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



In those districts where the rainfall is light, and the conservation of all 

 available moisture is one of the most important contributories to successful 

 culture, there can be no question that good cultivation is essential. The 

 well broken surface soil absorbs readily any water that falls. The " run 

 off" is minimized and the maintenance of a line tilth through the dry 

 season hinders evaporation of moisture from the lower soil layers. Although 

 the surface soil through being fre(]uently disturbed is not of direct value 

 as a feeding ground for the roots during the current season, it serves a 

 valuable purpose in maintaining more congenial conditions for root develop- 

 ment in the underlying soil. Besides, the plant foods that are liberated 

 bv the action of light and air on the frequently disturbed soil will be 

 washed down and made available during subsequent seasons. 



Where irrigation is practised, constant and thorough cultivation should 

 be carried out. It is important that the cultivation following irrigation 

 should take place as soon after watering as pos.sible. otherwise cracking 



TOPS OF YOUNG TREES HEADED BACK READY FOR TRANSPLANTING. 



and drying out of the .soil will quickly take place. The furrow system 

 of irrigation is the most satisfactory, and two or three waterings will 

 usually be found sufficient ; this will, of course, be governed by conditions 

 and the nature of the .soil. It is a mistake to use water too frequently 01 

 make it take the place of cultivation. 



In some soils where constant irrigation with clean cultivation is carried 

 out, the land eventually becomes inert, cold, and irresponsive to the use of 

 artificial fertilizers. The trees become pale, drawn, and vigourless, owing 

 to the physical deterioration of the soil. In such cases, provision should be 

 made for the addition of humus or plant fibre on which the soil bacteria 

 may continue tlieir activities. This is usually best done by growing legumi- 

 nous crops between the trees. In the drier parts, such crops should be 

 grown only during the winter months and turned in before the land dries 

 out in the spring. Owing tO' harvesting operations taking place during the 

 winter, some judgment should be exercised in planting such crops, other- 

 wise the best results will not be obtained. 



(To he continued .) 



