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the 1973-74 fertilizer year. This increase could be reduced or even wiped out if severe winter weather forces curtailment of natural gas. Natural gas is the source of hydrogen for making ammonia. Nitrogen will be tight to short through 1977. _ _
Phosphate—is expected to be about 5.8 million tons, also 8% higher than for the last fertilizer year. This amount could be reduced somewhat if there are delays in building new manufacturing plants. Phosphate will be tight to short through 1976.
Potash—should be about 6.3 million tons, 10% more than last year. During the 1973-74 fertilizer year, Canada supplied 72 percent of our net domestic supply. This year potash from Canada is expected to be up another 8%, but total U.S. supplies also will be tight to short through 1976.
Prices are likely to remain high until supply and demand are nearer a balance. U.S. Government efforts to help alleviate the tight fertilizer situation is being coordinated by the Interagency Fertilizer Task Force which emphasizes that the industry should distribute available supplies as equitably as possible.□
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