Mixtures for Orchards

Seeding grass and grass/clover between the rows in orchards will effectively:

• Reduce the input of chemicals for weed control because the grass/clover covers the ground and minimizes the establishment of weeds.
• Improve the accessibility of machinery as the grass/clover gives a good ground cover and allows for safer operation on slopes.
• Reduce the need for Nitrogen due to the N-fixation of white clover. This makes production more sustainable and cheaper.
• Prevent soil erosion on slopes.  

The following species are recommended:

Perennial ryegrass - low and slow growing types of turf varieties are recommended for a dense and wear tolerant ground cover. Perennial ryegrass is used mainly for areas where moisture is sufficient and where there are no extreme temperatures during summer and winter.

Red fescue of the creeping types are recommended as the rhizomes of this type ties the soil together and prevents soil erosion. The drought- and shade tolerance of red fescue is high, which fits well with the growth of the fruit trees. The high drought tolerance means less competition with the fruit trees for water. Red fescue can be used also where moisture is limited, and where soil conditions are poor - also in very cold regions.

Kentucky bluegrass is recommended as it is very low growing and forms rhizomes like red fescue. Kentucky bluegrass is quite heat tolerant and is therefore useful in hot areas – especially in a mixture with tall fescue.

Tall fescue where the conditions are dry and hot. It is important to use the turf types as they are low and slow growing compared to forage types. This ensures less competition with the trees for moisture and nutritients. Rhizomatous type tall fescues have the added benefit of binding the soil together.

White clover of the small leaf type (micro-clover) is especially recommended, because the ground cover is very high while the green mass production is low. White clover will release Nitrogen to the surrounding grasses and fruit trees.

Recommended mixture
10 % white clover
80 % grass - depending on the climatic conditions

Companion Mix is a low maintenance grass cover crop that was specifically formulated for use in orchards, vineyards, and Christmas tree plantations. It establishes rapidly, but grows low and slow, requiring only one to three mowings a year depending upon location. It has been seeded on literally thousands of acres and has proven itself viorously competitive to perennial weeds such as Canada thistle, dandelions, and field blindweed, as well as annual weeds. It withstands heavy vehicle and foot traffic and recovers quickly from injury. Companion requires a minimum amount of moisture and fertilizer.