ORCHARD SOIL MANAGEMENT METHODS 



41 



Table 22. — Effect of Various Intercrops on Drought Killing of Young 



Trees (After Emerson^^) 



Table 22. — Continued 



Intercrop 



cent, 

 died 



Watermelon crop. 

 Watermelon crop. 



Corn crop 



Clean cultivation. 



Oats crop 



Cover crop, millet 

 Cover crop, oats. . 

 Cover crop, weeds 



5.4 

 7.9 

 9.2 

 2.6 

 51.3 

 11.8 

 12.2 

 19.7 



The data for the cover crops indicate relatively more injury than would 

 occur in older orchards because the cover crops probably made a much 

 more vigorous growth than they would in competition with well estab- 

 lished trees. The suggestion is made, however, that cover crops should 

 be selected and used with considerable care in recently established 

 orchards. The danger from the use of the small grains as orchard inter- 

 crops is indicated plainly. On the other hand, little loss is occasioned 

 by the growing of tilled or hoed intercrops. 



Cover Crops and the Moisture Supply. — Orchard cover crops are not 

 generally considered in relation to soil moisture, but rather as means of 

 adding organic matter to the soil and increasing productivity. Never- 

 theless they do influence water content in several ways and some data on 

 this question have already been presented in connection with the discus- 

 sion of intercrops. As this influence is, in many cases, important it seems 

 desirable that further consideration be given the matter. 



