Overcome fertilizer prices: here’s how to really stay profitable

Fertilizer prices have been on a steady climb for decades, but the past few years have seen some of the sharpest increases yet. Take nitrogen fertilizer, for example—it has doubled in price in just the last two years. Unfortunately, there’s no sign that things will get better anytime soon. With costs continuing to rise, ranchers and forage producers need to be smart about how they manage fertilizer use to keep their operations profitable. Simply put, wasting fertilizer means wasting money.

Among all the inputs that go into warm-season forage production, commercial fertilizer is by far the most expensive. However, by using it efficiently, there’s a significant potential for increased profits. This doesn’t just mean applying less—it means making sure every dollar spent on fertilizer gives the best possible return. If managed properly, the right fertilizer strategy can help maintain soil fertility, improve forage quality, and ultimately increase profits. The goal isn’t just to save money on fertilizer but to optimize every application for maximum returns.

When we talk about efficiency, it’s essential to understand that cheaper isn’t always better. Going for the lowest-cost option might seem tempting, but cutting corners can lead to poor soil health, lower yields, and higher costs in the long run. Instead of focusing solely on price, producers should aim to maximize the value of the fertilizer they apply. With that in mind, here are four practical ways to get the most out of your fertilizer investment while keeping forage production costs under control.

1. Test Your Soil First—Don’t Guess!

Adequate soil fertility is the key to successful forage and hay production. It is literally the foundation on which all the others are built. Unless all the required nutrients are supplied in adequate amounts, your forage production will not reach its full potential.

Soil testing is the best tool for a forage production manager to monitor soil fertility levels. It’s a powerful tool that can help identify nutrient deficiencies and inadequate soil pH and indicate which nutrients are present at high enough levels for fertilizer to be skipped. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your fertilizer use, ensuring you’re not wasting money on unnecessary applications.

Tests conducted within the last three years will provide you with information that is current enough for you to make your decisions. They will also let you know how well your pasture improvement plan works. This improvement is, of course, if you have followed the fertilizer recommendations in your results. If you did not, it may be a good idea for you to collect another soil test so you can have the most accurate measurements you need.

After the Test: What’s Next?

Once you have the results, look at the current levels of the nutrients you want. If they are in the optimum range, consider skipping the application this year. Phosphorus (P) levels in forages should be between 100 and 150 ppm. Potassium (K) is in the 100 to 200 ppm area. Any decisions you make regarding fertilizer should be made in relation to whether the field is below, within, or above the optimum range.

When you decide to apply fertilizer, what type you use is just as important. The general rule is that you should only should only apply fertilizer to your warm-season grasses once you have five consecutive nights where the lows do not get below 60 degrees. If you apply before that time, you will feed the weeds more than anything, which will be a waste of money.

In a previous article, “Don’t hold back your soil test,” I discussed the importance of soil testing and the steps to conduct one.

2. Choose the Right Fertilizer—Not Just the Cheapest One

Where you choose to get your fertilizer from can have just as much of an impact on the efficiency of your application as anything. It’s not an area where you want to go with the ‘lowest sticker price.’ Instead, it’s a decision that requires a little math and a lot of diligence to determine which will work best for you. By choosing the right fertilizer, not just the cheapest one, you’re taking responsibility for the efficiency and effectiveness of your fertilizer use.

The three primary sources of nitrogen fertilizers used in pastures around the country are ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and urea. Biosolids and animal manures are also excellent sources of Nitrogen if you prefer to go the organic route. No matter what you go with, it is essential to consider things like price, fertilizer effectiveness, method, and application rate.

Example

Calculating fertilizer costs based on dollars per pound of the nutrient you need would be best. This will give you a more “apples-to-apples” comparison. Here is an example that you can follow to arrive at your answer (disclaimer: this is just an example, and you should contact your local supplier to get a price).

Compare Costs Per Pound of Nutrients

Instead of looking at bulk prices, calculate the cost per pound of actual nutrients. Here’s an example:

• Ammonium nitrate (35% N) costs $550 per ton
• A ton contains 700 lbs of nitrogen (2000 lbs × 0.35 = 700)
• Cost per pound of nitrogen: $0.79

Along with the costs, it is vital to consider each N fertilizer source’s acidity potential. Regardless of which you go with, N fertilization typically reduces the soil’s pH. Some, however, can cause this reaction more rapidly than others. So, considering the additional costs of adding a lime application, it is also a good idea.

3. Manage Grazing to Boost Fertility Naturally

Keeping weeds under control is crucial for maintaining a productive pasture. Weeds don’t just take up space; they also steal valuable resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients from the forages your livestock rely on. Unlike grasses and legumes that provide nutrition for your animals, weeds offer little to no benefit and can even reduce the overall quality of your pasture. If left unmanaged, weeds can spread quickly, making desirable plants harder to thrive. The more weeds you have, the more fertilizer and other inputs you may need to keep your forage growing strong.

The way your animals graze plays a big role in pasture fertility. When livestock graze, their manure and urine return essential nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Calcium to the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer. However, animals don’t distribute these nutrients evenly. They tend to gather around water sources, shade, and feeding areas, leading to nutrient buildup in some spots while other areas are left deficient. This uneven distribution can create challenges, making it harder to maintain soil fertility across the entire pasture. Managing to graze properly can help even out these natural fertilizer deposits.

Stocking rates and grazing methods also affect how well nutrients are spread across your land. Rotational grazing, where animals are moved between different sections of pasture, usually results in a more balanced distribution of manure and better soil health. On the other hand, continuous grazing, where animals have access to the same area for long periods, can lead to overgrazing in some spots and underutilization in others. Stocking rates matter too—too many animals can compact the soil, making it harder for plants to grow, while too few might not graze efficiently. By finding the right balance, you can keep your pasture productive and reduce the need for extra fertilizer.

4. Use Legumes to Cut Your Fertilizer Bill

Another way to reduce input costs without sacrificing yield is to incorporate legumes in your forages. The roots of legumes pull Nitrogen from the air as a nutrient source for the plant to grow. The roots also release Nitrogen into the soil as an available nutrient for other plants. The plant dies and releases even more Nitrogen into the soil as its components decompose.

Do some research before choosing a legume since not all legumes are the same. This will help you find which would work best for your operation.

How Much Can Legumes Save You?

• According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a 30% legume stand in a pasture can supply 30–50 lbs of nitrogen per acre per year—reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
• Legumes can sometimes replace 25–75 lbs of fertilizer per acre annually.