586 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915 



FEETILIZEE EXPEEIMENTS WITH FRUIT TREES, COVER CROPS AND 



INTERMEDIATE CROPS. 



In order to test the relative value of different fertilizers for growing apple trees, 

 and intermediate crops, a series of tests was started in the spring of 1913. The 

 object of this experiment is principally to determine what fertilizers or combination of 

 fertilizers are most desirable for producing trees which will come into profitable bear- 

 ing in the shortest time. 



Cover crops of vetch will be sown on the area occupied by the trees, which area 

 will be increased year by year as the trees grow. The effect of these fertilizer on the 

 cover crop will be noted and the data as to the relative value of different combina- 

 tions for a leguminous cover crop determined. 



Since young orchards occupy little of the land during their early growth, it is 

 considered advisable to grow intermediate crops between the trees. It has been 

 thought that a good orchard rotation for the land not occupied by the trees is grain, 

 clover, potatoes. This offers a practical three years' rotation which should prove satis- 

 factory to the average orchardist. 



The intention is to use the fertilizers in the same proportions and same quanti- 

 ties each year xmtil su&h time as the growth of trees or crops may show that ferti- 

 lizers are being used to excess. 



The effect of the different fertilizers will be noted on the intermiediate crops. It 

 will be seen that the experiments are three-fold: Eirst, to determine growth and ulti- 

 mate frmtfulness under the influence of different fertilizers; second, effect of fertili- 

 zers on the cover crop; third, quality and quantity of intermediate crops on the 

 differently fertilized plots. It is the intention to continue these tests for a period of 

 ten to fifteen years, or longer as may be thought desirable. The varieties of apple trees 

 in this test are Gravenstein, with Wagener as fillers. The Gravensteins are set 40 

 by 40 feet apart, and the Wagener set one way between the trees making the rows 

 20 feet apart one way and 40 feet the other. 



The following table gives the quantity of fertilizer used per acre, and the yield 

 of potatoes during the past season on the various plots as calculated from plots of one- 

 fortieth acre each. The variety Green Mountain was planted. 



Kentville. 



