SMALL FRUITS 115 



should contain the three principal elements of plant 

 food in about the following proportions : Nitrogen, 

 3 per cent; phosphorus, 3 per cent; potassium, 7.5. 

 That is, every 100 pounds of fertilizer should con- 

 tain 3 pounds of nitrogen, 3 pounds of phosphorus, 

 and 7J4 pounds of potassium. The phosphorus is 

 placed far above the needs of strawberries, because 

 this fertilizer is likely to take insoluble form in the 

 soil. The ammonia is placed low, as top dressings 

 are made in the spring. 



" Top dressings are often made in spring, sum- 

 mer, or fall on established strawberry fields, the 

 materials being worked in by cultivation. Never 

 drop fertilizers directly on the plants. If nitrogen 

 above the needs of the plants is used, there will be 

 an excessive leaf growth at the expense of the fruit- 

 ing. There is not much danger of supplying too 

 much phosphorus or potassium, so far as injury to 

 plants or fruit is concerned, as only what is needed 

 will be used. The rest is wasted. 



" If it is impossible to begin a year in advance, 

 nitrogen may be supplied immediately by using 

 nitrate of soda in spring just before setting the 

 plants, at the rate of 100 to 200 pounds to the acre. 

 The same amount of dried blood will also answer 

 the same purpose, but it is not so readily available 

 and is more troublesome to apply, as it must be 

 drilled in deeply, so as to rot. It does not cost as 

 much as the sodium nitrate. Sulphate of ammonia 

 and cottonseed meal also supply nitrogen. 



" Phosphorus may be supplied by using steamed 

 bone meal at the rate of 200 pounds to the acre, 

 drilled in the spring. It will cost $28 a ton. 

 Rock phosphate at the rate of 400 to 500 

 pounds an acre, sown broadcast and plowed under 

 with manure or cowpeas in the fall, as stated, would 



