This article throws light upon the top six systems of planting of fruit crops. The systems are: 1. Square system 2. Rectangular system 3. Triangular system 4. Hexagonal system 5. Quincunx system 6. Contour system.
Planting Fruit Crops: System # 1. Square System:
(a) This is simplest system of fruit planting.
(b) The plot is divided into square. A tree is planted at each corner of square.
(c) In this system, interculhiral operations can be done in both the direction as trees are at equal distance (row’ tree).
(d) This system of planting also facilitates for taking intercrops.
Planting Fruit Crops: System # 2. Rectangular System:
(a) In this system of planting, plot is divided into rectangle.
(b) The trees are planted at 4 corners of the rectangle in straight rows running at right angles.
(c) Rectangle system allows plants for planting in row with keeping more space.
Planting Fruit Crops: System # 3. Triangle System:
(a) In this system of planting, a tree is planted on a corner of each angle.
(b) This has not much advantage over square system except it provides more open space to tree but intercultural operations are not easy to carry.
Planting Fruit Crops: System # 4. Hexagonal System:
(a) In this system of planting, a tree is planted at each corner of an equilateral triangle.
(b) In this way, six trees form a hexagon with seventh tree in the centre.
(c) The system is preferred where land is costly and very fertile with assured irrigation.
(d) 15% more trees can be planted in hexagonal system than square system.
Planting Fruit Crops: System # 5. Quincunx System:
(a) It is modified form of square system.
(b) In this system, one tree is planted in the centre of the square of permanent trees. This tree is short lived & known as ‘filler’ trees like banana, papaya, pomegranate, fig etc.
(c) The filler trees are removed when main trees developed full canopy of start bearing.
(d) This is economic to plant filler trees as they provide additional income to cultivators in the earlier years of the orchards.
Planting Fruit Crops: System # 6. Hexagonal System:
(a) This system of planting is followed on hills where the land is undulated and soil erosion is common & irrigation of orchard is difficult.