Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-dlnhk Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-25T17:21:13.404Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Growth of apple trees, nitrate mobility and pest populations following a corn versus fescue crop rotation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Alan R. Biggs ,
Tara A. Baugher ,
Alan R. Collins ,
Henry W. Hogmire ,
James B. Kotcon ,
D. Michael Glenn ,
Alan J. Sexstone  and
Ross E. Byers
Alan R. Biggs
Affiliation:
Professor of Plant Pathology and Extension Specialist, University Experiment Farm, PO Box 609, Kearneysville, WV 25430;
Tara A. Baugher
Affiliation:
Professor of Entomology and Extension Specialist, University Experiment Farm, PO Box 609, Kearneysville, WV 25430;
Alan R. Collins
Affiliation:
Professor of Horticulture and Extension Specialist, West Virginia University (retired), 276 Longstreet Dr., Gettysburg, PA 17325;
Henry W. Hogmire
Affiliation:
Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics, Division of Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506;
James B. Kotcon
Affiliation:
Associate Professor of Plant Pathology and Associate Professor of Environmental Microbiology, Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506;
D. Michael Glenn
Affiliation:
Research Leader and Soil Scientist, USDA-ARS, Appalachian Fruit Research Station, Kearneysville, WV 25430;
Alan J. Sexstone
Affiliation:
Associate Professor of Plant Pathology and Associate Professor of Environmental Microbiology, Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506;
Ross E. Byers
Affiliation:
Professor of Horticulture, Alson H. Smith, Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Winchester, VA 22601.
Get access

Abstract

We compared conventional and alternative systems for the establishment of apple trees on a replicated, whole-orchard scale. The alternative system consisted of a K-31 fescue sod rotation followed by planting of trees directly into sod that had been kitted with herbicide. The conventional system consisted of a standard corn rotation, accompanied by application of fertilizer and nematicide. Orchard floor management in the three years following tree planting was based on the use of both pre-and post-emergence herbicides in the conventional system and only contact herbicide in the alternative system. The study documented tree growth, pest incidence, and nitrate mobility in the two systems. The alternative system compared favorably with the conventional system for the growth and establishment of four apple cultivars. Many advantages accompanied the killed sod system, including less subsurface leaching ofnitrate-N and lower costs (largely from decreased herbicide use). The alternative system provided an economical alternative to the problem of soil organic matter depletion in conventional orchard soils without requiring increased use of commercial fertilizers. Grower concerns regarding increased potential for vole damage and poor initial tree growth were unsubstantiated.

Keywords

orchardnematodestree growthvoles
Type
Articles
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 12 , Issue 4 , December 1997 , pp. 162 - 172
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1997

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Baugher, T.A., and Singha, S.. 1984. Seasonal variations in the foliar mineral nutrient concentrations of two apple and peach cultivars. West Virginia Academy of Sci. 57:65–71.Google Scholar
2.Baugher, T.A., Singha, S., and Leach, D.W.. 1992. West Virginia slender spindle. Circular OM113. West Virginia Univ. Cooperative Extension Service, Morgantown.Google Scholar
3.Biggs, A.R., Kotcon, J.B., Baugher, T.A., Collins, A.R., Glenn, D.M., Hogmire, H.W., Byers, R.E., Sexstone, A.J., and Lightner, G.W.. 1994. Comparison of corn and fescue rotations on pathogenic nematodes, nematode biocontrol agents, and soil structure and fertility on an apple replant site. J. Sustainable Agric. 4:39–56.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4.Funt, R.C., Baugher, T.A., Hogmire, H.W., and Kleiner, W.C.. 1992. Profitability of different apple orchard systems in the eastern United States. Horticultural Dept. Series 624. Ohio Agrie. Research and Development Center, Wooster.Google Scholar
5.Glenn, D.M., and Welker, W.V.. 1989a. Cultural practices for enhanced growth of young peach trees. Amer. J. Alternative Agric. 4(1):8–11.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
6.Glenn, D.M., and Welker, W.V.. 1989b. Orchard soil management systems influence rainfall infiltration. J. Amer. Soc. Horticultural Sci. 114:10–14.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
7.Hinman, H., Petersen, B., Williams, K., and Maib, K.. 1991. Estimated costs of replanting to a high density Fuji apple orchard on full dwarf rootstock in central Washington. Farm Business Management Reports EB1635. Cooperative Extension, Washington State Univ., Pullman.Google Scholar
8.Hogmire, H.W. 1995. The Mid-Atlantic Orchard Monitoring Guide. Pub. No. 75. Northeast Regional Agric. Engineering Service, Ithaca, New York.Google Scholar
9.Hogmire, H.W., Baugher, T.A., Ingle, L.M., Biggs, A.R., Kotcon, J.B., and Monks, C.D.. 1992. Spray bulletin for commercial tree fruit growers. Pub. No. 456–419. Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, Blacksburg.Google Scholar
10.Merwin, I.A., Ray, J.A., Steenhuis, T.S., and Boll, J.. 1996. Groundcover management systems influence fungicide and nitrate-N concentrations in leachate and runoff from a New York apple orchard. J. Amer. Soc. Horticultural Sci. 121:249–257.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
11.National Research Council. 1987. Regulating Pesticides in Food: The Delaney Paradox. Board on Agriculture, Committee on Scientific and Regulatory Issues Underlying Pesticide Use Patterns and Agricultural Innovation. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.Google Scholar
12.Stevenson, F.J., and Ardakani, M.S.. 1972. Organic matter reactions involving micronutrients in soils. In Mortvedt, J.J., Giordano, P.M., and Lindsay, W.L. (eds). Micronutrients in Agriculture. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer., Madison, Wisconsin.Google Scholar
13.Swezey, S.L., Rider, J., Werner, M.R., Buchanan, M., Allison, J., and Gliessman, S.R.. 1994. Granny Smith conversions to organic show early success. California Agric. 48:36–44.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
14.Travis, J.W. 1992. Tree fruit production guide. Pennsylvania State Univ., College of Agric. Sci., State College.Google Scholar