Propagation of the Pecan 



37 



At best pecan seedlings make little top growth the first year. 

 Thus it is very important that the most favorable conditions 

 for growth be provided in order that the seedlings may become 

 large enough to be budded or grafted as early as possible. 



If the soil is lacking 

 in organic matter, 

 a leguminous cover- 

 crop may be turned 

 under or stable ma- 

 nure applied several 

 weeks before plant- 

 ing the nuts. In 

 preparing the soil 

 for a pecan nursery, 

 it should be broken 

 to a depth of ten to 

 twelve inches and 

 subsoiled if a hard- 

 pan is present. It 

 should be harrowed 

 thoroughly, so as to 

 cut up and incorpo- 

 rate with the soil 

 FiGUEE 3.-Small seedling pecan trees. ^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^.^^^.^ 



matter which has been turned under. 



A fertilizer that will produce a rapid woody growth in the 

 pecan seedlings should be selected. One analyzing 8 per cent 

 phosphoric acid, 5 per cent nitrogen, and 3 per cent potash 

 will be suitable for applying to the soil before the nuts are 

 planted. From 400 to 700 pounds to the acre will be sufficient 

 at this time. It should be applied in the drill just before 



