Planting Systems
Square system
- Uniform spacing between plants and rows: In the square system, the distance between individual trees and the distance between rows are equal, creating a uniform grid pattern.
- Plants arranged in a square grid pattern: Each group of four trees forms the corners of a square, with the plants arranged at right angles to each other.
Advantages
- Easy to lay out and manage: The square system is straightforward to implement and maintain, making it a popular choice for many orchardists.
- Facilitates intercultural operations in two directions: The uniform spacing allows for efficient movement of machinery and workers for pruning, spraying, and harvesting in both row and plant-to-plant directions.
- Suitability for intercropping or cover crops: The square system provides ample space between trees, making it suitable for intercropping with compatible annual crops or establishing ground cover crops during the initial years of orchard establishment.
Rectangular system
- Rows spaced wider than within-row plant spacing: In this system, the distance between rows is greater than the spacing between individual trees within the same row.
- Plants arranged in a rectangular grid pattern: The resulting pattern resembles a series of rectangles rather than squares.
Advantages
- Accommodates more plants per unit area: By increasing the row spacing, the rectangular system allows for higher planting densities compared to the square system.
- Allows for machinery movement between wider rows: The wider row spacing facilitates easy movement of larger machinery and equipment for orchard operations.
Hexagonal system
- Plants arranged at the corners of equilateral triangles: In this system, trees are planted at the vertices of equilateral triangles, forming a hexagonal pattern.
- Six plants form a hexagon with a seventh in the center: An additional tree is often planted in the center of each hexagon, resulting in a higher planting density.
Advantages
- Increased plant density: The hexagonal system can accommodate up to 15% more plants per unit area compared to the square system.
- Allows for cultivation in three directions: The triangular arrangement of trees enables access and movement in three directions, rather than just two as in the square or rectangular systems.
- Suitability for fertile land and ample water availability: The higher planting density of the hexagonal system requires fertile soil and adequate water resources to support the increased number of trees.
Quincunx or diagonal system
- Similar to the square system with an additional plant in the center: This system follows the square pattern but includes an additional tree planted in the center of each square.
- Doubles the number of plants per unit area: By incorporating the central tree, the quincunx system effectively doubles the planting density compared to the square system alone.
Advantages
- Utilization of filler trees for early income: The additional central trees can be planted as filler trees, which are smaller, precocious fruit varieties that start bearing earlier than the main orchard trees.
- Gradual removal of filler trees as main trees mature: As the main orchard trees grow and require more space, the filler trees can be gradually removed, providing interim income while the primary crop establishes.
Contour system
- Trees planted along contour lines on sloping terrain: In this system, tree rows follow the natural contours of the land, creating curved or terraced planting patterns on slopes.
- Rows follow the natural contours of the land: The contour lines, which represent points of equal elevation, guide the alignment of tree rows, ensuring they run along the slope rather than up and down it.
Advantages
- Minimizes soil erosion on slopes: By planting along the contours, the contour system reduces the risk of soil erosion caused by water runoff and prevents the formation of gullies or rills.
- Facilitates irrigation and cultivation across the slope: Cultural operations, such as irrigation and cultivation, can be carried out more efficiently across the slope, rather than directly up or down it.
- Suitability for hilly or mountainous regions: The contour system is particularly suitable for orchards established in hilly or mountainous areas, where steep slopes would otherwise pose challenges for conventional planting layouts.
Triangular or alternate system
- Plants in alternate rows offset from the preceding row: In this system, the trees in every other row are planted midway between the trees in the preceding and following rows, creating a staggered or triangular pattern.
- Increased spacing between plants within rows: While the row spacing remains consistent, the offset planting pattern results in greater distances between individual trees within each row.
Advantages
- Provides more open space for tree growth: The increased spacing between trees within rows allows for better light interception, air circulation, and overall tree growth and development.
- Allows for intercropping or ground cover crops: The wider gaps between trees facilitate the establishment of intercrop or ground cover crop systems, promoting sustainable orchard management practices.
Introduction
Establishing an orchard is a long-term investment that requires meticulous planning and expertise. It involves careful consideration of various factors, including location, soil conditions, selection of suitable fruit varieties, planting distances, and sourcing high-quality nursery stock. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the essential aspects involved in orchard planning and establishment.
Soil
- Soil is the primary growing medium for crops, providing mechanical support, nutrients, and water for plant growth.
- Efficient root development requires soils with adequate air supply, water availability, and low bulk density.
- Most horticultural crops thrive in well-drained soils and cannot tolerate waterlogging conditions.
- Deep, well-drained soils, free from hard subsoils, are ideal for plant growth and development (Brady & Weil, 2008).
