30 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



lizer has been applied to these trees one season while the other plots had 

 two applications. 



One-half of each plot received ground limestone at the rate of two 

 tons per acre in the spring of 1920 but it has failed to produce increased 

 yields over the unlimed plots. Furthermore, there have been no indi- 

 cations so far that the lime has produced any beneficial results. 



It must be borne in mind that the soils of Michigan are very variable 

 and I would not like you to infer that these results can be duplicated 

 in your orchards. Furthermore, these results are based upon one year's 

 crop and I anticipate that further crops will give us fully as interesting 

 but somewhat different results. For instance, I am inclined to think 

 that the acid phosphate plot is in such a devitalized condition after 

 trying to mature a heavy setting of apples that little can be expected of 

 it next year. 



The Horticultural Department is carrying on fertilizer tests, on a 

 less extensive scale, in all parts of Michigan and some of these tests 

 are to be reported upon here this afternoon. It is only through a thor- 

 ough study of all these tests and especially those carried on in orchards 

 grown under conditions similar to yours, that you can determine what is 

 best for your orchards. I would encourage you to make tests of these 

 fertihzers on small plots of trees in your orchards to more definitely 

 determine their needs. 



We do feel safe, however, basing our judgment on results of this and 

 other experiments in Michigan and other states, in recommending a com- 

 bination of nitrogen and acid phosphate. The amounts to apply will 

 depend upon whether the orchard is in sod or under cultivation, the 

 condition of the soil, the age of the trees, the vigor of the trees as indi- 

 cated by twig growth, the activity of the fruit spurs, the set of fruit, the 

 color, size and amount of foliage, and the yield of fruit. 



Chairman Hawley then gave the members of the Society an oppor- 

 tunity to ask questions and they were answered by Professor Marshall as 

 follows: 



Mr. Cowen: Has the application of nitrogenous materials on winter 

 apples any effect on the keeping qualities? 



Mr. Marshall: I know of apples that have kept just as well as apples 

 that have not received the applications of fertilizing materials. Have 

 known of them being kept as long as June, which is plenty long enough 

 when you consider the cost of storage. 



Mr. Rogers: I would like information regarding my new orchard of 

 Baldwins, Jonathans, and Hubbardsons. The Baldwins' growth is very 

 slow; some seem to be standing still. 



Mr. Marshall: The application of nitrate of soda will make them 

 grow if anything will. Perhaps some local grower could help you more 

 with problem, however. 



Question: Will nitrate of soda make any difference in the color of 

 the fruit? 



Mr. Marshall : The application of this material will lighten the color 

 somewhat. It protluces more foliage and this keeps some of the sun- 

 light away from the fruit, and the color will not be as good as in an 

 unfertilized orchard. That is one of the prices we expect to have to pay. 



Mr. Hutchins: Would the variety make any difference in the size? 



Mr. Marshall: These apples were all one variety. 



