September normally heralds the start of compound fertiliser sales, but there are no immediate plans from market leader Kemira GrowHow to publish a new price list.

Normally the complex compound version of the popular grassland grade 25.5.5 would mirror the nitrogen price, or be slightly above it.

Today it stands at £153/t on farm, which looks good value against the November nitrogen price of £158-£160/t, emphasising again that anyone buying fertiliser early this year stands to gain.

While it is possible that new prices will be issued in October, the manufacturers will wish to stimulate some compound trade before Christmas.

But with £160/t being somewhat of a sticking point for nitrogen, there is some hope that this compound price may be held for a little longer.

However the pressure of high energy prices has not receded and these have now unfortunately been joined by higher P and K costs.

400,000t of phosphate production has been lost this season in the Katrina disaster with a consequent rise in replacement costs for this raw material.

Fortunately this has yet to affect the UK, because so little P and K has been sold this season and blenders are reported to have stock remaining at lower costs.

TSP (triple super phosphate) and MOP (muriate of potash) straights have risen in price on farm however, to £150 and £140/t respectively.

Whilst the usual farm “top up” of arable grades may well take place post harvest and before Christmas, the most likely scenario for the grassland sector is another stand off until the spot market usage time.

CURRENT PRICES (£/t)

Great Britain

Ireland

†Note in the Republic of Ireland nutrients are expressed as elements not oxides.  Analyses will not be directly comparable with those used in the UK.
*Known as 24.2½.10 blend in the Republic of Ireland
**Known as 27.2½.5 in ROI

Note All illustrated prices are based upon 24 tonne loads for immediate payment. Prices for smaller loads and those with credit terms will vary considerably.

Source: Bridgewater