32 The Bulletin 



In handling peach orchard soils with the idea of economically main- 

 taining them in a highly productive state, it is of the greatest impor- 

 tance to determine what element or elements are limiting the produc- 

 tivity of the orchard. If large quantities of a complete fertilizer are 

 applied, it is generally the case that some element is being supplied 

 in excessive amounts while the limiting element is being supplied in 

 a smaller quantity than is necessary. 



Every grower should determine just what his soil needs are by 

 applying each kind of food alone to a certain portion of the ground 

 and ascertaining which food or foods give the best results. The or- 

 chardist will then have some idea what the soil lacks, and he may experi- 

 ment further and determine what combination of plant foods give the 

 best results. 



When nitrogen is deficient, the trees are stunted in growth, the 

 leaves are small and have a pale color. Trees that are supplied with 

 sufficient nitrogen are vigorous, the leaves large and dark green in 

 color. It is generally considered among growers that the use of potash 

 gives the fruit more color, improves its carrying qualities, and in- 

 duces the production of strong, well matured wood. 



When fertilizers were to be secured at normal prices, the following 

 combinations have given satisfaction in commercial bearing orchards in 

 the State: 



1. Use per acre: 



150 pounds of sulphate or muriate of potash. 

 100 pounds of ground bone, 

 200 pounds of acid phosphate, 

 150 pounds of nitrate of soda. 



2. Use per acre: 



100 pounds of sulphate or muriate of potash, 

 200 pounds of acid phosphate. 

 300 pounds of cotton seed meal. 



3. Use 500 pounds per acre of: 



5 per cent nitrogen in bocf scraps and tankage, 

 8 per cent phosphorus in acid pho.'^phato, 

 10 per cent potash in sulphate or muriate of potash. 

 Growers sometimes make a second application, consisting of nitrate 

 of soda, in ^fay or Juno, if the trees are not making a sufficiently vig- 

 orous growth and the leaves are pale. 



Where potash is not available, a mixture of 

 200 pounds of acid phosphate, 

 300 pounds of cotton seed meal, 

 100 pounds of nitrate of soda, 

 per acre should give as good results as any mixture it will be possible 

 to obtain. 



