THE ORCHARD.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 42, Issue 4, 20 April 1931, Page 281

THE ORCHARD.

Preparing for Winter Operations.

Although . the harvesting and packing of apples and pears will still be occupying most of the time of orchardists, in intervals of broken weather opportunity should be taken to prepare for operations, which need attention during the early winter, such as drainage, increased shelter, overhaul of spray plant and implements, cultivation, manuring, and liming.

Drainage.

Most orchard properties can be improved by drainage, and .with many it is a matter of urgent necessity, if the trees are to be maintained in good health arid maximum productivity. The beneficial . results attained by adequate drainageaeration of the soil, uniformity of temperatures, improved mechanical condition of the soil, and removal of excessive moisture ‘are often not fully appreciated, especially with regard to the conversion of organic matter and 'mineral substances into plant-food. Where drainage is properly established nitrification is . not only accelerated, but it is also induced to a greater depth than would be the case where drainage is neglected, the secondary effect being that deeper rooting of the plant is encouraged.

In heavy and retentive soils stone drains are’ ideal in action. If material exists in the form of large stones close to the property, these drains will be found inexpensive to construct and practically everlasting. Tile drains can be recommended for use in light lands, being not so vigorous in action. They will also give satisfactory results in clay soils when stones are . not procurable. Shelter.

The value of shelter for fruit-trees is becoming better realized each year, now that the effect is more apparent. Increased growth and an improved general condition of the tree is invariably to be noticed. Good preservation of the foliage and reduction of transpiration are the contributing factors to this condition.

• The kind of tree to be utilized for the purpose of shelter must be decided by individual conditions and requirements. Where the shelter can be planted at a distance of at least a chain from the fruit-trees, insignis pine or Lombardy poplar can be recommended; If the shelter is to be grown in close proximity to the fruit-trees, Lawson cypress or black wattle would be suitable fast-growing trees.

To ensure rapid growth of the two last-mentioned conifers it is essential to sow the seed in situ.

Overhaul, of Plant.

Defects which have occurred in spray plant or implements during the past season should be rectified while the faults are fresh in the minds of users. Improvements in plant are also best considered at this time of the year, in order that any extensive alterations may be spread over the dormant season. The preservation of rubber hose is often too casual, orchardists hanging up expensive lengths of hose in the sheds exposed to the destructive action of air and light. A better method is to coil the hose in a cask or tub of water, or else submerge it in water in the sprayvat. Submersion in water will considerably add to the life of all rubber goods, and should be more common in practice.

Orchard Sanitation.

' Orchard sanitation, which is so closely related to the general health of the trees, should be considered particularly in autumn. Diseased fruit should be gathered from the trees and also from the ground. Primings

which may be lying around from the previous season should be carefully burnt, remembering that fungus growths are to. a great extent saprophytic. Trees which have shown signs of root affection should receive investigation for canker infection. Applications ' of burnt lime may also be regarded as contributing towards a healthy and hygienic condition of the orchard, inasmuch as lime in this form will neutralize sour or acid conditions, which generally may be regarded as conducive to fungus growths. ‘ ' ' , —M. Davey, Orchard Instructor, Mapua. Citrus-culture. In last month's notes reference was made to the necessity for persons intending to make fresh plantings to order the trees early. Nurserymen do not work up unlimited stocks, and those who order early get the pick of the trees, this often leaving only those which have not developed as well. It is . usually the case that those trees which have grown best in the nursery will come away much better when planted out in the orchard, providing always that the conditions there are good. '

This brings us to another' factor which often contributes to failure that is, unsatisfactory preparation of the soil. This, combined with poorly grown trees, is what growers should specially try to avoid. Before planting out citrus-trees every consideration should be given to shelter, drainage, and preparation of the soil. It is very often time, saved even to wait for a year, and perhaps longer, in order to get the right conditions.

If natural shelter does not exist, then steps should be taken to provide some quick - growing trees that will give protection to the young tender citrus. If they are exposed to the cold winds so frequently experienced during the spring, growth will be retarded if not altogether prevented. It is essential that any class of fruit-tree should be planted under congenial conditions, in order that the young trees may commence growth without undue delay. Not only shelter but also good drainage is essential, as no trees can be expected to develop into strong healthy specimens if the soil is damp or inclined to be waterlogged. Therefore the greatest care should be exercised when' selecting a site for planting of citrus.

Thorough preparation of the soil by way of cultivation should in no wise be neglected. ' The land should be turned up some time .before .it is required for the trees. The more time and labour spent in preparation of the soil the better will be the results obtained. The best advice in regard to this matter is to make haste slowly and 'spend plenty of time on the details that so often make for success. Citrus-trees will often pick up one, two, and even three years, so long as they are given suitable conditions.

The points may be summed up as follows: Secure good trees by ordering early. Select a good sheltered site or -provide shelter before planting. Provide good drainage and thorough preparation of the soil. Success is then bound to follow, providing subsequent operations are carried out satisfactorily.

L. Paynter,

Orchard Instructor, Auckland