Abbeville progress. (Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, La.) 1913-1944, 1919-08-02
CULTURAL METHODS FOR
THE HOME ORCHARD
VARIETIES OF FRUIT, SEASON
AND SOIL CONDITIONS GOV
ERIN METHODS.
CULTIVATION USUALLY PAYS
Il Stimulates and InViqoratos the
Trees Causing Them To De-
vsisp Deep Root
System.

Orchard culture and methods VIII
depend on size or age of trees. nature
Of root growth, and the kind OF season,
whether rainy or dry, and the type CT
soil in which the trees are growing.
says B. Szymoniak. associate horti-
.ulturist, Extension Division. Louisi-
ana State University. Generally II Is
advisable to cultivate the young
orchard In the same manner that a
Kardcn is cultivated. A good practice
therefore would be to start the home
orchard in the home garden. The
voung trees must be protected from
injury while blowing. This is done
by placing fence posts on either side
Of the trees and by keeping two feet
away from the trees while cultivatins
the soil with horse Implements.
On the upland type of soil it is best
TO give level cultivation. IL the young
orchard is not grown in the garden, or
II no garden crops are grown In the
orchard, Il should be planted TO cow
peas or soybeans during the month
81 June, planting them in rows which
should be cultivated Fig trees grown
ander orchard conditions should not
De cultivated, but the soil around the
roots should be heavily mulched with
pine straw and leaves or other coarse
material. This is done for the reason
that fig trees have a very shallow
root system and the trees will not do
we'll II the roots are disturbed. The
mulch should not be piled UP sround
The trunks of the trees but should be
applied at least two feet away from
the base. In growing trees in ailuvial
soil where the water table Is close TO
the surface 1t lie necessary to plant the
trees on wide ridges with water fur
rows between the rows to drain OF
the surplus water.
) Under Louisiana conditiors. except
d the case Of pear treesss which shoult
= ~ $685. .s...ss ~ 2
No. : BE- sa,slxassa1> x !. 3ssotd auv1ss
sbie II grow tfuit trees in u es-to !
allow the grass to establish itself In
the home orchard because the grass
makes a very rank growth and prob
ally excludes the air from the soil.
It also causes the trees to develop
roots close 10 the surface where they
are unfsvorably influenced BY exces.
siye heat, moisture and drouth. Cul.
tivation stimulates and ihvisorates
the trees, causing them to develop
deep root system. The roots OF the
Trees are the foundation OF the trees
and MUST be properly cared for by
proper cultivation.
After the orchard has come into
bearing It is best not TO give Il as
Intensive cultivation as is given the
Toung orchard, but definite system
must be followed depending on local
The system that has given !
food results in practice is 10 plant |
'o~peas or soybeans, broadcast or IN |
'o~s. during the month Of June Or
July to be plowed under i'll the fall and !
he soil planted to a winter cover CROP |
Il rye or barley. This can be pastured |
" sheep or calves during the winter |
'r0vidsd the trees are not injured, |
)attle should never be allowed in an
richard unless the trees are protect
d. The winter cover crop is pluwed
hder Ia the spring and the orchard
iseed or narrowed two or three times,
epending on the season. Then cow
eas or soybeans are again planted
uring June or July. This system can
e followed not only in the home
richard where the trees are mature
Ut it can be practiced also in pecan
richards with good results,
Cultivation Is one of the most In.
ertant factors In growing trees. BY
the roots are given proper
oil conditions for best development.
God fruit and healthy leaves as well
S branches depend on the root system
'hich feeds them. Therefore the root
sstem lie the foundation on which the
fe OF the tree depends and must be
roperly cared for by cultivation in &C,
Drdance with the demands OF each
Ind OF tree grown. Cultivation keeps
,e trees In a vigorous fruiting condi.
on and enables the trees to resist in.
scts and diseases.