FOOD FOR PLANTS 



147 



tribution of the feeding roots. The heaviest applica- 

 tions should be made over the area covered by the 

 outer two-thirds of the branches. 



Average Size of Apples from Nitrated and Checked Plots, 

 A. C. Robinson's Rome Beauty Orchard, Proctorsville, 

 Ohio. 



The Nitrate should be applied after the buds begin 

 to swell but before they burst, as this will give the 

 tree the nitrogen.early enough to increase its "bloom 

 set." The tree also needs it at this period for mak- 

 ing its fruit-spur growth, which is generally com- 

 pleted within three weeks after blossoming time. 



Rates of Application of Nitrate of Soda on Apples. 



1 to 



2 year old orchard — ^/^ lb. Nitrate per tree 



8 year old orchard — 3 lbs. Nitrate per tree 



12 year old orchard — 5 lbs. Nitrate per tree 



Full bearing orchard — 6 to 8 lbs. Nitrate per tree 



