CULTIVATION OF CITRUS GROVES. 275 



To prevent the formation of this hard-pan, the depth 

 of cultivation should be varied from year to year. The 

 usual depth of cultivation is about eight inches. This 

 should be increased from year to year until a depth of 

 thirteen or fourteen inches is reached, then cultivate at 

 eight inches again, gradually increasing to fourteen, and 

 so on. 



Frequency of Cultivation. During the period of 

 most active growth, the citrus plantation should be cul- 

 tivated frequently. The only exception to this is when 

 it is located on damp soil, such as the low hammock soils 

 of Florida, where there is an abundance of moisture. 



If the weather is dry, the ground should be culti- 

 vated every week or ten days to prevent the evaporation 

 of moisture. It is an excellent plan to keep the culti- 

 vator going all the time. As soon as the work is finished 

 on one side of the area, it should be commenced again 

 on the opposite. A light harrow or weeder should be 

 used. If showers fall during spring, it is a wise plan to 

 cultivate as soon as possible after each one, that the water 

 which has entered the soil may be retained. 



In the irrigation districts the soil should be culti- 

 vated after each application of water, just as soon as the 

 surface is dry enough to allow a horse to walk over it. 

 Generally two or three days must elapse before cultiva- 

 tion can be started, depending upon the nature of the 

 soil. 



Weeds should not be allowed to grow in the grove 

 during the period of cultivation. They pump the water 

 from the soil and in a measure defeat the objects of cul- 

 tivation. After cultivation has been discontinued for the 

 season, a cover crop should then be given possession of 

 the ground. 



