Before plantation of saplings, orchard’s soil needs to be analyzed for basic elements and PH level. After the analysis result, correct fertilization strategy for trees’ growing requirements can be defined.
Fields are generally used for annual crop growing which makes plowing sufficient. But plowing has a side effect of creating a hard layer around 30cm depth. Hole for the plantation needs to be around 70~80cm depth as a result interferes with this hard layer. This layer needs to be broken before digging tree holes for this cultivators can be used.
Marking of hole positions for plantation needs to be done before digging the holes to achive neat plantation lines. After holes’ marking digging can be done both by using manual labor or tractor mounted hole diggers. In case of using hole digger, holes’ side walls can be hardened because of compressing effect of the tool. It’s better to weaken this side walls by shovel etc.. for making root growth easier.
Roots of saplings need to be prepared before plantation. Especially broken, damaged and excessive roots are pruned and cleaned. Respect to soil analysis results manure and fertilizers are placed inside the holes. Tree placed in the hole by aligning tree flare with field level then remaining soil is placed inside the hole. Soil inside the hole is squeezed adequately and watered. If orchard is subject to strong winds, a stick can be used to support newly planted saplings.
