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History
Round robin samples are frequently used to provide comparisons of analytical results. The first such program to make use of comprehensive statistical techniques is the Magruder Fertilizer Check Sample Program. The program bears the name of its originator, Dr. E. W. Magruder. Dr. Magruder was a chemist with the F.S. Royster Guano Company. He distributed the first sample to 29 laboratories in November, 1922. The Royster Guano Company and its successors continued to totally support this program for 36 years, first under the direction of Dr. Magruder and later under the direction of Dr. S. F. Thornton.In 1958 the sponsorship of the program transferred from Royster to the joint co-sponsorship of the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO) and The Fertilizer Institute (TFI). TFI asked AAPFCO to assume administration of the program in 1971. It continues to function under this arrangement today. In addition, W. R. Grace & Company agreed to subsidize the program by furnishing statistical evaluations of the data through its statistician, Edwin Glocker. This continued until the death of Ed Glocker in 1989. The statistical evaluations continue via an independent statistical consultant engaged by the Magruder Committee.
Administration
The Magruder Program is administered by a committee appointed by the President of AAPFCO. Membership is balanced between control officials and industry representatives, with six members from each sector. This is the only AAPFCO committee which permits industry representatives to hold full committee privileges, including holding committee offices and voting. The committee sets subscription fees, selects the samples comprising the series, contracts with a commercial laboratory to prepare and distribute samples, retains a consultant statistician, and authorizes educational programs.Magruder By-Laws
Current Programs
Each subscribing laboratory receives one or two samples each month. Each month's samples contain the primary plant nutrients N, P and K, and about four samples each year contain secondary and minor nutrients, as well as contaminants of interest. Samples are analyzed by methods chosen by the individual participating laboratories. Their results, with designation of method used, are reported directly to the statistician. A comprehensive statistical report is prepared noting inter-laboratory bias, precision and accuracy for each method and analyte, and ranking of coded individual laboratories. These reports are sent to the subscribers to allow them to evaluate their performance. Laboratories are identified only by a confidential number, one being assigned to each subscriber. Individual laboratory performance is held in strict confidence.Interorganizational Cooperation
The Magruder Program objectives and goals are those of AAPFCO , AOAC International, and TFI. In turn, each of these organizations strongly supports the Magruder Program. The methods designated on reports are those of AOAC International. TFI supports the program by printing and mailing the monthly statistical reports.Participants
There are over 100 laboratories subscribing to the Magruder Program. Most of the state laboratories in the United States are participants. The remaining number are about equally divided between commercial and industrial laboratories on all continents except Antarctica.
Quality Assurance
Interlaboratory evaluation of methods of analysis and personnel performance is increasingly important in the modern laboratory. Instrumentation in laboratories is a great time saver, but needs careful control. Both precision and accuracy should constantly be monitored by every laboratory. These areas can be improved by an Interlaboratory statistical evaluation of your laboratory. The Magruder Program offers this service to all organizations involved in fertilizer analysis.
| Appointment through 2009 | Appointment through 2010 | Appointment through 2011 |
| Melton Bryant University of Kentucky |
Gregory Haberkost Lebanon Seaboard Corp. |
Robert Beine LA Dept of Agriculture |
| Weldon Collier Florida Dept of Agriculture |
William Hall, Jr., Vice Chair Mosaic |
April DeAtley IL Dept of Agriculture |
| Kerry Cooner, Secretary Agrium Inc. |
Chris Mason NV Dept of Agriculture |
J. Harold Falls CF Industries |
| Michael Hojjatie Tessenderlo Kerley |
Rod Noel, Chairman Office of the IN State Chemist |
Barbara James PCS Phosphates |
Other Links:
The Association of American Plant Food Control Officials AAPFCO
The Association of Fertilizer and Phosphate Chemists AFPC
AOAC, Intl.
last updated July 5, 2008