Encouraging biodiversity in orchards

In organic fruit growing, the main focus of attention should not be the individual treatments against various pests and diseases but the establishment of a diverse and largely self-regulating fauna and flora. 

The following measures can be taken in the orchard in order to achieve biodiversity of flora and fauna  

Hang up nesting boxes for blue-tits and coal-tits. 

Create wild-flower strips at the edge of the orchard. 

Many other possibilities, such as weed-infested rows, extensive meadows on unused areas or wild-flower strips in the tramlines, have to he rejected either because of increased vole risk or because of labour cost considerations. 

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