Sacramento daily record-union., 1888-11-17
PIowIne vs. Cultivation.

A reader Of the Southern Californian calls
attention to a statement made presumably
on good authority that the plow should
never be used in the orchard or vineyard
The reason for this, the paper says, is given
as being that the surface roots are cut by
the plow, and the growth of the trees and
vines is thus injured. Following this, the
use of the cultivator alone is advocated
the advice being given that the plow
never be used. The writer has consulted
several horticulturists Of long expert
ence upon this subject, and from their
experience 1t can be safely set
down that the advice referred to is
entirely erroneous, and if followed for
a number of years can but result in great
damage. In the first place, the effort
should be not to encourage the surface
growth to the roots, but on the contrary to
induce them to 90 downward where mois-
ture is found Where irrigation is prac-
tised, unless the ground be soaked to
great depth, the tendency is for the roots
to remain nearer the surface and as a con-
sequence the frequent application of water
becomes necessary. If, on the other hand,
the roots of the trees are encouraged to
grow downward as much as possible, it is
found that the necessity for irrigation
grows less and less each year and some
times ceases altogether.
The aim of irrigation should be to allow
the water to soak as far down as possible.
To this end, it is essential that the soil be
loosened deeply by the plow. In many
soils there is hard-pan at depth of eight
or ten inches through which the water
with difficulty finds its way. In all kinds
Of ha of 4l..a IL,
without the plow tends to assist in the
formation of hard-pan at the depth reached
by the cultiyator, This is seen in the
nghtest, sandiest loam. 4stter two or
three years use of the cultivator there
will be thick shell formed. which is very
apparent when plow is use hereafter
After much experimenting, the best plan
of cultivating an orchard or vineyard
would seem to be this: In the early spring,
when the ground is thoroughly moistened
with the rains, put on a good plow and
have the soil broken Just as deep as the
share will go. To be sure, great masses of
young roots viii be turned up-that is, if
the plow has not been regularly used be-
fore-but that need not give cause for
alarm. After the first year of this sort of
treatment the surface roots will become
less and less in number, and the plants will
draw their sustenance from beneath. Af-
ter plowing (once viii suffice each season.
the cultivator should be kept going, and
the surface for depth of six or eight
inches should be kept in as fine tilth as
possible. This will act like mulch, and
will preserved the moisture beneath, as
well as tend to attract it upward.
In sections where irrigation is not prac
ticed this same method of plowlng and
cultivation should be followed Where no
artificial sources of supply are available, it
becomes necessary to the highest degree to
take full advantage of the rainfall. Where
constant cultivation without plowing has
allowed the formation Of hard-pan, the
rain will not soak in to any depth, but will
remain on the surface and run off to
lower level, but when the soil is kept
loosened to good depth it is in condition
to absorb all the rain, and hold it for the
sustenance of plant life during the dry
summer season.