Read the orchard report

After an unusually dry spring, the orchard’s young trees needed extra water. Although the dam was low, Jarrah and Hamish installed drip lines, so each tree received water slowly. Grace recorded the results while the others checked the soil. The trees near the creek grew taller than those on the ridge, whereas the ridge trees produced sweeter fruit. Not only did the team save water, but they also reduced the number of damaged apples. The trial succeeded because everyone compared notes before making changes. The team will expand the trial if autumn rainfall remains low; otherwise, they will return to their usual watering plan.