Irrigation in Orchards 211 



irrigation. As a rule, from two to four summer irriga- 

 tions and one late fall irrigation will be sufficient for the 

 old orchard. Apple trees may be watered more freely 

 than peach trees, and pear trees will stand more water 

 than apple trees. 



The orchard that is receiving clean tillage should be 

 tilled after each irrigation. Unless the ditches are culti- 

 vated in, the bottoms and sides crack and allow the 

 ground to dry out quickly. 



Young orchards really do not require a great deal of 

 water, especially if they are set on land that has been 

 previously irrigated. The second season is the critical 

 time in the growth of the young orchard, and unless 

 sparingly irrigated and properly matured, it may be 

 seriously injured in severe winters. 



Orchards that have been dried out in late summer 

 to mature the fruit or the new wood must be irrigated 

 in the fall. This is especially important in localities 

 where there is a light winter snowfall. This irrigation 

 may be given at any time after frost has touched the 

 foliage. 



