Foundations of the cover crop technique and potential use in afforestation
Balandier, Philippe | Frochot, H. | Sourisseau, A.
In many circumstances in afforestation, the quick development of very competitive herbaceous and shrubby species can compromise tree establishment. At present, this vegetation is often controlled by chemical and mechanical operations, whereas they are criticized from environmental points of view; some alternatives are under study. The cover crop technique, i.e. sowing in place of the spontaneous competitive vegetation a cover plant mixture assumed to be less competitive, is an example of potential ecological engineering. In addition with the control of competition for resources, the cover plants are thought to offer protection against frost and scorching temperatures to the young trees, or to avoid the water run-off encountered on bare soil. Despite promising results obtained in some experiments, there are also a lot of negative data. In fact the fundamental basis of the technique, i.e. a less competitiveness of the cover crops relative to young trees, and an improvement of microclimate, were relatively little or not assessed. Based on some recent data recorded in some experimental sites in France, we will discuss these issues and the potential of the technique as an alternative to herbicides in afforestation.
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