93 



This first plowing is followed up by the disc, cutaway, 

 spring-tooth, or acme harrow or some suitable type of culti- 

 vator depending on circumstances. Shallow surface tillage 

 Should be kept up until about July 15th. At the last culti- 

 vation a cover crop is sown. There are several advantages 

 to be derived from a cover crop. It unlocks plant food; it 

 stops growth of the trees and causes them to ripen up their 

 wood. There are times when it is not desirable to stop till- 

 age in July. For example, in a very dry season, it may be 

 very desirable to till right up to the fall season in order 

 to conserve moisture. 



Clean tillage is practiced in 26.29 per cent of the 

 bearing orchards until about July 15th, at which time a 

 cover crop is sown as outlined above. Clean tillage alone 

 is practiced in 16.90 per cent of the orchards and after 

 July 15th, weeds and grass are allowed to grow. 



In 2.35 per cent of the bearing orchards clean till- 

 age is practiced for a period of years and then methods of 

 management are combined. One man would till every year until 

 the orchard is eight years old; then till every third year, 

 allowing the orchard to lie in sod the other two years. 

 Another grower would till every year until the trees are 

 seven years old and then mulch occasionally with stable 

 manure . 



