranging from 0.0 to 7.4 m2 were established around the tree in both tall fescue and hard fescue sods. In the second and third year, trunk cross-sectional area (TCA) in the vegetation-free treatments in both sod covers was greater than the trees in complete sod. The larger vegetation-free areas resulted in greater tree growth. Shoot length and trunk diameter were positively correlated with vegetation-free area in both grass covers and were significant in the third growing season. Treatments providing 0–1.5 m2 vegetation-free area had lower soil moisture availability than the larger vegetation-free area treatments. Tree growth was directly related to vegetation-free area. | |
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