CHAPTER VII 

 THE TILLAGE OF PEACH ORCHARDS 



Tillage refers to the work done with the plow, harrow, 

 cultivator, or such other implement as may be used in work- 

 ing the soil after the trees are planted. The word "cultiva- 

 tion" is commonly used in the same sense, but as it is also 

 given a broader meaning in some cases, the term "tillage" 

 is the more specific one in the present connection. The 

 effects of tillage have been comprehensively summarized 

 by Bailey ^ as follows : 



(1) Tillage improves the physical condition or structure of 

 the land, (a) by fining or comminuting the soil, and thereby 

 presenting greater feeding surface to the roots ; (b) by increas- 

 ing the depth of the soil and thereby giving a greater foraging 

 and roothold area to the plant ; (c) by warming and drying the 

 soil in spring ; (d) by reducing extremes of . temperature and 

 moisture; (e) by supplying air to the roots (and thus, among 

 other things, promoting biological activities that enhance soil 

 fertility). 



(2) Tillage may save moisture, (/) by increasing the water- 

 holding capacity of the soil ; (g) by checking evaporation. 



(3) Tillage may augment chemical activities, (h) by aiding in 

 setting free plant-food ; (i) by promoting nitrification ; (j) by 



1 "Principles of Fruit-Growing," 20th Ed., 1915. 

 101 



