Turfing is another way of maintaining soil in the orchard part of the garden, which, however, can only be introduced in the third or fourth year after the trees have been planted, so that they have time to root deeper and not feel the effects of competition for water - especially on lighter soils. Fruit bushes grown in grassland give a lower yield. Grass, which is a mixture of several species of grass, it should be mowed frequently, that it does not exceed a height of 10…15 cm and resembled a well-tended lawn. Frequent mowing reduces the need for water in the grass, and the decaying parts of the mown plants provide humus.
The soil under the turf does not freeze too deeply, which reduces the risk of freezing of the root system of fruit plants. in addition, the soil overgrown with the root system of turf plants is protected against washing away. For this reason, turf should be used primarily in undulating terrain, exposed to heavy runoff after heavy rainfall. Permanent turfing on flat ground is also less recommended due to the difficulty of obtaining equipment for multiple grass mowing.
The root system has the best air and humidity conditions on soils mulched with manure, compost, with straw or black foil. Manure and compost are most often used in the first years after planting. Black foil is used primarily in the cultivation of strawberries. The wagon intended for the cultivation of strawberries is covered with foil, which intersects in places, where the plants will be planted. The black foil reduces water evaporation, inhibits weed growth and heats up – raises the soil temperature, and, as a result, speeds up the harvesting of fruits.
