GREATsoils: Green manures improve soil health in apple orchards

Evidence suggests that green manures can improve soil structure and soil organic matter content, which can lead to enhanced water infiltration, reduced plant water stress and, ultimately, improved crop quality and yields, in some cases. 

This factsheet looks at The Smith family. They have been growing fruit for five generations at Loddington Farm and and now produce apples, pears, cherries and apricots in around 60 hectares of orchards spread across three sites. 

You will find: 

• An investigation into the impact of two different green manure mixtures in a new apple plantation 
• Findings 

This information was last updated in 2019.