Legume Cover Crops Reduce Overall Weed Incidence and Increase Fruit Production of Organically Grown Raspberries

Thumbnail Image
Date
2010-01-01
Authors
Portz, Dennis
Nonnecke, Gail
Tedesco, Angela
Saunders, Ben
Major Professor
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract

Weed accumulation in raspberry plantings is a primary concern of all producers in Iowa, especially in organic production. Tillage may be used to reduce weed growth as an alternative to herbicides in raspberry plantings. However, tillage leaves soil vulnerable to erosion and potentially depletes the nutrients and organic matter from the topsoil. Growing a living mulch on the soil surface reduces weed seed germination and growth, and it reduces the need for tilling after planting between the rows of raspberry plants. Legume living mulches also can provide nitrogen and fit within organic certification requirements. The overall objective was to determine the best organically certified soil management techniques to be used between rows in a perennial raspberry planting. Specific objectives were to determine soil management treatments’ contribution to the soil’s physical and chemical properties, weed growth, and raspberry growth and development.

Series Number
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
RFR A9045
Academic or Administrative Unit
Type
report
Comments
Rights Statement
Copyright
Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 UTC 2010
Funding
DOI
Supplemental Resources
Source
Collections