The Colfax chronicle., 1920-04-10
CULTURAL METHODS FOR
The HOME ORCHARD
VARIETIES OF FRUIT, SEASON
AND SOIL CONDITIONS Gov
ERN METHODS.
CULTIVATION USUALLY PAYS
1t Stimulates and Invigorates the
Trees Causing Them To De-
velop a Deep Root
System.

Orchard culture and methods will
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-
culturist, Extension Division, Louisi.
ana State University Generally it is
advisable to cultivate the young
orchard in the same manner that a
garden is cultivated. A good practice
| therefore would be to start the home
orchard in the home garden. The
young trees must be protected from
injury while plowing. This is done
by placing fence posts on either side
of the trees and by keeping two feet
away from the trees while cultivating
the soil with horse implements.
On the upland type of soil it is best
to give level cultivation. If the young
orchard is not grown in the garden, or
if no garden crops are grown in the
orchard, it should be planted to cow
peas or soybeans during the month
of June, planting them in rows which
should be cultivated Fig trees grown
under orchard conditions should not
be cultivated, but the soil around the
roots should be heavily muIched 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
well if the roots are disturbed The
mulch should not be piled up around
the trunks Of the trees but should be
applied at least two feet away from
the base. In growing trees in alluvial
soil where the water table is close to
the surface it is necessary to plant the
trees on wide ridges with water fur
rows between the rows to drain off
the surplus water.
Under Louisiana conditions, except
in the case of pear trees, which should
not be cultivated, it is seldom advis-
able to grow fruit trees in sod or to
allow the grass to establish itself in
the home orchard because the grass
makes very rank growth and prob |
ably excludes the air from the soil |
It also causes the trees to develop |
roots close to the surface where they |
are unfavorably influenced by exces-
sive heat, moisture and drouth. Cul- |
Livation stimulates and invigorates |
the trees, causing them to develop a
ieep root system. The roots of the
.rees are the foundation. of the trees
and must be properly cared for by
proper cultivation.
After the orchard has come into
)earing it is best not to give it as
Intensive cultivation as is given the
voung orchard, but definite system
must be followed depending on local
conditions. The system that has given
,ood results in practice is to plant
'owpeas or soybeans, broadcast or In
ows, during the month of June or
uly to be plowed under in the fall and
he soil planted to winter cover crop
+ rye or barley. This can be pastured
y sheep or calves during the winter
rovided the trees are not injured.
'attle should never be allowed in an
richard unless the trees are protect
d. The winter cover crop is plowed
nder in the spring and the orchard
isced or narrowed two or three times,
spending on the season. Then cow
cas- 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 i'm.
ortant factors in growing trees. By
the roots are given proper
Dill conditions for best development.
ood fruit and healthy leaves as well .
5 branches depend on the root system /.
hich feeds them Therefore the root
ystem is the foundation on which the
fe of the tree depends and must be
roperly cared for by cultivation in &C.
,rdance with the demands of each 9
ind of tree grown Cultivation keeps +
lie trees in vigorous fruiting condi. |
on and enables the trees to resist in. \
,cts and diseases. {