Fertilizing the Commercial Apple Orchard 205 



commercial fertilizer is made, since conditions vary exceed- 

 ingly in different orchards. * 



(7). Two to four weeks before bloom is the time rec- 

 ommended for applying nitrate of < soda. Other fertilizers 

 may be applied at the same time. Method of application 

 is by broadcasting fertilizer principally on the area under 

 the outer two-thirds of bearing surface of tree. 



(8). Over-application of commercial fertilizers is to 

 be avoided. Unfruitfulness is not always due to depleted 

 soil fertility. Tests in fertilization should be conducted to 

 determine needs. 



(9). Barnyard manure is an excellent fertilizer for 

 apple orchards, particularly for young trees when rapid 

 wood growth is desired; also for old trees which need 

 stimulation to produce normal annual growth. 



(10). Leguminous cover-crops are very important in 

 maintaining humus and nitrogen supply, and very often 

 obviate the necessity of applying commercial fertilizer. 



(11). Some old orchards, particularly in western New 

 York, apparently do not respond to commercial fertilizers 

 but this does not mean that commercial fertilizers are not 

 valuable under most conditions. 



