1196 



Journal of Agriculture , Victoria. [10 March, 191 2. 



THE OLIVE. 



By L. Macdonald, Horticulttirist, Dookie Agricultural College. 

 {Continued from page 130.) 



Soil Preparation. 



It pays to give soil preparation thorough consideration when an orchard 

 is being planted, and the same applies also to laying out an olive grove. 

 If the soil be ploughed and subsoiled to a good depth, the young trees have 

 a much better chance of establishing a good root system ; and, in future 

 years, are able to withstand, without injury, conditions that would seriously 

 affect trees planted on poorly prepared soil. 



The soil should be broken up to 

 as great depth as possible and left 

 with a fine tilth on top. This is 

 particularly so in the somewhat dry 

 lands where irrigation cannot be 

 adopted, as it admits of a better 

 conservation of available moisture 

 ;ind gi\es the young roots more 

 genial conditions in which to 

 tlevelop. 



Transplanting. 



Little difference exists between 

 the actual operation of planting 

 olive trees and that of any other of 

 our fruit trees. They are planted 

 (luring the winter months — May, 

 June, or July. However, it will 

 l)e found that, in some districts, 

 they succeed better if planted at 

 certain times according to the 

 locality. Again, some varieties 



show a disposition to succeed better 



II. TPYiCAL YOUNG SEEDLING OLIVES. '^ pl^nted early, while the opposite 



is the case with others. 

 In transplanting, it is important to see that the roots are not exposed 

 to the sun or wind and not allowed on any account to become dry. In 

 dry districts, where irrigation is not available, it is advisable to plant 

 -early ; that is, in May or June, so that the winter rains will set the soil 

 well around the roots. With late planting under such conditions there is 

 always the likelihood of the weather taking up and the soil drying out. 

 In any case, however, the soil if moist should be trampled firmly around 

 the roots ; and, if dry, watered to force the air out and set the soil well 

 around the roots. 



The tops should be pruned hard back in proportion with the root 

 surface. This will give the tree a better chance of adapting itself to its 

 new situation. If the top were not reduced, it would mean that the roots, 

 many of which wefe lacerated and broken in removal, would not be able 

 to supply a sufficiency of sap to meet the demand made by the respiration 

 of such a large leaf surface. Consequently, drying out of the bark and 

 tissues would result to the detriment of the tree. All broken or damaged 

 roots should be removed. 



