FERTILIZER FORMULAS 105 



are usually noted for their fine fruit. But quite aside from its 

 effect on the trees, the use of lime in orchards is probably war- 

 ranted on account of its effect as the cover crop which is grown. 

 Most of these crops are benefited by lime, and for some of them, 

 notably the beginners, on some soils lime is absolutely essential 

 for a good growth. On the lighter types of soils the ground 

 limestone is to be preferred, while for the heavier soils the burned 

 lime is better. On many soils an application of a half ton to a 

 ton per acre will be found to give excellent returns in improved 

 growth of cover crops. On one orchard block, the soil of which 

 the writer had tested, it was shown that it would require five 

 tons per acre to neutralize the upper foot of soil. Of course this 

 amount was not put on in any one season but a yearly application 

 of a ton was used with markedly beneficial results. 



In ordering lime of either type it will be found best to pay 

 the extra cost of having it come in bags rather than in bulk, as it 

 is impossible to handle the latter type with any degree of com- 

 fort when there is any wind. 



Fertilizer Formulas. — It may perhaps be helpful to include 

 in this chapter a few fertilizer formulas which are actually in use 

 by some of our leading orchard men. 



Mr. George A. Drew, of Greenwich, Connecticut, has the fol- 

 lowing formula, which is used at the rate of 400 pounds to 800 

 pounds per acre according to the condition of the soil. His trees 

 are cultivated. 



12.5 pounds blood 16 per cent 



200 pounds tankage 10 per cent Am. 20 per cent B. P. Lime 



450 pounds lK>ne 4% per cent Am. 50 per cent B. P. Lime 



650 pounds basic slag 16 per cent 



420 pounds sulphate potash 48 per cent 



155 pounds filler 

 2000 



Mr. L. F. Priest, of Gleasondale, Massachusetts, grows his 

 orchard in sod. He says: "Our best trees have a good dressing 

 of stable manure in the fall and the following spring 600 pounds 

 of slag and 200 pounds of sulfate of potash per acre for the 

 largest trees, the smaller ones receiving less. All the hay we 

 can spare is used for mulch. ' ' 



