permaculture

[sinergyinaction@netscape.net]

Hi,
consider having to plant fruit trees in an area with very hot (summer) 
climate
and mild winters, ie mediterranean climate; with usually dry summers 
and long dry spells
In normal circumstances, usually the planting distances between trees 
can be augmented somewhat
in order to take into account for competition for water (and use 
irrigation).
But what about if you have an aquifer which is quite shallow (may be 1m 
below the surface)?
If I want to "work with nature", would this situation indicate that, 
notwindstanding the
long dry spells, the trees can be planted closer to each other? Thus 
increasing the density of
the plantation?

But then the trees, once mature will probably start to feed heavily on 
this shallow
water source. Is it possible that they can contribute to increasing the 
depth of the
acuifer?

(if the aquifer is now deeper) since I will have planted more trees 
than it would have been advisable in a land
without a shallow aquifer, competition for water could start in a very 
dry spell
and some of them might not do it.
On the other hand, is it possible that these trees' root systems will 
adapt to the new
situation of the acuifer and look for water deeper down?

MIght instead be possible that the root system of these trees (or any 
other tree other than fruit trees by that matter)
remain shallow anyway (even for those trees that usually have a strong 
pivoting root??)
because they have had lots of water available very close to the surface?
Any reccomendation would be appreciated

By the way, is the use of acacias (like, a. dealbata, a. harpophylla,  
a. ampliceps, a. aneura
a. saligna, a. karoo) advisable in a soils such as this? Is there a 
chance that they might not stand
having so much water available, being plants that usually live in more 
arid situations and dry feet?
Cheers
Antonio
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