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Growth of apple trees, nitrate mobility and pest populations following a corn versus fescue crop rotation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Alan R. Biggs ,
Tara A. Baugher ,
Alan R. Collins ,
Henry W. Hogmire ,
James B. Kotcon ,
D. Michael Glenn ,
Alan J. Sexstone  and
Ross E. Byers
Alan R. Biggs
Affiliation:
Professor of Plant Pathology and Extension Specialist, University Experiment Farm, PO Box 609, Kearneysville, WV 25430;
Tara A. Baugher
Affiliation:
Professor of Entomology and Extension Specialist, University Experiment Farm, PO Box 609, Kearneysville, WV 25430;
Alan R. Collins
Affiliation:
Professor of Horticulture and Extension Specialist, West Virginia University (retired), 276 Longstreet Dr., Gettysburg, PA 17325;
Henry W. Hogmire
Affiliation:
Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics, Division of Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506;
James B. Kotcon
Affiliation:
Associate Professor of Plant Pathology and Associate Professor of Environmental Microbiology, Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506;
D. Michael Glenn
Affiliation:
Research Leader and Soil Scientist, USDA-ARS, Appalachian Fruit Research Station, Kearneysville, WV 25430;
Alan J. Sexstone
Affiliation:
Associate Professor of Plant Pathology and Associate Professor of Environmental Microbiology, Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506;
Ross E. Byers
Affiliation:
Professor of Horticulture, Alson H. Smith, Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Winchester, VA 22601.
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Abstract

We compared conventional and alternative systems for the establishment of apple trees on a replicated, whole-orchard scale. The alternative system consisted of a K-31 fescue sod rotation followed by planting of trees directly into sod that had been kitted with herbicide. The conventional system consisted of a standard corn rotation, accompanied by application of fertilizer and nematicide. Orchard floor management in the three years following tree planting was based on the use of both pre-and post-emergence herbicides in the conventional system and only contact herbicide in the alternative system. The study documented tree growth, pest incidence, and nitrate mobility in the two systems. The alternative system compared favorably with the conventional system for the growth and establishment of four apple cultivars. Many advantages accompanied the killed sod system, including less subsurface leaching ofnitrate-N and lower costs (largely from decreased herbicide use). The alternative system provided an economical alternative to the problem of soil organic matter depletion in conventional orchard soils without requiring increased use of commercial fertilizers. Grower concerns regarding increased potential for vole damage and poor initial tree growth were unsubstantiated.

Keywords

orchardnematodestree growthvoles
Type
Articles
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 12 , Issue 4 , December 1997 , pp. 162 - 172
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1997

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