34 



The practical point, however, is that with such differences as 

 these existing, even though unexplained, the safer policy is to apply 

 potash in the sulphate form. The difference in cost is small, and 

 if so desired it can be readily met by a reduction in the amount of 

 potash applied. This would be justified by our present results, which 

 indicate that the usual recornmendations of this material for orchard 

 use may be reduced to advantage. 



Summary and Practical Suggestions. 



From a general view^ of the results as a whole, we see that 

 there is more than one way of securing good results in orcharding. 

 In other words, there is more than one way of varying the limiters 

 after they are found. For example, we can conserve moisture either 

 with tillage or mulch, or we may secure apparently the same net 

 results by proper fertilization. This gives opportunity for choice 

 and permits the grower within certain bounds to determine his course 

 on the bases of relative expense and practicability. 



In most cases and especially in bearing orchards, this choice 

 will result in tillage, either every year or one year in every two or 

 three. The tillage will be supplemented by leguminous or other 

 proper crops, and will receive additions of plant food when needed. 

 But the .relative cost of labor, mulching material, and manures, 

 varies with the locality. And where labor is scarce or costly, or the 

 land too sloping or stony for tillage, the grower need not lose heart. 

 But with a good mulch properly supplemented with plant food, he 

 may grow apples equal to the best, — apples in many cases more sat- 

 isfactory than those of the man who depends entirely on tillage. 



When we come to the application of fertilizers, the best test 

 for their need is in actual trial or experiment. The appearance of 

 the trees after all other factors are apparently right, may afford 

 some evidence, as may also soil analyses. But the only sure evidence - 

 comes from careful trials, remembering that fertilizers can have 

 little if any effect on the current year's crop. 



Pending actual results, if it is desired to use fertilizer, our 

 present general advice is to apply one carrying about 30 lb. nitrogen, 

 60 lb. phosphorus pentoxid (P2O5), and about 50 lb. potash (K^O) 

 per acre.^ This should be accompanied by green cover crops or al- 

 ternated with stable manure, ten tons per acre, at least once in three 

 or four years. 



The time of application is important. For soluble and transient 

 materials like nitrate of soda, the best time is when the need is 

 greatest, which is probably immediately after the supply of stored 

 food is exhausted, or some time after petal-fall and before the first 

 of July. The other more permanent material mav be applied at the 

 same time, or like stable manure they may be applied in early spring 

 or in late winter. 



^Such amounts could be obtained by mixing either of the following com^ 

 binations of high grade materials. (A) 100 pounds each of nitrate of soda, 

 dried blood, and sulphate or muriate of potash (former safer) ; and 250 lbs. 

 steamed bone meal. (B) 100 pounds each of nitrate of soda and sulphate 

 or muriate of potash ; 120 pounds dried blood, and 400 pounds acid phos- 

 phate. 



