Affects of weeds control methods on soil chemical properties, yield and quality fruit in apple tree

In order to determine different control methods of weeds in apple orchards (golden varitey on MM106) on soil chemical properties, yield and fruit quality ,A randomized complete block (RCB) design with eight treatments and three replications was done. Each plot include two tree and one tree per plot was placed as a margin. A margin row was placed between each replication. Treatments were included: 1) control, 2) persian clover cultivation(Trifolium resupinatum L.) in tree intervals, 3) mungbean cultivation(Vigna radiate L.) in tree interval, 4) soybeans cultivation (Glycin max L.) in tree intervals, 5)using black plastic mulch + rotivator, 6) using Rundop herbicide, 7) using rotivator in tree intervals, 8) alfalfa cultivation (Medicago sativa L.) in tree intervals. At the end of growing season, cultivated plants used as green manure and returned with tillage to soil. Application of alfalfa, soybean, clover and mungbean cause a significant increase in soil organic carbon. The most effective treatment for competing with weeds was black plastic mulch. Black plastic mulch caused significantly decrease in soil moisture losses via evaporation. Herbicides application was effective, but it didn't suggest because of environmental protection, soil health and possible damage to fruit trees and high cost of herbicides is not recommended. Cultivator treatment was effective for controling annual weeds, but it needed to replicate during growth season and increased fruit falling because of physical contact with tree canopy,it wasn't applicable. Soybean and alfalfa have good competition with weeds in case of high growth rate, high height and good shading. However clover and mungbean mulch were effective on improving soil properties, but in case of their low growth rate and low height have not ability to compete with weeds. Leaf analysis showed that treatments of alfalfa, soybean, clover and mungbean were increased leaf nitrogen concentrations. Mulch of alfa alfa, clover, vetch, soybeans and black nylon were also significantly increased the fruit yield and quality. In dry-year, the nylon mulch is suitable for weeds control, but if we have enough irrigation water the soybeans mulch is good for weeds control and improve soil fertility. Keywords: soil chemical properties, green mulch, non-living mulch, weeds, apple, yield.