40 MODERN STRAWBERRY GROWING 
yields result. This is especially so in dry 
seasons. 
2. Manures contain a fair amount of 
plant food which on being decomposed is 
available to the plants, nitrogen being the 
predominating element. It has the draw- 
back though of not containing a balanced 
food ration. This may, however, be reme- 
died by supplying the deficient elements 
with a subsequent application of artificial 
fertilizers. 
As recommended elsewhere, 18 to 20 tons 
of manure, spread on the soil and thoroughly 
worked in, is sufficient for the crop the first 
year, although some growers use as high as 
forty tons to the acre. By carefully watch- 
ing the plants, any lack of growth by them 
can be overcome by applications, on an acre 
basis, of 100 to 300 pounds of nitrate of soda, 
200 to 300 pounds of muriate of potash or 
400 to 500 pounds of acid phosphate, or in 
combination about 300 to 400 pounds of 
the mixture being used per acre. It is 
much better to give the plants two or three 
small doses than one large dose. Nitrogen 
is a great growth stimulator making the 
‘plants rank and green. Caution: Too 
