Fruit plants do well in counted soils, according to agricultural suitability, to class from I to IV.
However, no orchards and berry beds should be established in soils of V and VI classes. All fruit plants grow best in slightly acidic soils, with a pH of approx 6,5. It is not advisable to plant them on alkaline soils, because there are disorders resulting from difficulties in the absorption of micronutrients, manifested by impaired growth and fruiting as well as leaf chlorosis. Adequate acidification of inherently alkaline soils is difficult and costly. On the other hand, raising the pH of too acidic soils is relatively easy and can be done by liming.
The deeper layers of soil in the area intended for the orchard should not be:
• być piaszczyste, because the soil loses water quickly and the plants suffer from drought;
• być bardzo ciężkie, because the roots will have difficulty growing into them, and those that do grow will suffocate from not having enough air;
• zawierać nieprzepuszczalnych warstw żelazistych (amber) hindering root development;
• być podmokłe; for most trees, the upper limit of the groundwater level should never exceed 2,0-1,5 m from the soil surface, and for most shrubs approx 1 m.
