Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: P017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.P017
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, P017 (2023)
Living mulches in organic orchards – the effect on biodiversity and soil fertility
Małgorzata Tartanus1, Ewa Furmańczyk1, Eligio Malusa1, Gerard Podedworny1*
1 National Research Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice; Konstytucji 3 Maja 1/3, 96-100, Skierniewice, Poland
* Corresponding author: gerard.podedworny@inhort.pl
Abstract
In modern horticultural production, the focus is on reducing the use of mineral fertilisers and synthetic plant protection products to minimise their negative environmental impacts. Increasing biodiversity in the agroecosystem is, instead, proving to be the key for a more sustainable production. However, the traditional model of fruit orchards management can be considered a monoculture, i.e. with very low species diversity (e.g. provided by grass cover crops in the inter-rows). Such condition exposes orchards to high pest pressure, as pests find favourable conditions for development, with low populations of natural enemies. A further problem with such cropping system is the decrease in soil fertility due to reduction of soil organic matter content and, consequently, reduced soil microbial activity. An innovative solution that can be applied to both organic and conventional fruit production systems is soil management that promotes increased biodiversity in the agroecosystem. This can be obtained introducing living mulches in tree rows or flower strips. Among the ecosystem services provided by these practices can be included the reduction of pest pressure, the increase of pollinating insects activity, facilitating weed control, an enhanced soil microbial activity, the soil enrichment with nutrients (particularly nitrogen if leguminous species are grown), the exploitation of phytosanitary properties against soil-borne pests, and an additional income resulting from a second cash crop (herbs, fruits, vegetables). Trials implementing these agroecological practices have been established in an organic apple orchard assessing the impact of short- and long-term cultivation of different plant species as living mulches on several ecosystem service (e.g. below- and aboveground biodiversity, pest incidence, weed infestation, nutrient supply to trees, and soil fertility). Among the tested plants species, the most effectives included herbs (peppermint, lady’s mantle), fruit species (wild strawberry), and clover. Mixtures of flowering species were also tested as flower strips grown on the tree row. The results planned to be presented highlight the potential benefits of living mulches, deriving from an increased orchard biodiversity, as well as the need of developing case specific solutions to be adapted to the orchard conditions.
How to cite
M. Tartanus, E. Furmańczyk, E. Malusa, G. Podedworny, 2023. Living mulches in organic orchards – the effect on biodiversity and soil fertility. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.P017