METHODS OF HANDLING GREEN-MANURE CROPS. 



13 



is the case with the plow, for which reason it is thought by many to 

 be more desirable. In working a green-manure crop into the soil 

 wdth a disk harrow, four diskings are usually required, each disking, 

 where the planting of the orchard will permit, being made at an angle 

 with the previous one. On the heavier soils the disk harrow does not 

 work so well and the plow is used almost entirely. 



After turning under a green manure the land is kept well cultivated 

 the remainder of the year. 



For obtaining the best results a green-manure crop should be 

 turned under early enough in the season to allow perfect decomposi- 



* V 



9'<^-^~. 



>-^ 



^ . X ,^ff^^- 



Fig. 1.— view in a California orange grove, showing the method employed In plowing under a green- 

 manure crop. 



tion. In orchards this can be quite definitely designated, as the 

 turning under should take place before the trees start growth in the 

 spring. This means, for citrus orchards in southern California, not 

 later than February. In northern California the season is of neces- 

 sity a little later on account of the generally wet condition of the soil 

 at that time. Where the factors relating to other crops and a season 

 favorable to decomposition do not have to be taken into considera- 

 tion, it perhaps is safe to say that to obtain the best results most 

 legumes should be turned under about the time the first pods form, 

 or a little earher. 



190 



