The Tillage of Orchards 183 



under (i) that tillage may hasten the decomposition of 

 organic matter. Here we believe is the cause of our diffi- 

 culties. Cultivation, bare soils, and intense sunshine do 

 hasten decomposition and in fact the burning up of such 

 material. The classification is correct, but we have 

 failed to adapt our system of cultivation to the climatic 

 condition. The best advice has insisted that tillage and 

 green-manuring (or cover-cropping) are complementary 

 practices of equal importance; in the arid regions, we have 

 emphasized only the tillage. 



We are absolutely dependent on decaying organic matter 

 to keep the soil in proper physical condition, that is, 

 loamy and friable. But upon examination we find that 

 this material is largely absent, having been sacrificed as a 

 burnt offering to the gods of clean cultivation. 



A certain amount of cultivation or clean tillage is nec- 

 essary, but one need not wear out his soil in an effort to 

 supply it. As will be seen in the next chapter, we advo- 

 cate growing a shade-crop in the orchard in hot weather. 

 If this system is adopted, the land should be plowed at 

 least every second season, depending on the soil. By 

 so doing a sufficient amount of tillage will be given, and at 

 the same time organic matter will be supplied. 



In the case of young orchards, unless the ground is very 

 poor, some hoed crop will probably be advisable. Such 

 crops shade the ground, and their growth need not interfere 

 with the proper development of the trees. Among the 

 crops used are cantaloupes, potatoes, squashes, and corn. 



