The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1918-04-18

ment OF AgrcultdfeJ
From the time raspberry plants are
set, they need nm ample supply 80 mo.s-
ture and they are affected more quick
ly aud seriously when II Is deficient
than most other fruit plants. In the
sections where the highest average
Yields of red raspbcrrics are obtained
often 600 quarts ~ fruit per acre
are secured The average for the
whole country however. Is not more
than 1890 quarts, and this difference Is
due almost wholly to u difference IN
the moisture supply. In the sections
referred to rs giving the highest yields.
deep soil furnishes IA uniform and
ample supply ~ moisture ut all times.
To secure the best results, therefore.
the grower should. by tillage and by
supplying humuS. maintain IA uniform
and ample moisture content In his soil,
not only during the growing and ripcn-
ing Of the fruit but also while the
canes nre developing. Some growers
make IL a regular practice each year
10 mulch their fields 10 "A depth Of sew
cral inches with straw. leaves or green
hay. When this practice Is followed.
the cost is great. but the moisture sup
ply Is retained well.
In scmIarid and arid regions where
irrigation Is practlced. the frultlng sea
son Is longer than In most humid OF
nonlrrigated sections. The use Of irri.
cation in the Eastern states also has
extended the picking season and made
the plants thriller. Larger yields 81
fiult Of the Rnnere raspberry In the
summer and fall have followed the ir.
rlEatiOn OF that variety nnd made II
profitable In some sections Of the East
In the humid sections of Che East
ern states. irrigation should be used
chiefly or entirely during the growth
and rlpening Of the fruit and will pay
only when an ample moisture supply
cannot be maintained by tillnge. As
the raspberry ripens its crop during
the summer when droughts are likely
10 occur. some growers have found ir-
rigation profitable.
Intercropping.
In order TO reduce the cost of inten-
sive cultivation of raspberry planta-
ton during the first year after setting,
other crops that need cultivation dur
ing the spring and early summer
months may be grown between the
rows. Among the crops best suited 10
this use are the tomato, cabbage. caull
flower. bean, pea. summer squash and
potato. Grain chops should not be-
used, as they are not cultivated and
will take moisture and plant food
needed by the raspberry phnts. The
second season no other crop should be
grown. as the raspberry roots should
occupy all the ground.
Tillape.
Tillage In raspberry fields should be
thorough and regular In order TO con
serve moisture. Except IN rainy
weather. cultivator or harrov should
be used mt least once each week up to
picking time. Some growers consider
il profitable to use II as often as twice
essary during periods of extended
drought. The cultivation should stir
the soil 10 II depth OF two to three
Inches only as part Of the raspberry
roots are shallow. Many growers short.
en- the cultiyator or harrow teeth which
run next to the plants, 50 as 10 disturb
the young feeding roots near the sur
face as little as possible.
Later tillage is for the purpose OF
keeping down weeds and grasses. The
fields should be free OF weeds during