An orchard can be far more than rows of fruit trees. We want our orchards to become productive ecosystems.
Trees provide the structure, but their success depends upon what surrounds and supports them: living soil, fungi, water, ground cover, pollinators, organic matter, animals and people.
Bare soil is avoided wherever practical. Compost supports biology. Mulch conserves moisture. Cover crops protect the ground and provide habitat. Animals may contribute insect control and nutrient cycling when introduced at appropriate times.
The objective is not maximum fruit production at any ecological cost. It is to produce excellent food while the system supporting that production becomes healthier.