Agronomic cover crop management supports weed suppression and competition in California orchards

Abstract Cover crops enhance the biodiversity of cropping systems and can support a variety useful ecosystem services, including weed suppression. In California orchards, cover are typically implemented as annual plants that replace resident vegetation in orchard alleyways during rainy winter season. Our research objective was to evaluate crop management factors competitive, weed-suppressing unique central California. We conducted two experiments: an experiment evaluating intensification walnuts ( Juglans regia L.) multispecies mixes planting date almonds [ Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb]. These experiments demonstrate timely is important for producing abundant crop, programs produce crops. However, do not result weed-free orchards should be considered within context integrated programs. The apparent flexibility provides opportunity promote other agroecosystem with suppression complementary goals.