Last week, a two-day conference was held at the Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Institute, Rishon Lezion, which was entirely devoted to the topic of service crops (cover crops). At the conference, lectures focused on the successes and challenges in the use of service crops in orchards and field crops. The conference was divided into four sessions that focused on the following topics:
– Service versus competition: the effect of service crops on the availability of water, nutrients and soil erosion
– Plant protection challenges when using service crops
– Do “service crops” (and not “cover crops”) justify their reputation?
– A new tool in the farmer’s “toolbox”? tested by assimilation in the field
During the conference, researchers, farmers and agricultural instructors presented their work. Each session was followed by a discussion of important issues that arose during the lectures.
The great interest expressed in this topic, with over 200 registrants and approximately 100-150 participants on each of the days, was well felt during the conference and the discussions. Service crops are a practice that contains many benefits, but research and application gaps still remain in order to realize the potential of these crops. A coming gathering of researchers, farmers and instructors was a good opportunity to bridge the
knowledge gaps, to hear what is actually practiced by farmers and to think of future research to answer important questions.
The knowledge gained by using of service crops in the Model Farm, in the base plots (field crops; 20 ha), in the almond orchard and in the Nahal river restoration project, was presented in a large number of lectures. The presented topics included the effect of service crops on weeds, soil erosion and nutrients. In addition, various challenges were presented regarding service crop termination in field crops and the mechanization required for operation, the challenges and advantages of using service crops in the almond plantation and other challenges such as the appearance of rodents and the damage caused by them.
