APPLE GROWING 



for the apple orchard, namely, soil moisture and 

 soil texture. That moisture is a very Important 

 consideration In the apple orchard the effects 

 of our frequent droughts are ample evidence. 

 The amount of rainfall In the Eastern States 

 :when it is properly distributed is fully sufficient 

 for the needs of an apple tree. By enlarging 

 the reservoir or water holding capacity of the 

 soil and by preventing the loss of water by 

 evaporation, an excess of rainfall In the spring 

 may be held for later distribution and use. 



As a rule, the improvement of a poor soil 

 texture is as effective as the supplying of plant 

 food and much cheaper. The latter Is of no 

 consequence unless the plant can use It. Scien- 

 tists tell us that there is an abundance of plant 

 food in most soils. The problem is to make 

 It available. Plant food must be in solution 

 and in the form of a film moisture surrounding 

 the smallest soil particles in order to be avail- 

 able to the fine plant rootlets which seek it. 

 Good tillage supplies these conditions. Can 

 they be obtained equally well In another way? 



It Is claimed by the advocates of the sod 

 mulch system of orchard culture that it also 

 supplies these conditions. Humus or decayed 

 vegetable matter holds moisture. Grass or 



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