Year-end fertilizer prices

George Silva, Michigan State University Extension -

The year-end retail prices of all major fertilizers were higher in 2018 compared to 2017, according to USDA statistics.

Fertilizer
Photo by George Silva, MSU Extension

The approximate retail prices for bulk purchases of major fertilizers per ton in December 2018 compared to December 2017, as published in the USDA Illinois Department of Agriculture Market News Report, are shown in Table 1.

All fertilizers were costlier at the end of 2018 compared to 2017. This contrasts with the relatively stable and low prices in 2017. This rising trend, except for urea (Fig. 1), reflects global supply and demand. The prevailing low commodity prices should not lead to drastic cuts in fertilizer. That may lead to unnecessary risks of economic yield losses.

Michigan State University Extension recommends relying on soil testing and realistic yield goals in determining phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer rates. Knowing the phosphorus and K critical levels in each field is a reliable guideline. It is worth noting that about 60-70 percent of soil samples tested in Michigan show adequate phosphorus, but only 20-25 percent samples show adequate potassium. Also, consider variable rate applications as a best practice to optimize fertilizer returns. Liming, when necessary, is another practice that can increase net returns to investment.

Refer to MSU Extension bulletin E2904, “Nutrient Recommendations for Field Crops in Michigan,” for additional information on nutrient recommendations.

Table 1. Prices for major fertilizers ($ per ton).

Fertilizer source

December 2017

December 2018

Diammonium phosphate (DAP)

465

521

Monoammonium phosphate (MAP)

473

513

Potash

345

379

Urea

355

392

Urea-Ammonium Nitrate (UAN 28%)

228

281

Anhydrous ammonia

490

579

Fertilizer prices
Figure 2. Fertilizer prices in 2018 ($/Ton). Data source: USDA-Illinois Dept. of Ag Market News Springfield, Ill., cash prices for bulk purchases, granular form unless noted.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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