Cultivation of the Orchard 157 



be very beneficial and is probably advisable when inter- 

 crops are not particularly profitable. In certain seasons 

 and in certain regions, lack of sufficient moisture is a crit- 

 ical factor. Obviously the only method to follow in dry 

 years is to practice intensive cultivation in order to pre- 

 serve the soil-mulch so necessary for moisture conserva- 

 tion. Ordinarily regions in which such an extreme short- 

 age of moisture might take place would hardly be recom- 

 mended for apples, although dry years are likely to occur 

 in almost every section. 



When clean cultivation is practiced, humus should be 

 supplied. Barnyard manure, when available, is the most 

 suitable form, since it not only supplies humus but nitrogen 

 and other elements of plant-food as well. Straw, shredded 

 cow fodder, or stubble clippings when scattered under trees 

 and incorporated in the soil, increase the humus-content. 

 Applications of the latter materials at the rate of 50 to 75 

 pounds each for trees under six years and from 75 to 150 

 pounds each for trees six to ten years will prove beneficial. 



SOD- OR GRASS-MULCH 



Many apple orchards of the United States are allowed 

 to remain in sod- or grass-mulch. The sod-mulch system 

 offers the line of least resistance and represents the least 

 expenditure of time and effort. It is particularly common 

 throughout eastern and middle west orchards. Its possi- 

 ble advantages are: (1) increased color of fruit; (2) 

 reduced cost an acre; (3) prevents hilly or mountainous 

 soils from washing. 



The sod-mulch is probably the only practicable system 

 for certain hilly districts in Xew England and throughout 

 the Piedmont region in Virginia where the orchard land 



