A comparison of low-density and high-density plum plantings for differences in establishment and management costs, and in returns over the first three growing seasons – a mini-review

Abstract

SummaryThis study presents the costs of establishment, management, and maintenance of a low-density (333 trees ha–1) and a high-density (1,250 trees ha–1) planting of plum trees during the first three growing seasons after planting. The results showed that the total cost of the low-density planting was € 4,069.3 ha–1, while the high-density planting was 1.9-times higher, at € 7,729 ha–1. Greater precocity was recorded in the high-density planting, resulting in a faster return on investment. A 21.3% return on total investment was achieved in the second and third years combined, through income earned from the fruit yield in the high-density planting, compared to the initial plum bloom, while a 2.0% return on total investment arose from the low-density planting.