2019 ASHS Annual Conference

Organic peach production has been shown to produce similar yields to conventional orchards in Utah, but with higher revenues on average leading to a greater profit for the producer (Knudsen, 2015). In order to establish organic peach (Prumus persica L.) production and maintain yields, weed competition and nutrient supply must be managed. Organic peach trials at the Utah State University (USU) Kaysville Horticulture Research Station evaluated several organic orchard floor management practices - living mulch tree-row with grass alleyway, living mulch tree-row with birdsfoot trefoil alleyway, straw mulch tree-row with grass alleway, straw mulch tree-row with birdsfoot trefoil alleyway, tillage tree-row with grass alleyway, and weed fabric with grass alleyway. These trials have shown that birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) alleyways can reduce the need for intensive weed control and maintain nutrient availability during the establishment of organic peach orchards relative to conventional alleyway management techniques. Pest management is of concern in organic systems with increasing biomass on the orchard floor but has the potential to be managed. Fruit yields were comparable to conventional systems and represent an opportunity to increase profitability for the organic orchard. This publication outlines the best practices recommended for establishing organic peach orchards in the Intermountain West.