Principles of Orchard Establishment

Orcharding is a long-term investment that requires meticulous planning to ensure success. Every aspect of orchard establishment must be considered carefully to avoid mistakes, particularly in the early stages. A well-planned orchard can lead to better yields, higher returns, and long-term viability. Below is a detailed explanation of the essential principles for establishing a successful orchard:

A) Site Selection

The first and foremost consideration when establishing an orchard is selecting an appropriate site. A poor choice of location can lead to a series of challenges, including inadequate growth conditions for the fruit trees, insufficient access to resources, and difficulty in marketing the produce. Several factors must be assessed when selecting the site for orchard establishment:

1. Climate

The climate of the chosen site must be suitable for the specific fruits intended for cultivation. Each fruit crop has its own climatic requirements, and failure to meet these conditions can negatively affect growth, yield, and fruit quality. Considerations for assessing climate suitability include:

• Local Experience and Research: Consult with experienced fruit growers or research stations to learn about the acclimatization of the selected fruit species in the area.
• Weather Conditions: Pay attention to the frequency of adverse weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, hailstorms, hot winds, cyclones, heatwaves, and other seasonal variations that might impact fruit growth.

2. Soil

Soil quality is another crucial factor in orchard establishment. The soil should support the root system of fruit trees and supply adequate nutrients. Before choosing the site, it’s essential to assess the following:

• Soil Properties: Conduct soil tests to examine the physical and chemical properties, including soil texture, fertility, and pH. Ideally, the soil should be well-drained with sufficient nutrient content.
• Profile Pits: Dig profile pits (around 2 meters deep) in representative parts of the site to understand the soil composition and check for a hard pan, which could impede root growth.

3. Irrigation Facilities

Since most horticultural crops require irrigation, the availability of water is a critical factor. A consistent and reliable water source should be available for irrigation throughout the growing season. The following should be considered:

• Water Quantity and Quality: Ensure the site has enough water supply for the crops. Water quality must also be suitable for irrigation (free from contaminants).
• Water Table: The water table should be below 2 meters in depth to avoid waterlogging and ensure healthy root development.

4. Nearness to the Market

For fruits to reach the consumer market in optimal condition, the orchard should be strategically located near markets to minimize transportation costs. Proximity to the market is particularly important in the case of perishable produce, where delays can lead to losses. Additionally:

• Market Access: Being close to retail markets helps reduce overhead transport charges and allows producers to better understand market trends and demands.

5. Transport Facilities

Because fruits are perishable, they must be transported quickly to markets, often under refrigerated conditions. The orchard should be located in an area with reliable and efficient transport links. Factors to consider include:

• Access to Transport: The orchard should be located near roads, railways, or ports, with the possibility of refrigerated transport to preserve fruit quality during transit.
• Refrigeration Facilities: The ability to access refrigerated transport or storage is vital, especially for distant markets.

6. Power (Electricity) Supply

Electricity is crucial for operating irrigation systems, refrigeration units, and other necessary equipment on the farm. Having access to a reliable power supply in the vicinity will be advantageous for smooth orchard operations.

7. Proximity to Established Orchards

Selecting a site near established orchards has several benefits:

• Infrastructure Sharing: Established orchards may already have shared resources, such as grading machinery, storage facilities, and spraying equipment, which can reduce costs for newcomers.
• Cooperative Networks: Proximity to other orchards enables the formation of co-operative societies, allowing for joint efforts in marketing, labor management, and input procurement.

However, caution is necessary if nearby orchards are affected by diseases and pests, as this could lead to the spread of infections across your orchard. For example, if citrus orchards in the area are affected by diseases like Citrus Tristeza, it is best to avoid establishing a citrus orchard nearby.

8. Availability of Labour

Orchard management, particularly for large-scale fruit farms, requires skilled and unskilled labor for activities such as planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, harvesting, and packaging. Therefore, the availability of labor must be considered, especially in remote areas. Additionally, factors to evaluate include:

• Labor Supply: Ensure that the location has access to a workforce capable of meeting the labor demands of orchard operations.
• Labor Costs: Evaluate labor costs and the potential for labor shortages.

