Skip to main content
ARS Home » Plains Area » College Station, Texas » Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center » Crop Germplasm Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #158662

Title: SITE SELECTION AND PREPARATION

Author
item Grauke, Larry

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/23/2003
Publication Date: 5/22/2003
Citation: GRAUKE, L.J. SITE SELECTION AND PREPARATION. FULBRIGHT, D.W. EDITOR., SALINE, MI: MCNAUGHTON AND GUNN, INC.; CHAPTER 10. 2003. P. 249-270. A GUIDE TO NUT TREE CULTURE IN NORTH AMERICA.

Interpretive Summary: The success of an orchard depends on the quality of the site where it is planted. Some sites have so many problems that trees should not be planted there. Other sites have problems that can be overcome, but they will influence management and may reduce yields. This chapter helps growers know how to check their site to find out whether it can be used to grow nut trees.

Technical Abstract: Site evaluation is the process of gathering and interpreting critical information concerning the ability of the prospective site to perform its intended function. This chapter covers the process of site evaluation and pre-plant soil preparation for nut orchard establishment. Important factors to consider are introduced, along with sources of more detailed information. If adequate information has been obtained in the evaluation stages, the grower has the opportunity to address some site limitations in pre-plant site preparation. The difference between a good site and a poor one will be manifested throughout the life of the orchard. Good management begins well in advance of tree planting: the good manager knows and addresses the site's limitations.