Shop around for nitrogen before spring price rise

Global urea and nitrogen prices generally fell back a little over the Christmas period, along with those of phosphate, but not potash, writes fertiliser commentator Roger Chesher.

In the UK, GrowHow held its AN prices. Egyptian urea which had peaked at $500/t fob and stood at $370/t around Christmas has now risen again to $440/t. Having briefly been available just below ÂŁ300/t on farm it is now around ÂŁ350/t but is reportedly in short supply with new cargoes expected in March. Imported AN is still available at ÂŁ310/t.

The latest Fertiliser Quarterly from Rabobank suggests fertiliser prices may rise towards the end of the first quarter of this year when demand picks up on higher crop plantings but prices could ease further before then.

Overall, the UK buyer can expect a steady, modest increase in prices up to April/May, but perhaps with more occasional volatility than usual, so if you see a bargain, grab it.

P and K prices have steadied but compound prices have dipped a little. Sulphur continues to offer value for money when incorporated into fertiliser and baffles agronomists as to why it is still not used to its potential.

Frontier Agriculture saw yield increases in winter oilseed rape up to applications of 260kg/ha SO3 in 2011 trials. Consequently the firm has raised its recommended rate to 110-130kg/ha SO3 in high risk areas. Its programme has also shown increased demand for boron in rape, up to 1.5kg/ha on pH-corrected soils.


January 2012 (ÂŁ/T delivered)*

 
 UK 34.5% N 15.15.15   Imported urea 46% N  Imported 34.5% N  PK 0.24.24 25.5.5  20.10.10  Phosphate (TSP) 46%P2O2  Potash (Muriate) 60% K2O

 ÂŁ342-ÂŁ350

 ÂŁ340-ÂŁ360 blended

 ÂŁ350

 ÂŁ310 (Lithan)

 ÂŁ375-ÂŁ380

ÂŁ338 complex

ÂŁ300 blend

ÂŁ355 blend 

 ÂŁ395

 ÂŁ340-ÂŁ360

* All illustrated prices are based on 24t loads for cash payment month following. Prices for smaller loads and 50kg bags will vary considerably.

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