280 



FUNDAMENTALS OF FRUIT PRODUCTION 



Studies by Emerson''^ in Nebraska show the effect of cover crops of 

 different kinds on the hardiness of young peach trees. The cover crops 

 are considered in two classes, frost-resistant and frost-killed. Table 24, 

 reproduced from Emerson's report, shows the effect of these crops on soil 

 moisture content. 



Table 24. — Effect of Various Cover Crops on Soil Moisture During the Fall 



OF 1900^^ 



Figure 28, also from Emerson, a graphic representation of the same 

 figures, shows these effects even more strikingly. Both classes reduced 



7 20 II 

 NOV. DEC. 



Fig. 28. — Percentages of soil moisture in bare ground and under frost-killed and frost- 

 resistant cover crops. (After Emerson^^) 



soil moisture sharply in September and October, a very desirable effect 

 when the need for ripening of wood is considered. Early in November, 



