April, 1931] Agricultural Research in N. H., 1930 



11 



in its purer and simpler forms. Their findings contradict previous the- 

 ories that starch is the determining factor among the chemical constit- 

 uents of a spur. True, large quantities of starch were invariably found, 

 but the focal point was located in the degree of nitrogen content. In- 

 soluble nitrogen proved most consistently associated with blossom form- 

 ation. Whether nitrogen alone or the relationship between nitrogen and 

 starch is the principle cause of fruit bud formation is not yet clear. 

 {Adams Fund) 



Here is pictured the familiar "nitrate ring." Research thus far shows 

 that the so-called "complete fruit fertilizer" is not superior to material 

 containing an equivalent amount of nitrogen. 



Late Nitrate in Orchards 



Orchard fertilizer experiments, conducted by G. F. Potter, do not yet 

 indicate the advisability of anything more than the spring application 

 of nitrogen alone. 



Divided applications of nitrogen have been made in four test plots 

 for several years. It was thought originally that differences in growth 

 and productivity of trees would result from second applications made in 

 June or July; for previous soil studies had shown that nitrates applied 

 in early spring have disappeared completely from a sod soil by mid- 

 summer. The results to date seem to indicate, however, that the de- 

 layed applications merely add to the nitrogen reserve in the tree and 

 are carried over to the succeeding spring. 



In response to popular demand, experiments were begun in the spring 

 of 1930 to determine whether a so-called complete fruit fertilizer is of 

 greater value under New Hampshire orchard conditions than materials 

 containing an equivalent amount of nitrogen. Trials were begun in an 



