Half of Major Retail Fertilizer Prices Move Higher

LINCOLN, Neb. (DTN) — Average prices for half of the major fertilizers tracked by DTN were higher compared to last month, according to retail fertilizer sellers surveyed for the second week of October.

The latest average prices collected show a break in a recent multi-week trend of falling prices for seven of eight fertilizers tracked by DTN.

No significant price increases or declines were seen in the latest data. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

UAN32 led the way with nearly a 3% price increase to $361 per ton, followed by anhydrous at $701/ton, or about a 2% bump. Urea also came in at about 2% higher with $496/ton. The average price of 10-34-0 was also nearly 2% higher at $604/ton.

Potash led the way in price drops to $451/ton or around 2% lower. UAN28 was about 1% lower compared to last month at $316/ton, while MAP and DAP were fractionally lower at $806/ton and $738/ton, respectively.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.54/lb.N, anhydrous $0.43/lb.N, UAN28 $0.56/lb.N and UAN32 $0.56/lb.N.

Researchers at Kansas State University found that soil treated with manure or compost fertilizer stores more carbon than soil treated with either no fertilizer or a chemical-based fertilizer, https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/saj2.20701.

The scientists studied a Kansas cornfield that was no-till farmed for the past 22 years. According to the study, the farm had at one time or another used no fertilizer, applied chemical fertilizer, as well as used manure- and compost-based fertilizer.

In addition, the researchers said more microbial carbon was found in soil treated with manure or compost.

Compared to one year ago, prices for six of the eight fertilizers were lower.

DAP is 4% higher while MAP is 2% more expensive compared to last year at this time.

Compared to last year 10-34-0 is 1% lower, UAN28 is 11% less expensive, potash is 11% lower, anhydrous is 13% less expensive, while urea and UAN32 are 14% less expensive compared to last year.

DTN gathers fertilizer price bids from agriculture retailers each week to compile the DTN Fertilizer Index. DTN first began reporting data in November 2008.

In addition to national averages, MyDTN subscribers can access the full DTN Fertilizer Index, which includes state averages, here: https://www.mydtn.com/agriculture/web/ag/markets/fuels-fertilizers#!/fertilizers.

Todd Neeley can be reached at todd.neeley@dtn.com

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