FERTILIZING PEACHES 



The influence of phosphoric acid as 

 Phosphoric Add a plant food ig often very marked in 



the peach orchard, especially in the presence of an abun- 

 dance of the other essential plant foods, and although 

 required to a lesser extent in the composition of the plant 

 and fruit than either potash or nitrogen, it is by no means 

 of lesser vital importance. Phosphoric acid is mainly con- 

 cerned in the germination of the seeds, hastening the matur- 

 ity of the fruit, and, of course, is concerned in the produc- 

 tion of protoplasm, without which there can be no plant 

 life. The tendency of this element in affecting the life 

 activities of the tree is shown by the increase in the vigor 

 of the tree growth itself following an application of phos- 

 phatic fertilizers, but the color of the foliage is not. affect- 

 ed by a deficiency of phosphoric acid as in the case of nitro- 

 gen and potash. Phosphoric acid is therefore a very essen- 

 tial and important mineral element, but since it is not 

 required in such large amounts by peaches as potash, it 

 can be supplied comparatively cheaply and easily on that 

 account. 



Available phosphoric acid favors the rapid develop- 

 ment of the young seedlings by promoting the growth of 

 the root system, thus giving the young trees a good start. 

 This function is of great importance in the establishment 

 of the young trees in the soil- under conditions favorable to 

 their continued development. 



MM 



