44 Bush-Fruits 



suits show that the methods of fertilizing actually em- 

 ployed on these farms increased the yield about 311 quarts 

 to the acre on the average, and the returns about $46.66. 

 From this amount would need to be deducted the cost 

 of fertilizer and value of manure, together with the cost 

 of application and the cost of picking and marketing the 

 additional yield, in order to show the profit obtained. 

 The amount left would not be large. Some fields doubt- 

 less gave a profit for the materials applied and others not. 

 When stable-manure is readily available, it is doubtless 

 as satisfactory a fertilizer as can be used on average soils, 

 if applied in moderate quantities. Heavy applications 

 may induce too much cane-growth, with poorly developed 

 fruit-buds. A light dressing of stable-manure, supple- 

 mented with mineral elements in the form of chemicals 

 is likely to prove most satisfactory. Little nitrogen is 

 required. If leguminous cover-crops are used, they alone 

 may furnish a sufficient amount. Phosphorus is needed, 

 but not in large quantities. Potash may or may not be 

 needed. It may be supplied in muriate or wood-ashes. 

 Fifty pounds of muriate to the acre, annually, will gener- 

 ally be enough. Phosphoric acid may be supplied in 

 basic slag, ground bone, acid phosphate or untreated 

 rock. Ground bone furnishes some nitrogen and potash 

 as well. It is an excellent fertilizer for all fruits, but often 

 expensive. Judgment and caution are needed by the com- 

 mercial grower in the use of fertilizers. Used wisely they 

 may pay a handsome profit, used unwisely they may 

 bring serious loss. He alone can determine what is best. 

 Let him first give heed to the humus supply of his soil, its 

 chemical needs later. 



