10 

 Summary of Deficiencies in Mixed Fertilizers 



1924 



Brands deficient in one element . 



Brands deficient in two elements 



Brands deficient in three elements 



Brands deficient in nitrogen 



Brands deficient in available phosphoric acid 



Brands deficient in potash .... 



117 



33 



3 



94 

 30 



68 



Serious Commercial Shortages in Mixed Fertilizers 



The above tables show that 58 per cent of the registered brands analyzed 

 had no plant food deficiencies. Seventy-two per cent of all the deficiencies 

 did not exceed .25 per cent; 19 per cent were between .25 per cent and .50 per 

 cent; 3 per cent were between .50 per cent and .75 per cent; and 6 per cent 

 were over .75 per cent below the minimum guarantee. Of the 1,083 guaran- 

 tees made, 17.7 per cent failed in passing, as compared with 17.8 per cent for 

 1923. Thirteen more brands were deficient in two elements of plant food 

 than during the previous year. About the same number of brands were defi- 

 cient in one and three elements as for 1923. Forty-two more nitrogen, and 

 16 less phosphoric acid deficiencies were recorded than during the previous 

 year, the potash deficiencies remaining about the same. Of the total number 

 of brands analyzed, 26 per cent failed to meet the minimum guarantee of 

 nitrogen; 8 per cent, the minimum of available phosphoric acid; and 18 per 

 cent, the minimum guarantee of potash. 



The number and extent of commercial shortages are much greater than for 

 any season since 1921, and yet when analyzed from the standpoint of the manu- 

 facturer, it is found that 8 out of the 15 brands belonged to manufacturers who, 

 according to the mixing efficiency table, found on page 11, had allowed on the 

 average a reasonable margin of overrun, thus indicating that the deficiencies 

 were accidental. In some instances a better chemical control of factory 

 operations, or a somewhat more liberal margin of overrun should be allowed 

 by the manufacturer. ^ 



Mixing Efficiency. 



The following table shows the average margin of overrun above the mini- 

 mum guarantee which was allowed by the various companies, assuming that 

 each company has its own eflfective chemical control and that the station 

 analysis fairly represents the composition of the tonnage sold on each grade 

 counted. It is based upon the minimum percentage of plant food guaranteed, 

 on the statement of tonnage rendered, and on the results of sampling and 

 analysis. The table includes only those companies having four or more 

 brands registered, sampled and analyzed in the state. 



