Articles
GROUND COVER IN RASPBERRY PLANTATIONS
Article number
585_99
Pages
611 – 613
Language
English
Abstract
In raspberry plantations, a ground cover is often sown in order to reduce erosion, improve soil structure and minimise herbicide applications.
Nevertheless, such covers can compete with raspberry plants and reduce their productivity.
The goal of this project was to analyse the effects of four different slow growing ground covers in comparison with bare soil on yield, fruit weight and cane length.
The four ground covers tested reduced the average yield by 15 %, compared to bare soil, even if this reduction is not statistically significant.
Moreover, a reduction of the average fruit weight and of the length of the canes was observed.
These effects are less pronounced with the ground cover composed of legumes only.
Selection of adapted species and mixes to cover ground in raspberry plantations will continue in order to reduce negative impact while maintaining their advantages.
Nevertheless, such covers can compete with raspberry plants and reduce their productivity.
The goal of this project was to analyse the effects of four different slow growing ground covers in comparison with bare soil on yield, fruit weight and cane length.
The four ground covers tested reduced the average yield by 15 %, compared to bare soil, even if this reduction is not statistically significant.
Moreover, a reduction of the average fruit weight and of the length of the canes was observed.
These effects are less pronounced with the ground cover composed of legumes only.
Selection of adapted species and mixes to cover ground in raspberry plantations will continue in order to reduce negative impact while maintaining their advantages.
Publication
Authors
A. Ançay, R. Carron, R. Terrettaz, N. Delabays, G. Mermillod
Keywords
fruit weight, grass/herb mixtures, Rubus idaeus L., yield
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