cover crops in a walnut orchard

Study Conducts Cost Analysis of Cover Crops in Citrus Production

The American Society of Horticultural Science published a story in HortScience on a study that examined the economic viability of cover crops for citrus orchards in Florida. Cover crops can enhance soil health and tree well-being in citrus orchards, but they require investment in labor, seed, fuel and machinery. Meanwhile, the soil health and tree health benefits aren’t immediately apparent, which can present a barrier to grower adoption of cover crops. This study is helping growers determine the economic viability of cover crops, based on the break-even price from increased orange production.
Related ATTRA blog: Creating Habitat for Beneficials to Control Aphids in Pecans