9. Social Factors

When establishing large orchards or plantations, social factors play a critical role in the long-term success of the venture. It is necessary to ensure that laborers and managerial staff are well taken care of to reduce turnover and maintain morale. Important social considerations include:

• Living Conditions: Workers should be provided with adequate housing, healthcare, and educational facilities, especially if the orchard is situated in a remote or less developed area.
• Community Engagement: Establishing good relations with local communities can facilitate the availability of labor and create a positive working environment.

B) Orchard Planning and Design

After selecting a suitable site, the next step is to design and plan the orchard layout. A well-planned orchard ensures efficient use of space, reduces wastage, and simplifies orchard operations. Key elements to consider in orchard planning include:

Row Spacing and Tree Density The spacing between rows and trees depends on the type of fruit, the rootstock, and the expected size of the mature tree. Proper spacing allows for good air circulation, sunlight penetration, and ease of management (e.g., irrigation, pruning, spraying, and harvesting). Overcrowding can lead to competition for resources, poor tree growth, and disease spread.

Orientation of Orchard Rows The orientation of orchard rows should maximize exposure to sunlight and airflow. In general, rows should be oriented north-south to allow uniform sunlight exposure across the orchard, especially in regions with a temperate or tropical climate. Proper orientation also helps with windbreak management, reducing the impact of strong winds on the trees.

Planting Density Depending on the fruit species and variety, plant density must be carefully planned. Higher planting densities might be considered for dwarf varieties or when using intensive farming practices. However, for larger, traditional varieties, spacing should allow trees to reach full size and productivity without crowding.

Irrigation and Drainage Systems Plan for a reliable irrigation system that will provide consistent water supply to the trees throughout the growing season. Options for irrigation include drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, or furrow irrigation. Proper drainage systems should also be incorporated to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other diseases.

Windbreaks and Shelterbelts Windbreaks are essential in regions prone to high winds, as strong gusts can damage trees and reduce fruit quality. Planting trees or shrubs along the perimeter of the orchard helps protect fruit trees from wind stress, soil erosion, and temperature extremes. Windbreaks should be placed strategically based on prevailing wind directions.

Access Roads and Pathways Orchard operations require regular movement of workers, equipment, and harvested fruit. Design access roads and pathways that facilitate easy and safe movement throughout the orchard. These should connect main areas such as irrigation systems, storage facilities, and harvesting zones.

Storage and Processing Facilities An orchard must be designed with adequate space for storage facilities to handle the harvested fruit. In some cases, having a processing unit (such as a packing house, juicing facility, or cold storage unit) on-site can be beneficial for preserving fruit quality and reducing post-harvest losses. Ensure that these facilities are well-ventilated, easily accessible, and comply with food safety standards.

Protection from Pests and Diseases The layout should include measures for pest and disease management. For instance, ensure proper spacing between trees to reduce the risk of pest infestations. Additionally, plan for easy access to spraying equipment and integrate biological control measures where possible. Organic orchards may require additional planning for companion planting and pest-repellent crops.

1. C) Orchard Management Practices

Once the orchard is established, ongoing management practices are vital for ensuring the longevity and productivity of the orchard. Effective management involves regular monitoring of tree health, soil quality, pest control, and pruning, among other activities. Here are some core orchard management practices:

Pruning and Training Pruning is essential for maintaining tree health, removing dead or diseased wood, and promoting better air circulation. Training the trees to grow in specific shapes (e.g., central leader, open center) improves fruit quality, eases harvest, and helps in pest management.

Fertilization Proper fertilization ensures that trees have the necessary nutrients to grow vigorously and produce high-quality fruit. Soil tests should be conducted regularly to assess nutrient deficiencies, and organic or chemical fertilizers should be applied according to the needs of the orchard.

