Soils and Fertilizers for Pecans 87 



crop or both is a problem of soil management or farm 

 practice for the indiA^dual grower. Among the more promis- 

 ing winter cover-crops for the pecan orchard a^.^e rye, vetch, 

 crimson clover, bnrr clover, alfalfa, oats, turnips, and rape, 

 while some for summer are beggarweed, bush velvet beans, 

 soybeans, Japan clover, and alfalfa. Kudzu, a perennial 

 legume which makes a very rank or strong vine growth, is 

 receiving some attention. 



Cowpeas have long been popular as a summer cover-crop 

 for pecan groves, but since they harbor a species of Hemiptera 

 (squash-bug) which attacks the young nuts during the sum- 

 mer and causes kernel-spot, it is advisable not to plant them 

 in regions in which kernel-spot is prevalent. 



Soil type and climatic conditions are important factors in 

 the adaptation of cover-crops to any region. The combination 

 and time of planting and turning under or harvesting the 

 crops should be so arranged as not to interfere with the 

 harvesting of the nuts. AYhen feasible, those cover-crops 

 which reseed themselves naturally should be selected so as to 

 avoid the expense of purchasing seed each year. 



It is usually difficult for even the experienced pecan-grower 

 to establish a stand of the southern burr clover over any con- 

 siderable area, but when this can be done it affords a very 

 desirable winter cover-crop. It matures its seed in April and 

 early May, at which time it may be turned under and the 

 land sown to a summer cover-crop, as soybeans, bush velvet 

 beans, or cowpeas. Unless the land is decidedly deficient in 

 organic matter, the summer cover-crop may be cut off for hay 

 in late August or September. The seeds of the burr clover 

 which were turned in ]\Iay will germinate in early fall and 

 will produce a good winter cover-crop. 



