The Bulletin 7 



to differentiate between the good and the bad amuioniates and to distin- 

 guish those forms which are readily available from those more difficultly 

 so. 



FORM OF POTASH IN TOBACCO FERTILIZERS 



Tobacco growers are becoming yearly more disposed to know the form 

 of potash, whether from kainit, muriate, or sulphate, which enters 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 fer- 

 tilizers 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 karnalite. As the objection to the use of 

 muriate of potash in tobacco fertilizers arises from the chlorine present, 

 it docs not matter whether this substance is present in common salt or 

 potush-furnishing materials. 



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

 other ingredients of the fertilizer will not present the injurious effect 

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

 fore, means that there is sufficient chlorine present in the fertilizer 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 ma- 

 terials and fertilizers, it is necessary to assign prices to the three valu- 

 able constituents of fertilizers — ammonia, phosphoric ac'.d, and potash. 

 These figures, expressing relative value per ton, are not intended to rep- 

 resent crop-producing power, or agricultural value, but are estimates of 

 the commercial value of ammonia, phosphoric acid and potash in the ma- 

 terials supplying them. These values are only approximate, as the cost 

 of fertilizing materials is liable to change, as other commercial pro- 

 ducts 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 conditions, wholesale and retail, and upon quo- 

 tations of manufacture. 



Relative value per ton, or the figures showing this, represent 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, phosj)horic acid, and 

 potash. This costs something. For this reason it is thought well to 

 have two sets of valuations — one for the raw or unmi.xed materials, such 

 as acid phosphate, kainit, cotton-seed meal, etc., and one for mixed fer- 

 tilizers. 



