Cover crops to improve soil health and pollinator habitat in nut orchards

Abstract

Recently several national programs have been initiated calling for improving soil health and creating pollinator habitat using cover crops. Opportunities exist for nut growers to do both with the use of cover crops in our nut orchards. Because we can include perennial ground covers as cover crops, we have even more choices than landowners managing cover crops during the fallow period between agronomic crops. In addition, it's easy to see how adding some native trees and shrubs along with cover crops that we can create suitable habitats supporting bees and other pollinators.

Citation

Van Sambeek, Jerry. 2017. Cover crops to improve soil health and pollinator habitat in nut orchards. Missouri Nut Growers Association (MNGA) Newsletter. 17(1): 9-11.