Potential Nitrogen Contributions from Legumes in Pacific Northwest Apple Orchards

K. Mullinix¹ and D. Granatstein²

Abstract
As costs for nitrogenous fertilizers become increasingly expensive, organic and conventional apple producers recognize the potential to integrate leguminous plants in the orchard agro-ecosystem to contribute to N nutrition. We evaluated alfalfa as a drive row cover and white clover as an under tree living mulch. Both impacted nitrogen dynamics and tree performance. Alfalfa did not adversely affect tree growth and yield while potentially contributing to tree N nutrition. The white clover living mulch, clearly impacted soil nitrate and tree performance. Clover co-location with tree roots enabled N contribution from both tops and roots.


Source
International Journal of Fruit Science (2011) 11: 74-87
DOI: 10.1080/15538362.2011.554076


Author Locations and Affiliations
(1) Institute for Sustainable Horticulture, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
(2) Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, Washington State University, Wenatchee, Washington, USA


Posted March 2011