CHAPTER V 



CULTIVATION AND COVER CROPPING 



IN its broad sense cultivation is the treat- 

 ment of the soil. Thus understood or- 

 chard cultivation includes the sod mulch 

 system as well as the stirring of the soil with 

 various implements. In its more common and 

 restricted meaning, however, cultivation Is the 

 stirring of the soil about plants to encourage 

 growth and productivity. To have the apple 

 tree In sod was once the commonly accepted 

 method of orchard treatment — a method of 

 neglect and of '' letting well enough alone." 

 With the advent of more scientific apple culture 

 the stirring of the soil has come to be the more 

 popular method. But within the last few years 

 an Improved modification of the old sod 

 method, known as the sod " mulch " system, has 

 attracted much attention because of the success 

 with which a few men have practiced It. For 

 a correct understanding of these practices and 



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