FOOD FOR PLANTS 115 



lizer not immediately available because of the tend- 

 ency to prolong growth unduly and to delay matur- 

 ity; and it is fatal to apply high grade fertilizers too 

 late. In California on alkaline soils or soils having 

 alkaline tendencies the application of Nitrate of Soda 

 with an equal quantity of acid phosphate or super- 

 phosphates tends to diminish black alkali present. 



Instructions for Using Nitrate on the Citrus in 

 California. 



Under ordinary conditions in California — for full- 

 grown orange trees — we advise applying Nitrate 

 early in March or even the middle of February, and 

 following the application immediately after by disk- 

 ing or harrowing in the material to the depth of five 

 or six inches. 



When it is used alone, Nitrate may be used at the 

 rate of two hundred (200) pounds to the acre. 



It can be used more profitably at the rate of four 

 hundred (400) pounds to the acre if four hundred 

 (400) pounds of dry acid or superphosphate be used 

 with it. Both materials should be dry. 



Four hundred pounds of Nitrate is equal in bulk to 

 about four bushels. 



We believe the second procedure is the more profit- 

 able as a rule, and we have no hesitation in recom- 

 mending it in preference to the use of Nitrate alone. 

 The earlier the application, the better the results. 



After plowing in the material in February, the 

 orchard should be cultivated every thirty (30) days 

 until August, preferably in the fore part of each 



