In 1953 Iowa State College and the Tennessee Valley Authority undertook a research project to determine (1) characteristics of Iowa farmers who use varying amounts of fertilizer and different fertilization practices, (2) informational sources important in the acceptance and use of fertilizer, (3) extent of use and handling of fertilizer on the farm and (4) quantitative relationships between fertilizer use and specified factors considered to influence fertilizer use. A scientifically selected statewide sample of 532 farms was the basis of this report.