Inspection of Commercial Fertilizers 



This bulletin is a report of the results obtained in the 

 inspection of commercial fertilizers for the year 1923, 

 carried out by the State Department of Agriculture under 

 the direction of the Honorable Andrew L. Felker, Commis- 

 sioner of Agriculture. The State Inspector, Mr. Eugene 

 D. Sanborn, visited practically every section of the state 

 and collected samples of 101 brands. 



In 1922 out of a total of 97 brands analyzed 23 or ap- 

 proximately 24 per cent, were low analysis containing less 

 than a total of 14 pounds of plant food per 100 pounds. This 

 year in 1923 there is a slight improvement, only 20 brands 

 out of a total of 101 or approximately 20 per cent, are low 

 analysis fertilizers. 



There were fewer deficiencies in guaranteed analyses 

 this year than during the preceding two years. There is 

 still room for marked improvement. These deficiencies in- 

 dicate the importance of studying this bulletin and buying 

 from those companies whose fertilizers meet the guarantee. 



The prices during the past year were very similar to 

 those of 1922. The average prices of some of the brands 

 were cheaper while those of others were slightly higher. 

 An examination of Table 1 shows the importance of select- 

 ing your fertilizer according to the cost per pound of plant 

 food rather than according to the cost per ton. The lowest 

 price per ton fertilizer may be the highest price per pound 

 of plant food. In the 1-8-2 fertilizer the cost of nitrogen 

 per pound was twice as great as in the 4-8-4 brands. Ask 

 for high ayiahjsis fertilizer. It ivill pay. Do you consider 

 the actual plant food value of the fertilizer when you buy? 

 The object of the folloiving discussion is to aid you in pur- 

 chasing fertilizers. Use it when you buy fertilizer! The 

 following discussion of the meaning of the analysis and the 

 methods of calculating relative values are given to aid you 

 in purchasing fertilizer. If you need further help write to 

 the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, The University 



