1913.1 



PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 31, 



113 



Table showing the Comparative Pound Cost of Nitrogen, Potash and Phos- 

 'phoric Acid in its Various Forms in the Three Grades of Fertilizer. 



This table shows : — 



1. That the purchase of high-grade fertilizers in place of 

 low-grade has saved nearly 12 cents on every pound of nitrogen 

 and nearly 3 cents on every pound of potash and phosphoric 

 acid. 



2. That the purchase of high-grade fertilizers in place of 

 medium grade has saved 4'34 cents on every pound of nitrogen 

 and nearly 2 cents on every pound of potash and phosphoric 

 acid. 



3. That the cost of the several elements of plant food in the 

 average high-grade fertilizer amounts to $37.65 a ton. If the 

 farmer purchases this same amount of plant food on the basis 

 of the cost of the fertilizer elements in the low-grade fertilizer, 

 he would pay $5G.17. In other words, he would pay $18.52 

 more for the same plant food if purchased in the form of low- 

 grade fertilizer; and he would pay $12. OG more for it if pur- 

 chased in the form of medium-grade fertilizer. 



4. That about 52 per cent, of the brands of fertilizer sold in 

 the State are classed as low and medium grade. This is by 

 far too large a proportion, as it means that those purchasing 

 this class of goods are paying an excessive price for the actual 

 plant food obtained, which in the aggregate must amount to 

 many thousands of dollars. 



5. That it would be much more economical to buy only high- 

 grade fertilizers and use less per acre. The brand should be 

 selected which comes nearest fulfilling the plant-food require- 

 ments in each individual case. 



