Opinions on the methods of soil management in orchards have recently changed as the result of reduced herbicide applications. Extensive research is being carried out in cost effective soil management methods to ensure high and proper quality fruit yields. Among the many methods being evaluated are bare soil maintained with the use of mechanical equipment or herbicides, sward, organic and synthetic mulches. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are pointed out in this review, as well as their inter-relationships with other agrotechnical measures used in orchards. The aims of soil tillage in hop (Humulus lupulus L.) gardens are weed control, prevention of excess water evaporation and maintenance of proper soil aeration. At present, chemical weed control, previously common in some countries, has been limited because of soil pollution and negative effects on soil physical properties. Subsoiling gives good effects on compacted soils. An important role in hop gardens is played by organic fertilizing, which improves physical properties of the soil.