More and more fruit growers are looking for ways to improve soil health while keeping costs under control. One method that is attracting increasing international attention is mow-and-throw. With this method, vegetation or cover crops growing between the rows are mown and discharged directly into the tree row. Here, the cut material forms a natural layer of mulch that protects and nourishes the soil.
Based on research by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, this approach can contribute to healthier soil and a productive orchard.
What are the benefits?
Researchers highlight the following benefits:
- Improved nutrient cycling within the orchard.
- Increased organic matter and greater soil biological activity.
- Reduced moisture loss through evaporation.
- Weed suppression.
- Potentially less dependence on external mulch and fertilisers.
Practical considerations
Mow-and-throw does require a well-considered approach. Under certain conditions, cover crops can compete with fruit trees for water. A thick layer of mulch can also provide shelter for pests. Choosing the right mowing time and suitable crops therefore plays an important role.
A technique suited to modern fruit growing
For fruit growers investing in sustainable soil improvement, mow-and-throw offers interesting opportunities. By making smart use of biomass that is already available in the orchard, a natural system is created that supports soil health, moisture management and nutrient availability.
This makes the method well suited to the search for efficient and future-proof growing systems.
PERFECT machines for mow-and-throw applications
The PERFECT range includes several machines suitable for the mow-and-throw method, including the T-REX, TKF, KM and KR.
These machines mow the vegetation between the rows and discharge the cut material into the tree row, where it serves as a natural mulch layer and a source of organic matter.
For more information, please contact one of our dealers or email sales@vanwamel
