Commercial fertilizer--when used--is applied at the rate of 500-600 pounds per acre. 
The recommended composition is as follows: 
Percent 
Superphosphate <..5- 60.6. 50-55 
Ammonium compounds... 35-40 
Potassium sulfate.......... 10-15 
Main Producing Areas 
The Levante region produces most of Spain's deciduous fruits used for canning. Production 
in the northern area can be--and often is--used to supplement production of the Levante region, 
In the Levante region, two areas are the big producers: Murcia, comprised of the three 
Provinces, Murcia, Albacete, and Alicante; and Valencia, composed of the two Provinces, 
Valencia and Castellon. 
The so-called Murcia area is located in southeast Spain along the 38th parallel. The main 
deciduous areas are confined to the Segura and Sangonera Valleys, as is most of other agri- 
culture, This area is noted for the excellent quality of its apricots and peaches. 
Murcia's climate and growing conditions are similar to those of California. Average 
monthly temperature in August and January is 79° F. and 54°, respectively, and agriculture is 
dependent on irrigation, as the average annual rainfall is only 11 inches, The Segura River and 
shallow wells provide water for irrigation. 
Mixed orchard of citrus and apricot 
trees, Murcia area, In this area, 
where agriculture depends on irriga- 
tion, intercropping and mixed plant- 
ings are common practices, 
The irrigated cropland is used intensively. Intercropping of vegetables with the orchards 
and mixed plantings within the orchard are the rule. Expansion of irrigated cropland has been 
limited by the water supply from the Segura River. Recently, however, new land has been leveled 
and wells drilled (about 300 feet in depth). This is expensive and has not been carried out ona 
large scale, except by some of the canners who want to expand and insure a continuous supply 
of fresh fruit. 
The Valencia area, composed of the Provinces of Valencia and Castellon De La Plana, 
borders the Mediterranean Sea. This area is noted more for producing citrus than deciduous 
fruits (mainly peaches, apricots, and some pears), 
The climate and growing conditions in this areaare also like California's, Average monthly 
temperature in August and January is 76° F. and 50°, respectively. Annual rainfall is about 16 
inches. The irrigation system in the area dates back to the Moors in the Middle Ages, Shallow 
wells and the Turka, Cabriel, and Mijares Rivers are the main water sources, 