Pest and Disease Management Integrated pest management (IPM) is crucial in maintaining the health of the orchard. This involves monitoring pest populations, introducing natural predators, and applying treatments only when necessary. Regular inspection of trees for signs of disease or pest infestation allows for early intervention.

Irrigation Management Efficient irrigation management ensures that trees receive an adequate water supply throughout the growing season. Over-irrigation or under-irrigation can lead to root diseases, nutrient imbalances, and reduced fruit yields. Drip irrigation or sprinkler systems can be used, and water application should be adjusted according to seasonal conditions.

Harvesting Harvesting should be done at the appropriate stage of ripeness to ensure optimal fruit quality. For some fruits, like apples or pears, this means harvesting before full ripening to allow for storage and controlled ripening later. Other fruits, like peaches or plums, should be harvested when fully ripe. The method of harvesting (manual or mechanical) must also be planned.

Post-Harvest Handling After harvesting, fruits must be handled carefully to minimize bruising and damage. Sorting, cleaning, and packaging should be done efficiently, and fruit should be transported to the market or processing plant as quickly as possible. Implementing cold storage can prolong shelf life and preserve fruit quality.

(D) Planting System:

The following are the important systems of planting generally followed based on agro-climatic conditions:

Square System:

• • In this system, a tree is planted at each corner of a square, regardless of the planting distance.
  • The distance between row to row and plant to plant is the same.
  • Plants are arranged at right angles to each other, and every set of four plants forms a square.
  • This system facilitates interculture operations in two directions after the orchard is planted.

Triangular System:

• • In this pattern, plants in alternate rows offset half the space between the plants in a row.
  • The distance between rows is the same or greater than the distance between plants in the row.
  • This system creates a series of iso-scaled triangles (with two equal sides instead of three as in an equilateral triangle).
  • It is easier to layout than the hexagonal pattern but results in 9% fewer plants than the equivalent square or rectangle system.

Quincunx System:

• • This system is similar to the square system but with one additional tree planted in the center of each square.
  • The number of plants per acre using the quincunx system is almost double that of the square system.
  • Fruit trees like papaya, kinnow, phalsa, guava, peach, plum, etc., can be planted as fillers in the early stages, providing additional income to the grower. The filler trees are uprooted when the main orchard trees start commercial fruiting.

High Density Planting (HDP) Systems:

• • High-density planting is an essential method to achieve higher productivity per unit area for both short-duration and perennial horticultural crops.
  • This system promotes precocious cropping, high and regular yields of high-quality fruits, and reduces labor requirements, helping to manage rising production costs.

Contour System:

• • Typically used in hilly areas with high slopes, this system resembles the square or rectangular system.
  • Trees are planted in lines following the contour of the land with minimal slope.
  • Irrigation and cultivation are practiced only across the slope to minimize soil erosion.
  • The layout follows the square/rectangular system by establishing the base line at the lowest point, with tree positions marked from the base to the top.
  • Bench terraces are used if the slope is greater than 10%.

Cluster Planting – Planning and Establishment:

Digging and Filling of Pits:

• • Generally, pits are dug 2 to 3 months in advance of planting, typically from March to May. Allow the pits to weather during this period.
  • A planting board (a plank about 1.5 meters or longer with two end notches and a center notch) is used to mark the planting positions. The board is aligned with the central notch over a marking peg, and two pegs are driven at the end notches.
  • After the board and pegs are removed, a pit of 1-meter cube is dug. The two pegs driven at the end notches remain in place on either side of the pit to maintain consistency.
  • The topsoil should be kept on one side and the bottom soil on the other. The topsoil is usually more fertile than the bottom soil.

Filling the Pits:

• • The pits are filled with a mixture of topsoil, farmyard manure (FYM), leaf mold, and super phosphate (about 1 kg).
  • First, the bottom layer of soil is placed in the pit, followed by the topsoil mixed with manure.
  • After filling, the soil should rise about a foot above the orchard level to allow for shrinkage during the settling process.
  • The pits are filled a fortnight or two after digging, ensuring the soil is raised slightly above ground level to compensate for settlement over time.