STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 73 



This table means that a fertiUzer carrying about 30 pounds 

 of actual nitrogen, 50 pounds of actual phosphoric acid (P^Os) 

 and 25 to 50 pounds of actual potash (K2O) should be applied 

 tc an acre of bearing trees. Where potash is not known to be- 

 lacking, the smaller amount should be used, or after a little 

 testing it may even be omitted entirely. With the smaller 

 amount of potash, the essentials of the present combinatioii 

 are carried in 500 pounds of a 6-10-5 fertilizer or its equiva- 

 lent. In the usual ready-mixed fertilizers, the nitrogen is 

 likely to be carried in ammonium sulphate, witH which some 

 liming may be necessary if many applications are made, and 

 especially if leguminous cover crops or permanent covers are 

 desired. In special or in home-made mixtures, the various 

 elements may be carried in any of the materials indicated in 

 the table. 



In the work of this Station, the nitrogen is carried in the 

 combination of nitrate of soda and dried blood indicated m 

 the table. This combination carries about equal amounts ot 

 nitrogen in each material, and it thus gives a quick action as 

 as well as one that is prolonged well through the season. The 

 nitrogen, being the costliest and most active ingredient, re- 

 ([uires close watching and possible variations in amount, in 

 order to get the most out of it. It may also be secured, wholly 

 or in part, by the use of stable manure or leguminous plants 

 where they are available. In the case of the other carriers 

 indicated in the table, we have very little evidence on' their 

 relative values as yet and hence those that are actually leasi 

 expensive or most convenient should be chosen. All applica- 

 tions should be made annually, subject to the variations indi- 

 cated below. 



Time and Method of Application. — The time of application 

 we believe to be of distinct importance, especially in the case 

 of nitrates. While our evidence on this is by no means coni- 

 plete, yet there are good indications that nitrates can easily be 

 applied too early in the season and thus be wholly lost to the 

 trees. Other evidence leads to the opinion that distinct harm 

 may result from their application 'about fruit-setting time, — 

 especially in the case of the peach. We feel, therefore, that the 

 nitrates should be applied not earlier than petal-fall in apples 

 and probably not later than the middle of July. In general, 



