134 STATE BOARD OF HORTICULTURE. 



THE USE OF FERTILIZERS.* 



In the use of any kind of fertilizer there are so many- 

 unknown conditions prevailing, so great difference in soils and 

 in there general treatment, and the ignorance of the construc- 

 tion of the fertilizer, that with me it is difficult to attend to this 

 important work with any scientific exactitude. I presume those 

 who will make the question a study may eventually gain such 

 knowledge as will enable them to discern the wants of their 

 soil, and become sufficiently posted in agricultural chemistry 

 that they will know how to provide these requirements at the 

 least expense and with the greatest degree of accuracy. But 

 what is the ordinary rancher going to do about it? 



Uncertain Besults. — The growers of my section have experi- 

 mented with almost every kind of fertilizer, but the results, in 

 the way of better crops, have not been so marked and so plainly 

 attributed to the applied articles, that many of us dare speak 

 with any degree of certainty. We wish we could. One grower, 

 and the only one I have talked with who has continued to use 

 the same compounded article for so long as four years, has 

 gathered each year a profitable crop. A neighbor adjoining, 

 who has used nothing, has also harvested good crops. Another, 

 who has used different kinds of fertilizers, and with no attempt 

 at regularity, has usually gathered abundance. This, of course, 

 is not conclusive evidence that fertilizers are not helpful, but 

 when similar experiences are general it leaves one in great 

 doubt as to what should be done. We have no money to spend 

 upon that which. does not at least bring an equivalent in larger 

 or better crops, yet we are quite anxious to do that which will 

 enhance the quality of the fruit and maintain the groves in 

 vigor for the longest possible time. 



The soil in the FuUerton and Placentia districts in general 

 abounds in the essential elements — potash, nitrogen, and phos- 

 phoric acid — and is capable of sustaining an enormous draft 

 upon it for a considerable time, if properly manipulated. Win- 

 ter plowing, a couple of good irrigations, and proper cultivation, 

 I believe, have never failed to produce a good crop, providing 

 always that the trees are free from scale and intelligently 

 pruned. We do not consider it prudent, however, to make too 



■'■By C. C. Chapman, Pomological Meeting, Covina, 1898. 



