5 Ways to Fight Fertilizer Costs in 2023

Potash is a group of minerals and chemicals that contain potassium (K), a basic nutrient for plants and an important ingredient in fertilizers. Potash prices have been a topic of much discussion over the last year due to the significant increase in price. Russia is the second-largest producer of potash in the world, and a significant increase in potash prices can be attributed to international tensions and sanctions affecting the market.

These rising prices have had a significant impact on farmers who rely on fertilizers to maintain optimal soil nutrient levels. In many cases, farmers are left with no choice but to reduce fertilizer use which can ultimately lead to lower crop yields.

Soil testing is the foundation of nutrient management practices. Soil tests provide farmers with information on the specific nutrient content of their soil, as well as any soil deficiencies that might be corrected with targeted fertilization. Recommendations vary, but the general consensus is that soil tests should be performed every one to three years.

By regularly testing soil, farmers can adjust their fertilization practices to match their soil's specific needs, whether that be a targeted nitrogen application to address a deficiency, or even a reduced application in years with a strong soil content. This not only helps to reduce fertilizer use and costs but also promotes optimal crop yields.

Another effective nutrient management practice is crop rotation. Crop rotation involves planting different crops in a field over time to improve and maintain soil nutrient levels. By rotating crops, farmers can reduce nutrient depletion in the soil and increase nutrient availability for subsequent crops. For example, legume crops can fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizers. In Ontario, one extremely common practice is to rotate soybeans, which are extremely efficient nitrogen fixers, and corn on a yearly or bi-annual basis.

Cover crops are plants grown primarily to improve soil health and fertility. Like in crop rotation, these crops can be used to fix nitrogen in the soil, which reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. They also improve soil structure, prevent soil erosion, and promote beneficial soil microorganisms. Cover crops can be used in conjunction with crop rotations to improve soil health and reduce fertilizer requirements. They can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by absorbing nitrogen compounds before they can be released into the atmosphere.

One example of a cover crop that can be used to reduce fertilizer costs is red clover. Red clover is a perennial, it is winter hardy, and it is an excellent nitrogen-fixing crop that can add nitrates naturally to the soil. It can be used in place of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, reducing costs and promoting soil health.

Organic matter management is also an important aspect of nutrient management. Adding compost or manure can help increase soil organic matter content, which can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. By adding organic matter to the soil, farmers can improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. This not only reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers but also promotes healthy soil and improves crop yields.

When applying fertilizer to crops, not all application patterns are created equal. Application patterns that reduce runoff and make full use of the applied fertilizer can help farmers to maximize the effectiveness of their inputs without over-applying and wasting product. According to the American Geophysical Union (AGU), nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency has actually been decreasing since the 1960s. Some estimates suggest as much as 50% of the nitrogen applied to crops in fertilizer is actually lost. Application patterns that incorporate fertilizers directly into the soil, reduce runoff or that target specific areas of the crop can significantly increase the effectiveness of applied fertilizers.