SELECTING THE LAND TO BE PLANTED 



169 



expected before the trees are 9 to 10 years of age, for most 

 varieties. In Western sections 6 to 7 years will be required 

 as a rule. Prospective growers often underestimate this factor 

 seriously in making their plans. The grower should consider 

 the advisability of diversifying his enterprise by growing 

 other crops the labor requirements of which do not conflict 

 seriously with those of his orchard. Such crops may often 

 be grown on areas on the farm not well adapted to fruit. An 

 animal enterprise of some kind may also fit in well and pro- 

 vide another source of income. 



In the older fruit sections, it has been the custom to operate 

 the orchard as part of a general farm business, combining 

 with it some annual cash crops and perhaps a livestock en- 

 terprise. In the newer sections, it is the prevailing custom to 

 grow fruit in larger units and often to the exclusion of sup- 

 plemental enterprises. Diversity of enterprises may be ob- 

 tained by diversifying the kinds of fruit grown. The same 

 equipment and general facilities are required for all, so 

 that little additional outlay is involved. Annual crops may 

 be grown between the trees, or additional land may be rented 

 for this purpose, to give the grower an income until the fruit 

 enterprise is ready. 



The present tendency in all commercial sections is away 

 from the 10- to 20-acre orchard on the general farm. It is 

 increasingly evident that a fruit grower must be a specialist, 

 centering his abilities chiefly on the production and marketing 

 of his fruit. Consult Table 33, page 173. 



3. Selecting the Land to Be Planted. In selecting the land 

 for planting, good judgment and intelligent consideration may 

 largely assure future success; the lack of them may bring 

 mediocre results or absolute failure. 



Procedure: 



(a) Consider the elevation and slope. 



(b) Consider the type and drainage of the soil. 



