Traditional orchard management has long relied on clearing and weeding, where all weeds are removed, the soil is exposed, and sometimes only specific crops are planted. This method has led to poor ecological protection, increasing the risk of soil erosion and reducing soil fertility. Over-reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to boost production not only raises costs but also negatively affects fruit quality. In contrast, the "orchard growing and weeding" approach involves planting useful forage crops between fruit trees, establishing a system that integrates fruit, grass, livestock, marsh, and fertilizer. This model promotes mutual stimulation and a sustainable cycle, helping to maintain soil moisture, enhance fertility, improve ecological conditions, and ultimately increase both yield and fruit quality.
Commonly used grass species in this system include white clover, ryegrass, and alfalfa. Among these, white clover is most frequently used in the "fruit-grass-livestock-marsh-fertilizer" ecological orchard model. White clover is a perennial legume with three-leaf compound leaves, obovate-shaped leaves, and white flowers arranged in head-like clusters. It produces small seeds and has several notable ecological traits. First, it is highly adaptable, thriving in various environments and showing resistance to cold, shade, and thin soils. It can survive winter in most regions and grow under 30% light transmission. Its soil pH range is between 4.5 and 8.5. Second, it has a long growth cycle and high biomass, lasting 7 to 9 years with an annual fresh grass yield of 40 to 60 tons per hectare, making it excellent feed for livestock. Third, it is highly competitive and offers good soil protection, effectively preventing erosion and conserving water. Fourth, it has strong nitrogen-fixing abilities, fixing 150 to 195 kg of nitrogen per hectare annually, which helps enrich the soil. Lastly, it is an attractive ornamental plant with a flowering period lasting up to five months, adding aesthetic value to the orchard while serving as a valuable nectar source for pollinators.
White clover is typically sown from late March to early April and again from late August to September. Seedlings usually emerge within 3 to 4 days. After winter, they spread out in April of the following year. The recommended planting method is drilling with row spacing of 30–40 cm, seeding depth of 0.5–1.5 cm, and a seeding rate of 7.5–11.25 kg per hectare. Weeds must be controlled during the seedling stage, and timely watering is essential. When the grass reaches a height of over 30 cm, it should be harvested, leaving about 10 cm to allow regrowth. This process can be repeated 2 to 3 times per year.
Planting grasses in orchards helps keep the land green, reduces soil moisture evaporation, and prevents surface soil erosion—especially important for apple production in dry areas. Grasses between fruit trees can also encourage natural predators of pests, supporting biological pest control. Selecting forage species that flower at the same time as apple trees helps attract bees and other pollinators, improving pollination and fruit set while enriching the soil with organic matter. This practice also helps regulate the orchard's microclimate, reduce temperature fluctuations, and prevent sunburn on apples. Additionally, it enhances the overall ecological environment of the orchard. On average, each mu (approximately 0.067 hectares) can produce 480–580 kg of fresh grass, providing high-quality feed for livestock and promoting the development of agro-ecological farming. By protecting the grass, resisting drought, increasing grazing capacity, and improving soil fertility, this method supports sustainable agricultural practices.
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