306 PeachnGromng 



certain features of the art of irrigating that apply somewhat 

 specifically to orchard practice, though few that concern 

 peach orchards as distinct from other deciduous tree-fruits. 

 The more important problems that need to be touched on 

 here center about the questions of the systems of distribution, 

 times for applying water, and the amount of water to apply. 



SYSTEMS OF DISTRIBUTING WATER 



The furrow system is used very largely in distributing 

 water in orchards. The check or basin system and flooding 

 are used in some sections to a limited extent, but probably 

 less now than formerly, except where the land is very level, 

 the soil porous, and water abundant. 



In using the furrow system for the first season or two after 

 the orchard is planted, one furrow on either side of the row 

 and run about 18 inches from the trees is sufficient, unless 

 there is an inter-planted crop, when of course the entire area 

 should be watered. After the first year or so, the roots of the 

 trees will occupy so much of the space between the rows that 

 the entire area will require watering without regard to any 

 secondary crop. The furrows should then be spaced about 

 2^ feet apart if made shallow ; or if made 7 or 8 inches deep 

 they may be 3 to 4 feet apart. Shallow furrows rather near 

 together are usually preferable. Since the feeding roots 

 soon reach considerable distance from the tree, it is un- 

 necessary after the first year to run the furrows nearer the 

 trees than 3 to 4 feet ; but cross furrows extending between 

 the trees in the rows should be made as well as in the spaces 

 between the rows. Plate XXIV shows irrigg^ting furrows in 

 a young apple orchard. They are commonly made in the 

 same manner in peach orchards. 



