farmer spends from 15 to 75 percent of the eost of materials for his crop for fertilizers. Yet, because of poor praetiees and lack of knowledge, the farmer can reduce the effectiveness of the fertilizer he is using. It is the purpose of this paper to help the farmer improve his fertilizer use, so as to insure that he is reeeiving füll value for the money he invests. Proper application of fertilizer as related to quantity, time and method of placement can increase fertilizer efficiency. Soil factors such as texture, organic matter, pH, compaction, moisture and salinity can influence the amounts and effïciency of the applied fertilizer. Plant factors such as the crop, root system, disease and insect damage, plant density, weeds and rutrient balance can modify the fertilizer effïciency l.osses of fertilizer occur with improper storage,