CHAPTER XIII 

 IRRIGATION IN ORCHARDS 



As with many of the other orchard operations, no 

 definite rules can be laid down for the proper application 

 of irrigation water. At best we can give only a few of the 

 more important points in the practical application of 

 water, and with these suggestions in mind the grower must 

 work out his own system of irrigation. 



The methods of applying water and the quantity neces- 

 sary are largely determined by soil conditions, subsequent 

 cultivation, the kind of fruit, and the age of the orchard. 

 The orchardist must first thoroughly understand the 

 physiological principles discussed in the chapter on "The 

 Orchard Plant" if he expects to be an intelligent irrigator. 

 He should know in what ways water serves the plant, what 

 constitutes ideal soil conditions for the plant, and how to 

 judge the needs of the plant by its behavior. 



There are times when the orchard should not be irrigated. 

 It is a common opinion among growers that fruit trees 

 should not be irrigated when in bloom, and while we have 

 no proof that judicious irrigation during the blooming 

 period really interferes with the setting of the fruit or the 

 normal growth of the tree, it is as well to avoid irrigating 

 at this time. The orchard that goes into winter in the 

 proper condition does not need so early an irrigation. 



Excessive irrigation in midsummer and later may retard 



203 



