The Renewal of the Neglected Orchard 1561 



In spring the ground is plowed between rows and as close to the trees as 

 possible. The remaining strip of ground may be covered with a heavy 

 mulch and the plowed strip cultivated. This plan can be followed each 

 summer. 



(c) It may be impossible in some cases, however, to cultivate even a 

 part of the ground beneath the trees. In such cases it is advisable to 

 pasture the orchard with hogs and to apply liberal dressings of stable 

 manure. The hogs are permitted to run in the orchard without rings 

 in their noses, which allows them to root as much as they wish. By this 

 method the hogs will break up much of the sod. An orchard thus managed 

 is partially changed from sod to cultivation. 



(d) Again, where cultivation is not possible a system of mulching may 

 be practiced, which gives excellent results. The grass is cut the first summer 

 and permitted to remain on the ground as it falls. To this grass an addi- 

 tional mulch of straw or similar material may be added until finally the 

 mulch is sufficient to partly smother out the sod. When a mulch of this 

 kind is added each year good crops of fruit are produced. 



Fertilizing 



Nearly all the neglected orchards in New York State lack plant food- 

 Nitrogen should be added to stimulate the growth of the trees. The best 

 source of nitrogen for this purpose is stable manure, an application of 

 which should be made in the spring before plowing, at the rate of 

 about ten loads per acre. After the trees begin to make sufficient growth, 

 which will usually be in the course of two or three years, the application 

 of nitrogen may be decreased. Nitrogen will also be supplied by the cover 

 crop, which is planted in the fall, in cases where cultivation is possible. 



Aside from nitrogen, the neglected orchard needs potash and phosphoric 

 acid. These can be made more available by thorough cultivation, thus 

 utilizing to a greater extent the phosphorus and potash that are already 

 in the soil; or additional phosphoric acid and potash may be applied in 

 the form of a commercial fertilizer. A good formula for a commercial ferti- 

 lizer to apply to one acre of land is as follows: 



Muriate of potash 200 pounds 



Basic slag 500 pounds 



Pruning 



No systematic pruning has been practiced in the neglected orchard 

 for many years, and therefore it is probable that the heads of the trees 

 are too thick. The grower should prune the first year with a view of 

 removing all dead and diseased branches and thinning out the heads of 

 trees to such an extent as to produce vigorous young growth the following 



