growing an orchard in rough conditions

[Krizzi]

I have a field that I want to plant a small orchard (8-12 trees) in but I have 2 concerns.

1. I live in a zone 6a high desert (Santa Fe, New Mexico) with winters that freeze and has little rainfall. I want be watering the orchard primarily through rain catchment and a grey water system from my house thus am looking for the most drought hardy varieties and also varieties that handle sandy and rocky soil better. (or any tips on how to fix up an area of soil in these conditions)

2. There is a septic leach line on one side of the field. How far away do i need to plant a fruit tree form the line? Ideally I would like to plant no farther than 25 feet from it. what kind of root spread would I be looking at from a pear to an apple to an apricot in these arid and less than ideal conditions?

Thank you!!

 

[hoodat]

Rule of thumb is the spread of the root system is somewhere around the height of the tree. Desert soil is usually low in nitrogen and high in phosporous and potash so you will want to add something like well rotted manure or compost but only do it at the surface foot or so and allow it to leach down. If you improve the soil in the hole itself rather than around it, your tree roots may be reluctant to reach outside the improved soil.
As to variety I would consult your local ag people.

 

[April Manier]

I cannot tell you how important it will be to make the soil ready. You are planning on going lean on water so be careful about planting. Amend your soil with some good manure. If this seems cost prohibitive, plant less trees. They will just struggle along without the nitrogen and less water. Be generous with your manure as they are going to be there a long time! Also the manure will help with water retention when mixed with sandier soil.