18 



Cost of Plant Food in High- analysis versus Low-analysis Mixtures. 



A calculation based on data given under the heading "Fertilizer Tonnage" shows 

 that about 83 per cent of the mixed fertilizers sold during the year could be classed as 

 high analysis, and 17 per cent as low analysis. This is a decided improvement over 

 last year's showing. 



The following table gives the average selling price, commercial valuation, and both 

 money and percentage difference between selling price and valuation in the high and 

 low analysis mixed fertilizers sold during the season, also the average pound cost of 

 each element of plant food from each grade. ^ 



Average selling price per ton 



Average commercial valuation per ton .... 



Average money difference between selling price and valuation 

 Percentage difference ........ 



Average pound cost of — 



Mineral nitrogen (cents) . . . . . ... 



Organic nitrogen (cents) 



Available phosphoric acid (cents) ..... 

 Potash as muriate (cents) ...... 



Low Analysis. 



$42 49 

 $21 08 

 $21 41 

 101.6 



36.3 

 50.4 

 11.1 

 10.4 



The above table shows that the increased cost of a pound of mineral nitrogen (from 

 nitrates and ammoniates) has been about 8 cents; of organic nitrogen, 11 -5- cents; of 

 available phosphoric acid, 2^0 cents; and of potash, 2^ cents, when derived from 

 brands which furnish less than 14 per cent of available plant food. It should be kept 

 in mind, also, that it costs as much money to freight a ton of low-analysis as of high- 

 analysis goods. 



Table of Analyses. 



Under the column headed "Grade of Fertilizer" will be found the minimum guar- 

 antee of ammonia, available phosphoric acid and potash. To convert ammonia to 

 nitrogen, multiply by the factor .82. 



Under "Approximate Commercial Valuation per Ton" will be found the sum of 

 the calculated values of each element as found by analj^sis; basis table of trade values 

 found on a preceding page of the bulletin. 



Under "Approximate Commercial Shortage per Ton " will be found the approximate 

 valuation of the low tests or deficiencies per ton of fertilizer based on Station analysis. 

 In arriving at these figures the value of overruns has been used in all cases to offset 

 shortages. 



Under "Nitrogen," the column headed "Proportion in Water Soluble Form" in- 

 cludes nitrogen as nitrates and ammoniates and water soluble organic nitrogen, all of 



I For details concerning the percentage and character of plant food furnished by both grades, see p. 17. 



