Clover benefits orchard soil quality

摘要

Orchard soil health is the basis of everything that takes place in the pecan orchard. The bottomland soils on which pecans grow in their native range vary considerably from those on upland sites where the trees are cultivated and grown commercially inthe southeastern U.S. The loamy bottomland ridges to which pecans are adapted typically consist of well-drained soils high in organic matter. By contrast, upland soils of the southeastern U.S. are relatively shallow and are comparatively low in organicmatter. Most studies of pecan orchard soils have focused primarily on soil mineral nutrition status and their effects on pecan production. Biological indicators of soil quality such as microbial biomass and enzyme activity are sensitive to changes in agricultural management practices. Shading of soil and high detritus inputs in the form of leaf and litter fall may reduce soil temperatures and increase soil moisture in orchards.