Reducing Bare Ground in Hazelnut Orchards

Hazelnut orchards are a common sight in the Tualatin Valley. Approximately 6,500 acres of farmland in the watershed are planted in hazelnut. A common agricultural practice is to maintain bare ground in these orchards as a means of keeping down weeds. 

Unfortunately, this bare ground causes soil erosion which reduces soil productivity and pollutes the Tualatin’s waterways. Which is why we love to see how the Tualatin Soil & Water Conservation District is supporting the use of cover crops to reduce the amount of bare ground found in these orchards.