The Bulletin. 5 



FORM OK rOTASlI IN TOBACCO FKUTlLiZERS. 



Tobacco gi'owers are becoming yearly more disposed to know the 

 form of potash, whether from kainit, muriate or sulphate, which en- 

 ters into their tobacco fertilizers. Considerable work of this kind has 

 been done for individuals, and we now determine the form of potash 

 in all tobacco brands, for the benefit of tobacco growers. 



The term potash from muriate, as reported in the analyses, does 

 not mean, necessarily, that the potash was supplied by muriate of 

 potash. Sulphate or some other potash salt may have been used, but 

 in all fertilizers where the term potash from muriate is used, there 

 is enough chlorine present to combine with all the potash, though it 

 may have come from salt in tankage, kainit, or carnallite. As the 

 objection to the use of muriate of potash in tobacco fertilizers arises 

 from the chlorine present, it does not matter whether this substance 

 is present in common salt or potash-furnishing materials. 



The use of sulphate of potash where there is chlorine present in the 

 other ingredients of the fertilizer will not prevent the injurious effect 

 of the chlorine. The term potash from muriate in our analyses, 

 therefore, means that there is sufficient chlorine present in the fer- 

 tilizer from all sources to combine with the potash to the extent 

 indicated by the analyses. 



VALUATIONS. 



To have a basis for comparing the values of different fertilizer 

 materials and fertilizers, it is necessary to assign prices to the three 

 valuable constituents of fertilizers — ammonia, phosphoric acid, and 

 potash. These figures, expressing relative value per ton, are not 

 intended to represent crop-producing power, or agricultural value, 

 but are estimates of the commercial value of ammonia, phosphoric 

 acid and potash in the materials supplying them. These values are 

 only approximate, as the cost of fertilizing materials is liable to 

 change as other commercial products are, but they are believed to 

 fairly represent the cost of making and putting fertilizers on the 

 market. They are based on a careful examination of trade condi- 

 tions, wholesale and retail, and upon quotations of manufacturers. 



Relative value per ton, or the figTires showing this, represents the 

 prices on board the cars at the factory, in retail lots of five tons or 

 less, for cash. 



To make a complete fertilizer the factories have to mix together in 

 proper proportions materials containing ammonia, phosphoric acid 

 and potash. This costs something. For this reason it is thought 

 well to have two sets of valuations — one for the raw or unmixed 

 materials, such as acid phosphate, kainit, cotton-seed meal, etc., and 

 one for mixed fertilizers. 



