CHAPTER VIII 

 CULTURAL METHODS IN ORCHARDS 



The kinds of fruits vary in their requirements as regards 

 culture, some bring tolerant of widely different methods 

 while others are specific. Varieties also differ in this regard, 

 some requiring thorough and annual cultivation while others 

 may produce a satisfactory growth and yield with less 

 stimulation. In general, however, it may be said that 

 fruit-trees are vigorous and productive largely in proportion 

 to the soil treatment that they receive. Young orchards 

 in particular suffer readily from lack of good growing con- 

 ditions and hence delayed bearing of commercial crops is 

 the result. Older trees, while more tolerant of neglect, 

 owing to the greater ramification of their root systems and 

 also because of their greater reserve food materials will, 

 nevertheless, usually respond readily to good soil treatment. 



Unfortunately, authorities do not entirely agree as to 

 the best methods of orchard culture. Certainly there is no 

 one best system for all orchards under all conditions. How- 

 ever there are principles underlying the cultural problems 

 which should guide the student in deciding what system 

 to use. 



While the use of manures and artificial fertilizers is inti- 

 mately related to cultural problems, a full discussion of 

 them must be considered later, except as general statements 

 require mention. 



124. Systems of cultivation. — Broadly speaking, two 

 general systems of cultivation are followed in orchard 

 practice, one in which the land or a part of it is tilled and 

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