Fertilizer Prices Going Up, Up Up

Natural gas prices in the United States are higher than anywhere else in the industrialized world which is having a devastating effect on fertilizer prices. However there are a host of other factors beyond the control of suppliers that are impacting what you pay. Natural gas is the first step in processing anhydrous ammonia for nitrogen fertilizers. Due to a large number of plant closures in the U.S., foreign sources are supplying our needs, and that means added transportation costs. Phosphate and potash inventories in the U.S. are also down, and because of increased demand from Asia and Latin America, competition for these raw materials is also driving up prices. To add further to the problem, higher commodity prices for corn and grain crops means that U.S. farmers are planting more acres of these crops and using more fertilizer to boost production. That in turn, is affecting pricing as more people are competing for a smaller amount of fertilizer. The California Plant Health Association recommends that users make sure they have clear usage plans, plus optimum application schedules and methods to make the best use of fertilizers they need. For the latest information on efficient use of fertilizers go to: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/frep/.