-tKa CALIFORNIA FRUITS: HOW TO GROW 



It is foreign to our purpose to discuss the general subject of 

 the use of fertilizers in California, and the changes in belief and 

 practice which have recently gained ground. Of course, the marked 

 falling off in the yield of shallow-rooting cereals gave the first un- 

 mistakable intimation that there was something wrong about the old 

 theory of the perpetual youth of California soils. The lands used 

 for fruit are sometimes slow to show exhaustion, because trees are 

 deep feeders, and the soils, as they are often the very best and 

 deepest of the State, selected for fruit because of that very charac- 

 ter, possess, in an eminent degree, lasting properties, as is shown 

 in the chapter on the fruit soils of California. But certain of these 

 soils are already showing the need of refreshment, and intelligent 

 growers are quick to minister to the lands which are giving them 

 such generous returns, as they can well afford to do. 



WHEN IS FERTILIZATION NECESSARY? 



Though the use of fertilizers by our fruit growers is beginning, 

 it should be plainly stated that at present, except perhaps with 

 citrus fruit trees, or the oldest orchards of other fruits, it is not 

 yet the rule that such applications are necessary. There are some 

 soils which are really too rich for fruit. There is sometimes an 

 overrank growth of wood, which delays or prevents the formation 

 of fruit buds, and there is a marvelous development of fruit which 

 is inconsistent with the highest quality. For this reason the grower 

 should not conclude, from the foregoing general remarks concern- 

 ing the need of fertilization in California, that he must manure his 

 soil whether it needs it or not. Especially is this the case with 

 young trees, in which the wood growth is easily overstimulated. 

 As with irrigation, so in fertilization; the tree or vine itself will 

 give the observing grower hints as to its needs, and if the growth 

 of wood and color of foliage are such as obviously indicate health 

 and vigor, it may be concluded that the plant needs nothing but 

 good cultivation and intelligent pruning. 



Usually cases of overrich ground will cure themselves as the 

 trees attain size and full bearing, and it is then that fertilization 

 may be necessary. When the tree or vine which has been properly 

 pruned and cultivated is not able to mature a good weight of well- 

 developed fruit, and make a satisfactory wood growth, usually at 

 the same time showing some degree of distress by the color of its 

 foliage, it needs help ; and if the grower is sure that the trouble is 

 not from lack of moisture in the soil, he should bestir himself in 

 the manuring of his orchard or vineyard. In examining the soil 

 for moisture, one should dig deeply, for there have been cases 

 of moisture near the surface, and drouth below. 



