IN YOUR ORCHARD
THE BEE BOX
Sow What? Although they aren’t a new technique, cover crops are becoming a more widely used practice in farming and cropping systems across the United States. There are more resources than ever before to help farmers apply the extensive benefits of cover crops to their fields. If you are new to cover cropping, it may seem like there are a lot of factors to consider. Whether you want to improve the quality of your soil, expand the sustainability goals for your orchard or get the most out of your hive rentals, cover crops are a great tool to consider. This article provides some information on cover crop seed mixes and how to select a cover crop that targets your orchard’s specific issues.
The Seeds for Bees program provides growers and orchardists in California with free or subsidized cover crop seed. This program offers six different mixes, each designed to increase honeybee health and address common concerns in almond orchards. Some of these benefits include suppressing weeds, increasing water infiltration and reducing erosion. Certain varieties of cover crops fix nitrogen, helps suppress nematodes, and boost natural enemy populations. Some farmers have even reported a reduction in fertilizer and pesticide applications since implementing cover crops.¹ Depending on what areas of production you want to target, there’s a cover crop for that! Here, we break down some of the seed mixes provided by the Seeds for Bees program by benefit and targeted applications. Nematode Suppression Cover cropping with brassicas can aid in reducing nematode populations; this is due to a chemical that is toxic to nematodes that is released by the plants as they decompose.² Choosing a mix that includes brassicas such as mustards is an effective method to add supplemental support to your current pest management strategy. Seeds for Bees Pollinator Brassica mix is comprised of three varieties of mustard, a variety of canola and a daikon radish, making it a good option if nematode suppression is a goal on your farm.
Reducing Soil Compaction Different root systems have different impacts on the soil; planting a seed mix with diverse vegetation can help to target compaction throughout the soil profile. Grasses have fibrous roots that grow web-like root networks that break up topsoil compaction and grow into deeper layers to tackle deep compaction. Plants with taproots, such as daikon radish, grow a single, large root that can “drill” into the soil, Brassicas, once reincorporated into the soil, can be used to manage nematode pests. Their bright, yellow flowers bloom early in the season, providing early forage for rented colonies. Photo credit: Project Apis m.
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ALMOND FACTS
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