EFFECTIVE FERTILIZERS IN NURSERIHS. 

 By George A. Retan, * 



In the spring of 191 1, on the occasion of the sudden illness 

 and subsequent death of the Forester in charge, the writer was 

 unexpectedly placed in charge of the Greenwood Nursery. This 

 nursery is located near McAlevy's fort, Huntingdon County, Pa., 

 at an elevation of about 1200 feet above sea level. The aspect 

 is N. W. and the slope is 5-10°. The soil is formed by the dis- 

 integration of a soft rock of the Clinton group. It is very thin, 

 the rock outcropping in the center of the nursery. The subtype 

 of the surrounding forest is characterized by white pine as the 

 permanent species. The nursery is trapezoidal in form embrac- 

 ing about two acres. 



At the time of arrival the raising and shipping of seedlings were 

 going on concurrently with 191 1 bed preparation. The two year 

 old seedlings were being removed from nearly two-thirds of the 

 nursery area. It was noticeable that the seedlings from the 

 lower third of the nursery were inferior in vigor, size and color. 

 A scheme was recommended and approved for the improvement of 

 the soil conditions. The nursery was divided into three parts, 

 one-third remaining in beds made the year before and containing 

 a rather poor stand of seedlings. The second third was pre- 

 pared and sown, this being that part of the nursery which 

 appeared to show least evidence of soil deterioration. The lower 

 third, mentioned above, was put under cultivation as detailed be- 

 low. This rotation was continued, and at the end of this, the 

 third season, some results of the treatment can be obsei'ved. 



The cultivated third was treated as follows. After plowing" 

 early in June, there were applied : 200 lbs. Acid Phosphate, 100 

 lbs. Sodiiun Nitrate; 100 lbs. Potash (KHO3) ; icx> lbs. Bone 

 Meal. 



Cow peas and (3ats were then sown and were plowed under 

 early in September when ripening, thus giving a second crop, 

 which was plowed under in November. In the spring of 1912 



♦Instructor in Silviailture, Pennsj'lvania State Forest Acaidemy, Mont 

 Alto, Pa. 



