WHAT IS THOROUGH CULTIVATION 



153 



is a surface of loose earth, flat and fine, which approaches very 

 closely an ideal conditiqn. 



There is less difference than formerly in the use of the harrow 

 or cultivator during the summer. Still some are content to use 

 the cultivator only as a weed-killer, and after the weeds cease to 

 grow and the spring showers are over, the cultivator is laid aside 

 and the land left unstirred until the following winter. This, of 

 course, refers to unirrigated ground, for wherever irrigation is 

 practiced a cultivator must follow, except on hillsides where the 

 surface is left undisturbed after the irrigation furrows are made 

 at the beginning of the dry season. It is a fact, however, that even 

 if no rain falls, the soil becomes compacted to a certain degree, 

 and the best way to imprison the greatest possible amount of 

 moisture below is to run the cultivator at intervals all through 

 the dry season. It should run shallow and only stir the surface 

 layer. The experience of the most successful growers is that fre- 

 quent stirring without, however, bringing new soil to the air, is 

 the best-paying practice. 



WHAT IS THOROUGH CULTIVATION 



As clean, thorough cultivation has been approved, it may be 

 desirable to attempt to define the term. It can, however, only be 

 approximately done, because of the great difference in individual 

 views and practices. Some indication of the operations which are 

 contemplated may be had in the following specifications upon which 

 contracts have been let for care of orchard: First, plowing away 

 from the trees, followed by harrowing; second, plowing toward the 

 trees, followed by harrowing; ten summer workings with . culti- 

 vator; three workings with shallow cultivator or weed-cutter; five 

 hand hoeings around the trees. The contract intends the most com- 

 plete and perfect working of the soil and specifies the above merely 

 that there may be no difference of opinion between owner and 

 contractor. 



In cases where the land is infected with morning-glory, weekly 

 cultivation is stipulated for in some cases, and this seems about 

 the only way to cope with this formidable trespasser. 



CULTIVATION FOR WEED KILLING 



Cultivation for weed killing is a minor consideration in Cali- 

 fornia, because cultivation for moisture conservation effectually 

 disposes of most of them, and weeds do not start readily in the 

 earth-mulch during the dry season. There are, however, a few 

 most persistent pests which require heroic measures. Johnson 

 grass and morning-glory are the most prominent of these. _ The 

 only successful treatment consists in cutting constantly with a 

 weed-cutter (a sharp horizontal knife), operated so as to pass under 



