TILLAGE 



777 



it is well to have the cover crop sown early in order that its 

 competition with the trees in the soil may insure earlier maturity. 

 The tree may thus be in better condition to survive a severe 

 winter. On the other hand, it is evident that the competition of 

 this cover crop may possibly at times so reduce the moisture 

 supply as to interfere with the largest development of the fruit. 

 Under New York conditions, however, it is probable that this 

 would not happen very often. This will be discussed more fully 

 later. 



KINDS OF COVER CROP 



It is not the purpose of this paper to go deeply into the sub- 

 ject of cover crops, but only to discuss them in their relation to 



FIG. 202. COVER CROP OF RED CLOVER IN PEACH ORCHARD OF J. H. TEATS' 

 SONS, WILLIAMSON, N. Y. 



tillage. However, it may be well to mention a few of the better 

 cover crops, as well as some of the requirements for a good cover 

 crop. 



The chief purposes of a cover crop are, to supply humus when 

 plowed under, and, by its growth in the soil, to reduce the moisture 



