Facebook Linkedin Instagram Youtube Spotify
visit us
Email US
Member Area

Using cover crops in NSW cherry orchards

This project is part of the NSW regional growers’ program within the extension and communication project for the Australian cherry industry (CY20022).

This is an ongoing demonstration trial where information will be regularly updated on its progress on this webpage. Continue to visit this page to follow along on results and outcomes until the completion of this project in April 2028.

Introduction

Cover crops are emerging as a valuable tool for perennial horticultural industries to use to improve soil sustainability and long‑term productivity. Defined as close-growing crops that can protect and improve soil fertility, cover crops can add diversity to an orchard system, which is useful for promoting biodiversity, increasing nutrient turnover, and providing resilience to climate stressors such as intense heat and precipitation (Demir et al., 2019). Cover crops are also an effective way to increase organic matter and nutrients in the soil (Dad et al., 2021). By integrating selected plant species within the treeline, growers can improve soil structure, boost organic matter, support beneficial insects, and reduce erosion. This case study explores how cherry growers could add cover crops strategies to their orchard operations, the practical considerations involved, and the benefits or challenges experienced when utilising them.

Methods

To compare the effectiveness of utilising a cover crop within the treeline of a cherry orchard, NSW DPIRD have planted a small demonstration study site in Orange NSW. The cover crop was planted in Autumn 2026, and consists of the following species.

  • Dichondra repens (Kidney weed figure 1)
  • Trifolium subterraneum (Subterranean clover figure 2)
  • Trifolium pratense (Red clover figure 3)

Figure 1. Kidney weed. Photo sourced from: Dawsons Garden World.

Figure 2. Subterranean clover. Photo sourced from: Sheldon Navie, Weeds of Australia

Figure 3. Red clover. Photo sourced from: Matt Taylor, Weeds of Australia.

Crops were hand sown, and incorporated using a hand held rake. Regular post-harvest irrigation was continued until leaf fall.

 

Data Collection

As part of the demonstration, NSW DPIRD will be collecting the following data to compare the effect cover crops on the soil, tree health and fruit quality.

  • Soil nutrition analysis
  • Soil physical properties (aggregate stability, water infiltration)
  • Soil microbial diversity and respiration rate
  • Ground cover composition
  • Leaf nutrition analysis
  • Fruit yield
  • Tree growth
  • Fruit quality (colour, size, brix, weight, firmness)
  • Weed competition
  • Interaction with fertiliser requirements

Results

Results for the first season of the trial will be available December 2026. You can keep up to date with the trial through this website page, the cherry industry newsletter or attending one of the NSW regional grower group meetings.

 

This project is part of the NSW regional growers’ program within the Extension and Communication Project for the Australian cherry industry (CY20022).

This is an ongoing demonstration trial where information will be regularly updated on its progress on this webpage. Continue to visit this page to follow along on results and outcomes until the completion of this project in April 2028.

Jessica Fearnley-Pattison, NSW DPIRD

 

Related Posts

Join Our Newsletter

Tony Hannaford

Director

Tony Hannaford is a cherry grower from South Australia, producing based predominantly in the Torrens Valley of the Adelaide Hills.

Tony’s family have a long history of orcharding. Tony introduced cherries in 1985 and now has multiple varieties spanning a long season with fruit delivered across Australia and the globe. This is all supported by the latest technology in the packing shed.

Tony has long supported and been active for the cherry industry – having also served on the Cherry Industry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.

Nic Hansen

Director

Nic Hansen is a fourth-generation cherry grower based in Southern Tasmania and brings deep grower knowledge and long-standing industry involvement to the CGA Board.

Nic grows sweet cherries at Old Beach and is part of Hansen Orchards, one of Tasmania’s largest cherry growing businesses. He has previously represented Tasmania as the State Director on the CGA Board and has served on the HIA Cherry SIAP, contributing to national industry planning and decision-making.

Nic is currently serving his second term as President of Fruit Growers Tasmania. He brings a strong grower perspective, practical experience, and a commitment to effective industry leadership, supporting CGA’s role as the national peak body for Australian cherry growers.

Grant Piggott

Honorary Treasurer

Grant Piggott has been Chief Executive Officer of Fruit Producers SA, the grower association for cherries in South Australia since 2023 and served as its representative on the Cherry Growers Australia Board from June 2024.

He brings significant experience in finance, strategy and commercial management.  He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served for 15 years as an elected member in Local Government.

Grant treasures his childhood on a wheat sheep farm in the Upper North of South Australia, still owned by his family. He has maintained links to primary production for almost 30 years of his working career, primarily through his senior management role at the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA.

In his short tenure as industry representative, he has developed a passion for the successful growing and marketing of quality cherries. Grant is convinced of the deserved glamour status of cherries – healthy, photogenic, delicious, easy to eat and inextricably associated with the joy of Summer and Christmas.

Following his involvement as part of the team which guided the change of Cherry Growers Australia to a company limited by guarantee in May 2025, Grant was invited to serve as a Director on the Board in September 2025 and was appointed Treasurer.

ANDREW FAIRLEY

Director

Andrew Fairley bio coming soon

Fiona Hall

Director

Fiona has been an active participant in the cherry industry for 25 years. She was President of NSW Cherry Growers in the past and has served on the cherry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP) for past 5 years.

Fiona is currently a board member of Apple & Pear Aust Ltd (APAL) and the FAR (finance, audit and risk) committee for APAL. APAL manage domestic and international brands of produce including Pink Lady® apples. APAL is also the PIB for the 400 plus growers of Australia.

Fiona manages the business activities of BiteRiot, reporting to a board each month. She brings a wealth of experience across corporate governance & strategic planning, finance, business and marketing to the CGA board.

Greg Perry

Deputy Chair

Greg Perry brings extensive leadership experience across the cherry industry, infrastructure, and project management, with a strong focus on governance, strategy, and commercial oversight.

Raised in the cherry industry, Greg has a deep understanding of production challenges and the importance of long-term industry sustainability. He is the Managing Director of a project management consultancy, delivering complex infrastructure, development, and operational programs across multiple sectors.

Greg has held senior leadership and board-level roles in both industry and government-aligned organisations, including service on the NSW Cherry Growers Association board and advisory roles supporting strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and investment decision-making. His experience spans financial oversight, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and guiding organisations through periods of structural change.

Greg brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to the CGA Board, with a strong commitment to governance integrity, member representation, and supporting the continued growth and resilience of the Australian cherry industry.

Alison Jones (Sebire)

Chair

I grew up on our family farm in Wandin and picked cherries at an early age.

I loved the camaraderie of working with people and still do today. It is a buzz that makes coming to work enjoyable regardless of what you are doing!!

I studied to be a secondary Art and Craft teacher. However, I wanted to work in the industry first so worked in design and sales in the textile industry in Melbourne and Sydney.

Missing the family business in Sydney I returned to the family, cherries, and WandinValley Farms.

In 2007 our family bought the remaining shares in Wandin Valley Farms, and we all became involved in the business.

In 2016 I became the CEO of Wandin Valley Farms.

I am proud of what we do and the industry we are involved in. We produce a product that is fresh, flavorsome, healthy and creates excitement all bundled in with Christmas and Summer!!

Elected to VCA committee 26th October 2009

Elected to President of VCA 17th October 2013

Elected to President of CGA 24th January 2024