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Lucerne for cherry orchards and vineyard inter-rows
Lucerne hay can be grown in cherry orchard and vineyard inter-rows with little extra irrigation (2ML/ha). Potential benefits of doing so include higher efficiency of water-use than a monoculture of either orchard or lucerne stand, and a diversity of income for the producer. A case study of one Riverland farmer has shown over 4 years that he can return a gross margin of $2350/ha/yr. Lucerne will also reduce heat reflectance compared to a bare inter-row and can yield 11t/ha of hay. A fact sheet has been produced as a guide to inter-row management of lucerne in cherry orchards and vineyards
