198 The Commercial Apple Industry 



this experiment indicate that application must be made 

 early if appreciable effects are to be obtained the current 

 season. By comparing such experimental data as is avail- 

 able at the present time and from data secured from indi- 

 vidual growers in various parts of the country, the authors 

 recommend early application of nitrate of soda, preferably 

 a month before blooming. This recommendation applies 

 to both eastern and western conditions. 



AMOUNT OF FEETFLIZEB TO A TEEE 



The amount of fertilizer to be applied must necessarily 

 vary with the size, age and vigor of the tree. Although 

 nitrogen is likely to be the most needed element, if orchard 

 soils show general depletion, an application of acid phos- 

 phate 6 to 10 pounds to a tree and muriate of potash 2 to 

 3 pounds to a tree, as well as nitrate, is usually advisable. 

 Under northwestern conditions, 5 pounds of nitrate of soda 

 to a bearing tree is probably sufficient to restore fertility. 

 Under eastern conditions where trees are older and fruit- 

 ing surface is greater, larger amounts are advisable, 6 to 8 

 pounds of nitrate of soda to a tree being usually recom- 

 mended. These amounts are for trees which show a dis- 

 tinct need of fertilization. Lesser amounts will suffice 

 where need is not so evident If trees are healthy, but 

 are still making only small annual growth, if foliage tends 

 to be pale green or yellow and also sparse in the late sum- 

 mer or fall, and if crops are only medium to light, it is 

 highly probable that fertilization will be profitable and 

 particularly the application of nitrate of soda. To deter- 

 mine the needs of the soil, some actual test should precede 

 any wide general treatment. As a rule, young healthy 

 orchards do not require fertilizing. Older orchards will 



