40 MODERN STRAWBERRY GROWING 



yields result. This is especially so in dry 

 seasons. 



2. Manures contain a fair amount of 

 plant food which on being decomposed is 

 available to the plants, nitrogen being the 

 predominating element. It has the draw- 

 back though of not containing a balanced 

 food ration. This may, however, be reme- 

 died by supplying the deficient elements 

 with a subsequent application of artificial 

 fertilizers. 



As recommended elsewhere, i8 to 20 tons 

 of manure, spread on the soil and thoroughly 

 worked in, is sufficient for the crop the first 

 year, although some growers use as high as 

 forty tons to the acre. By carefully watch- 

 ing the plants, any lack of growth by them 

 can be overcome by applications, on an acre 

 basis, of lOO to 300 pounds of nitrate of soda, 

 200 to 300 pounds of muriate of potash or 

 400 to 500 pounds of acid phosphate, or in 

 combination about 300 to 400 pounds of 

 the mixture being used per acre. It is 

 much better to give the plants two or three 

 small doses than one large dose. Nitrogen 

 is a great growth stimulator making the 

 plants rank and green. Caution: Too 



