102 Peach-Growing 



hastening the decomposition of organic matter ; {k) by extend- 

 ing these agencies {h, i, j) to greater depths of the soil. 



(4) Tillage indirectly protects the plantation, (/) by destroy- 

 ing weeds; (m) by destroying insects and breaking up their 

 breeding places; {n) by tending to reduce plant diseases, in 

 the removal of host plants, burying of affected leaves and fruits, 

 and the like ; (o) by aiding in the keeping down of mice, rabbits, 

 and other pests. 



It follows as a natural sequence that if there is suflSeient 

 and suitable tillage to maintain the soil in the best physical 

 condition and to conserve the soil-moisture well, the other 

 objects named in this summary will probably also be realized. 

 An orchard should be tilled, if at all, for the sake of the trees 

 and their product, not for the sake of the tilling. If the soil 

 conditions which are subject to influence by tillage exist 

 in a particular orchard without it to an extent adequate for 

 the needs of the trees and the production of good crops, 

 then perhaps nothing is to be gained by tillage in that or- 

 chard so long as the results obtained are satisfactory and 

 the trees remain in a vigorous, thrifty condition. 



Too much emphasis can hardly be placed here on the im- 

 portance of conserving soil-moisture, especially during the 

 period of most active growth of the trees and the develop- 

 ment of the fruit. The quantity of moisture required by 

 the tree during this period is almost beyond belief. It 

 should be remembered also that all mineral plant-foods are 

 taken up by the tree in solution, being dissolved in the soil- 

 moisture. An insufficient supply of moisture in the soil 

 may mean, therefore, that the tree is not being supplied with 

 adequate plant-food materials, or that it is getting them in 

 a solution that is too concentrated, as well as the more evident 

 effects that may be manifest in the wilting of the foliage in 



