Clover and herbs keep tree plantations up to 20 degrees cooler than grass

NEWS

SOIL & SOIL BIOLOGY

Heleen Kommers, Tuesday 25 August 2026

101 sec

Fruit-growing research provides insights for other types of tree cultivation

Clover and herb strips between trees can create a much cooler microclimate than short-mown grass during periods of extreme heat. In trials by the Belgian Proefcentrum Fruitteelt (pcfruit), the difference reached up to 20 degrees. Although the research is being carried out in fruit plantations, the effects on soil, water and temperature are particularly relevant for other types of tree cultivation.

Image for illustration, generated with AI

Pcfruit has been researching different mixtures of clovers and herbs for around five years. The trials initially focused mainly on biodiversity, soil health and natural pest control. According to the research centre, the dry and hot summer of 2026 shows that these strips can also help reduce the effects of heat and drought.

Clover and herbs can keep the microclimate between trees up to 20 degrees cooler

Green vegetation where grass dries out

The difference is partly due to rooting depth. Clovers and herbs develop deeper roots and remain green longer during dry periods than a conventional grass sward. Dried-out and short-mown grass heats up strongly, while green vegetation keeps the surroundings cooler. According to pcfruit director-general Dany Bylemans, mixtures with a high proportion of clover appear to perform particularly well.
For tree growers, the effect below ground is also interesting. After several years with clover and herbs, pcfruit observed an increase in organic matter content. The roots also keep the soil more open. This allows rainwater to infiltrate more quickly and reduces surface runoff. In addition, clover can fix nitrogen from the air and make it available in the soil.

The strips not only provide cooling, but can also improve soil structure

Not a solution for water shortages

The results do not mean that clover and herb strips make irrigation unnecessary. 'Every drop counts,' emphasises Bylemans. Better infiltration and soil that can retain more water can reduce the need for irrigation. During prolonged and extreme drought, additional water remains necessary.
According to pcfruit, climate-resilient cultivation therefore requires a broader approach. Allowing as much water as possible to infiltrate into and remain in the soil is an important part of this. Increasing organic matter levels and mowing less frequently can also help keep moisture available for longer.

According to pcfruit, retaining more water in the soil remains the most important challenge

Interesting for other types of tree cultivation

This research does not establish whether the same effects apply directly to tree nurseries. However, the results from fruit cultivation provide useful insights for growers who work with grass strips or other vegetation between trees. The combination of cooling, deeper rooting, increased organic matter and improved water infiltration could be valuable in a climate with more frequent periods of prolonged drought and heat.
There are also practical questions. Traditional grass strips provide a firm surface for machinery. It is not yet clear how well herb and clover mixtures withstand intensive traffic, especially during wet periods. The combination with crop protection also requires attention when flowering herbs attract large numbers of insects.

This article was previously published on 24 August 2026 on the website of Boom In Business.

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