Cover crops improve infiltration rates spray noncultivation and sawdust mulches ineffective in orchard trials

Abstract

Cover crops can improve water penetration in orchard soils, as compared with clean cultivation, according to Davis tests. Alfalfa and Hubam clover performed best. Clean noncultivation by use of chemical sprays had an adverse effect on soil surface structure and water penetration in tests at Davis and Fresno. Us of sawdust mulch did not affect water penetration in comparisons with normal cultivation and sod in El Dorado County orchards.