Food for Plants. 123 



require a large application of it. In any event, the 

 grower must be governed by the condition of his grove 

 and the general character of soil and climate in his par- 

 ticular locality. 



The early decay of orchards as well as failure to set 

 fruit buds,* is largely a matter of lack of plant food. 

 Orchards should have Nitrate, applied early in the sea- 

 son, as late supplies of Nitrogen are liable to cause a 

 heavy setting of leaf buds at the expense of next year's 

 fruit. The ordinary ammoniates are not satisfactory for 

 orchard work, as they continue to supply available am- 

 monia all through the season; not enough in the early 

 part of the year to properly set the fruit, hence severe 

 dropping; too much late in the year when none is needed 

 and which causes the formation of leaf rather than fruit 

 buds. The soil between the trees should be regularly 

 tilled, much as in corn growing. That it is not generally 

 done is no argument against the value of such cultivation 

 methods. 



Instructions for Using- Nitrate on the Citrus in California. 



Under ordinary conditions in California — for full- 

 grown orange trees — we advise applying Nitrate early 

 in March or even the middle of February, and follow the 

 application immediately after by disking or harrowing 

 in the material to the depth of five or six inches. 



When it is used alone. Nitrate may be used at the rate 

 of two hundred (200) pounds to the acre. 



It can be used more profitably at the rate of four hun- 

 dred (400) pounds to the acre if four hundred (400) 

 pounds of dry acid or superphosphate be used with it. 

 Both materials should be dry. 



Four hundred pounds of Nitrate is equal in Inilk to 

 about four bushels. 



We believe the second procedure is the more profitable 

 as a rule, and we have no hesitation in recommending it 



