By Blake Jackson
Healthy soil is crucial for thriving orchards, yet managing soil health in New York’s diverse apple-growing regions is a complex challenge.
Deborah Aller, senior extension associate at Cornell University and co-coordinator of New York Soil Health, has been leading research over the past four years to better understand soil variability across the state.
This effort aims to provide insights that can guide future practices for improving soil health in orchards.
Initial findings highlight significant differences in soil conditions across the state's five major fruit-growing regions. Most apple growers rely on herbicides in tree rows and seldom replenish organic matter back into the soil.
However, preliminary data suggests that adding organic matter could be beneficial for improving soil health and potentially boosting orchard productivity.
In addition to organic matter, the research found that nearly 90% of the sampled soils contained plant-parasitic nematodes, though the exact impact of these nematodes is still unclear.
Some growers are exploring cover cropping techniques before replanting orchard blocks as a potential solution.
A new initiative is also integrating drone-based canopy sensing with soil health data from orchards and vineyards to further refine soil management practices.
The ongoing research promises to offer valuable guidance for enhancing soil health in New York’s orchards.
Photo Credit: istock-rixipix
Categories: New York, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Education