FOOD FOR PLANTS 133 



It should be noted from the preceding table that 

 while in 1924 New York had a greater production 

 than Washington, the total value of the crop was 

 less, being 25,704,000, as against $32,200,000, for 

 Washington. 



It is of interest that in 1923 Washington ranked 

 first in total production, producing 33,000,000 bush- 

 els, New York being second with 25,000,000 bushels. 

 In 1922 New York was first with 36,000,000 bushels, 

 Washington producing 25,775,000 bushels. Thus 

 the leadership in Apple production swings back and 

 forth between these two States. 



Climatic Requirements. 



Since the critical period in apple culture is at blos- 

 soming time, it is desirable to locate an orchard in a 

 region where damp and cold weather is not prevalent 

 at this time. Rolling to hilly land is generally to be 

 preferred, because of the natural air drainage. Also 

 there is less danger of loss from frost on a north or 

 northeast slope. A large body of water near an 

 orchard provides some protection by promoting uni- 

 formity of temperature. 



Soil Requirements. 



A deep, friable, loamy soil, with good drainage, 

 is most suitable for apples. They are most produc- 

 tive and longest-lived on a clay loam. Apples thrive, 

 however, on a wide range of soils, the different varie- 

 ties being adapted to different soil conditions. In 

 planting an orchard, the grower should, as far as 



