THE INSPECTION OF FERTILIZERS 



FOR 1910 



The samples of fertilizer for the 1910 inspection were 

 collected under the direction of the State Board of Agri- 

 culture and turned over to the Experiment Station for 

 analysis. Samples from one hundred and thirty-eight 

 brands of chemicals and mixed fertilizers have been re- 

 ported. The same number of brands were offered for 

 sale in 1910. 



Numerous inquiries are received at the Experiment 

 Station concerning the merits of individual brands of 

 fertilizers, as well as comparative values of different 

 brands. An investigation of the prices at which the 

 various brands of fertilizers are retailed shows that the 

 careful buyer has a great advantage over the less careful. 

 Three brands of fertilizer having practically the same 

 guaranteed analyses were offered for sale at the rate of 

 .tl.40, $1.50 and $1.70 per hundred pounds, or $28, $30 

 and $34 per ton respectively. The lower price no doubt 

 represented a fair profit to the manufacturer and dealer. 

 Fifty cents would cover the difference in the calculated 

 values for a ton of these fertilizers. 



As a basis for making a comparative study of different 

 brands of fertilizers, the following facts are useful : 



In 1910 the following retail prices were made : 



Nitrate Soda, 15% Nitrogen, $2.50 per hundred pounds. 



Muriate of Potash, 50% Potash, 2.10 " " " 



Acid Phosphate, 14% Available, .80 " " " 



At this rate the nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid 

 could be had for 16.6 cents, 4.2 cents and 5.7 cents per 

 pound respectively. It must be remembei'ed tliat these 

 figures represent the cost in the unmixed chemicals. 



