FERTILIZING 1 1 1 



are indicated here in amounts per bearing tree instead of per acre, 

 and a corresponding reduction should be made for younger trees ; 

 in other words, if only a third of the ground is to be covered, then 

 only about a third of these amounts should be used. 

 The plan. For mature trees in bearing : 



Plot i. Check, untreated. 



Plot 2. Nitrate, z\ lb. ; dried blood, 3^ lb. ; acid phosphate, 1 o lb. 



Plot 3. Nitrate, z\ lb. ; dried blood, 31 lb. ; potash, 2 lb. 



Plot 4. Acid phosphate, 10 lb. ; potash, 2 lb. 



Plot 5. Check, untreated. 



Plot 6. Nitrate, i\ lb.; dried blood, 3I lb.; acid phosphate, 10 11).; 

 potash, 2 lb. 



Plot 7. Same as No. 6 plus lime, 12 to 25 lb. 



Plot 8. Manure, 400 lb. 



Plot 9. Check, untreated. 



An observance of the general precautions given above, together 

 with the exercise of proper judgment on the part of the grower, 

 is sufficient to carry this plan to a successful conclusion within a 

 few years and definitely settle the fertilizer needs of any ordinary 

 orchard. It should be remembered, however, that an orchard may 

 not show the need of a fertilizer when young, but may develop 

 this need later, especially when heavy bearing is reached. This 

 means that cases which appear negative at one time may often 

 need further tests and observations later. 



Method of application. The best and most general method of 

 applying the fertilizer seems to be to scatter it broadcast over the 

 surface of the ground, taking care not to get it too close to the tree 

 trunks, where there are few absorbent roots, and extending the 

 applications well out beyond the spread of the branches. To con- 

 form closely to the distribution of the feeding roots, the rate of 

 application should be heaviest in the central part of this area ; that 

 is, under the outer two thirds of the spread of the branches. 



The fertilizer may either be left on the surface, to be washed in 

 by the rains, or be harrowed or lightly plowed into the soil. Some- 

 times the fertilizer is distributed with a grain drill or fertilizer 

 distributor, but it is more often applied by hand, in the manner of 

 some grains, from a pail held in the crook of the arm. The more 

 convenient method of application should be used by the orchardist. 



