FERTILIZERS AND MANURES FOR THE ORCHARD 191 



because of its availability. It is commonly used at the rate 

 of 350 to 400 pounds to the acre. 



Both floats and basic slag have been used in orchard ex- 

 periments with vaiying results, but neither has been so effi- 

 cient as acid phosphate. Bone-meal has not proved valu- 

 able in securing results within a reasonable length of time 

 and it is not so widely used in orchards as formerly. 



164. Potash is used by fruit-trees in relatively large 

 amounts. This led to the earlier teachings that potash 

 was the first essential in fertilizing fruit-trees. This theoiy 

 ignored the fact that many fruit soils are comparatively rich 

 in potash and hence obviated the necessity of adding it in 

 an artificial form. The statements that potash fertilizers 

 make better color, better shipping quality and flavor of 

 fruits are without apparent foundation in experimental 

 results. When potash is applied alone or in combination, 

 the data show few instances in which outstanding results 

 are secured from it. 



165. Muriate versus sulfate of potash. — Some differ- 

 ence of opinion exists as to the relative value of muriate 

 and sulfate of potash for orchard use. Both have given 

 satisfactoiy results where there was need for a potash fer- 

 tilizer. Therefore, since the muriate is cheaper, it would 

 seem good practice to apply it until further research shows 

 a superiority of the sulfate. 



166. Hardwood-ashes. — Wood-ashes have long been used 

 for fruit-trees and were highly valued a half century ago, 

 but their scarcity at the present time has greatly re- 

 stricted their use. Wood-ashes will vaiy markedly in their 

 composition; if they are unleached they will analyze about 

 4 to 6 per cent potash, 1.5 to 2 phosphoric acid, and 25 to 

 30 per cent lime. Potash salts have largely replaced wood- 

 ashes as a source of potassium in orchard fertilization. 



167. Common salt. — Sodium chloride has been advo- 



