Fertilizing the Commercial Apple Orchard 197 



which were to the effect that the size of the fruit is little 

 affected by fertilizer. 

 V 9. The degree of color on red varieties receiving nitrate 

 was not as, high on the whole as those which received none, 

 but good commercial color was easily secured unless 

 amounts of nitrate used were excessive. 



10. It was found that up to a certain amount, the 

 response to nitrate of soda was in direct proportion to the 

 quantity of fertilizer used. However, 3 to 5 pounds to a 

 tree under normal conditions was more satisfactory than 

 larger amounts. Some applications in excess of 5 pounds 

 to a tree, although increasing the total fruit produced, 

 lowered the color to a point seriously detracting from the 

 commercial quality. 



■^ 11. It was found that the influence of nitrate was more 

 ^marked in heavy crop years than in years of light produc- 

 tion. 



12. The benefits from the use of nitrate extended over 

 a period including two seasons from the date of applica- 



on. 



13. The greatest benefit came from applying nitrate to 

 devitalized trees which had received continuous clean 

 tillage. 



14. Best results were obtained when nitrate was applied 

 about a month before the tree bloomed. 



It was found at the Oregon station that Yellow New- 

 town trees which received early fertilizing averaged 7.9 

 boxes to a tree while late fertilized trees averaged much 

 less. In the case of the Esopus (Spitzenburg), the early 

 fertilized trees averaged 10.83 boxes to a tree while the 

 late fertilized trees averaged much less. The results of 



/ 



