Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-01-19
SEEK SOLUTION
Fertilizer Question in
Maine Coming Year
Hearing at State House Tuesday to
Decide Upon Course to Be Follow
ed-Companies Claim Present Law
Will Bar All Fertilizers from
State-To Ask Special Session to
Change Law

A conference will be held at 10
O'Clock next Tuesday morning, be-
ginning in the Council chamber and
probably adjourning to the Senate
chamber, between representatives of
the commercial fertilizer companies
and Governor Carl z. Milliken. the
occasion being brought about by the
expected request of the fertilizer
people that the Governor call a spe-
cial session of the Legislature to
modify certain Objectionable ito
theml features of the present laws
regulating the sale Of fertilizer in
this State. The Executive Council
ors have been requested to be pres
ent and kilograms have been sent
TO every organization requesting the
farmers and others interested to be
present.
The fertilizer people claim that
under that provision of the Maine
Statutes which says that any fer
tIllzer containing any material dele
FERROUS to growing plants cannot be
sold in this State, it will be practi-
cally impossible to manufacture q
fertilizer that will not show traces
of boron. the especially objection
able material
Chief A. NJ. G. Soule Of the Divi-
sion Of Inspection, Department of
Agriculture, on Saturday reviewed
the situation as follows:
GGarly in last July complaints be-
gan being received by the Agricul-
and other parts Of Maine where po-
tatpes are grown as to some trouble
with the potato growing plants.
Investigation revealed that fertilizer
carrying a considerable quantity Of
borax, in most cases traced to Amer
lean potash. had caused q large
amount OF the damage. A great
many fields were visited and prac-
tically every farmer making COM
plant was called on and a vast
amount of data was collected.
Greenhouse experiments were start
ed at the agricultural experiment
station at Orono and have pro-
crossed far enough to prove the
toxic effects of boron on various
kinds of plants, principally noted in
beans and potatoes.
Unfortunately the Maine Statutes con-
tanned q clause which apparently fitted
the situation and made the sale OF the
commercial fertilizer that cause the
damage a violation. The language IS:
IN case OF commercial fertilizer it
Shall ne deemed TO be adulterated II II
contains any material deleterlous to
growing plants.
and, for violation of this section ot
the statute five fertilizer companies
have already been cited to hearing by
the agricultural department and an ex-
planat ton Of the alleged offense asked
for. These cases are at present pending,
1T is hard to estimate the number
Of farmers actually damaged, but prob
ably it may be conservatively stated at
least 800 purchased the fertilizer and
used it with disastrous results. Upon
date Of Nov. Il last the following rul-
ing was issued by the department of
agriculture:
That boron IL any form will he con-
sidereC as deleterious constituent
when contained in commercial fertil yer
and that any fertilizer containing boron
or its compounds will be deemed to De
adulterated' Also:
That when manufacturers certifi-
Gates are filed with the Maine depart
ment Of agriculture describing the va
rious brands of fertilizer intended for
sale in the State of Maine, as required
by Statutes. such certitica ties shall in
clude a statement indicating that he
brand of fertilizer designated does not
contain boron or its derivatives in ap-
probable amount: and the registration
OF any brand Of fertiiiZed known to
contain boron or its compounds will not
be accepted. or its sale legalized, in the
State of Name
This ruling was issued to define the
position Of the department and deemed
justified to inform users Of CONNER
cial fertilizer that the ban would be
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