-3- 



THE FERTILIZER OUTLOOK 



Like the supply of other civilian goods, the supply of superphos- 

 phate and nitrogen fertilizers has been reduced in the Llast six weeks, 

 due to the demand for aanunition on the European war front. The supply of 

 nitrogen fertilizers is reduced directly by this demand as nitrogen com- 

 pounds are essential in the manufacture of explosives. Superphosphate 

 supplies are reduced directly, as the sulphuric acid which is used in the 

 majiufacture of superphosphate is consumed in the manufacture of explosives. 

 This situation might change very quickly when hostilities cease on the 

 German front. If the war activity in Europe should increase, there might 

 even be a further reduction in both nitrogon and superphosphate available 

 for agricultural use. 



Since the first of October, the available supply of superphosphate 

 has been reduced from se-i/en million tons to six and one-half million tons, 

 on the basis of 18^ superphosphate equivalent. The estimated supply had 

 previously been reduced by one-half million tons. Consequently, at the 

 present time, we may look forward to a supply of one million tons short 

 of that available in 1944. 



Nitrogen . It is now estimated that 93 percent of the supply of nitrogen 

 that was available last year will be available this year. The biggest re- 

 duction comes in the supply of nitrogen solutions that are available for 

 fertilizer mixes, and it is also expected that the quantity of ammonium 

 nitrate will be much less. Stated in round figures and in terms of tons 

 of nitrogen, it is expected that the supply will be equivalent to 588,000 

 tons, compared with 631,000 tons used in 1944. 



The supply of potash, fortunately, is ample, and is estimated to 

 be 20^0 above the supply that was available in 1944. This should provide 

 ample quantities for mixed goods and use for direct application. 



Mixed Goods . It is expected that there will be sufficient supplies of mixed 

 fertilisers to meet the estimated needs for the crop season of 1945. The 

 fertilizer industry is faced with the same type of labor difficulties that 

 farmers face, and needs the full cooperation of their farmer customers. 

 This cooperation can best be shown by ordering fertilizers and taking de- 

 livery as soon as possible so that the delivery season may be spread over 

 a longer period. 



The total supply pf mixed fertilizers is expected to be equal to 

 that of 1944. The increased use of fertilizers is a very important factor 

 in the increased production accomplished in the last few years. 



A i*ecord tonnage of fertilizer was used last year, and it is expected 

 that the total. use in 1945 will be only slightly less than that of 1944. 

 Perhaps we can best visualize this by stating that it is expected that the 

 supply of fertilizers available for use in 1945 will be' 172^ of the average 

 supply used in the years 1S35-1939. (Presented by S. R. Parker at Food Pro- 

 duction Goals Conference, Amherst, December 5, 1944.) 



