5 Ways to Save on Fertilizer for Forages

With expected higher prices for inputs, it makes sense to have a plan to get the most out of our fertilizer dollars. To help get you started James Locke with the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation offers these five tips to get you started:

Test soils
Soil tests are necessary because they are the only way to determine limiting nutrients, pH or the amount of residual nitrogen in the soil. “
If we apply phosphorus or potassium and they are not limiting, we are wasting money,” says Locke. “Likewise, if we only apply nitrogen when phosphorus or potassium are limiting, we will not get the anticipated yield response. Finally, if soil pH is either too high or low, fertilizers may be unavailable to plants.”

Apply nitrogen according to yield goal
By setting a realistic yield goal and accounting for the amount of residual nitrogen, you know how much additional nitrogen is needed. Otherwise, you risk not applying enough nitrogen to meet yield goal or over-fertilizing. Extra production is not a problem for commodity crops, but over-fertilizing to grow more forage than needed is wasteful.

Select the right fertilizer blend
Use a fertilizer blend that meets your specific needs as identified by soil testing. Although convenient, the so called "complete" fertilizers, like 17-17-17, rarely supply nutrients in the quantities needed, Locke advises.
 

“Plants do not use nutrients in equal proportions nor are soil deficiencies usually equal. By purchasing only the nutrients needed in the correct proportions, fertilizer dollars are used more efficiently.”

Consider nitrogen source
There are several nitrogen sources, including ammonium nitrate, urea, liquid UAN and anhydrous ammonia. “We usually recommend the one with the lowest cost per pound of actual nitrogen; however, other factors such as weather, product availability, application timing and the crop being fertilized may affect your nitrogen source choice,” says Locke. The cost per pound is calculated by dividing the price per ton by the pounds of nitrogen per ton. Remember a lower cost per ton does not necessarily mean a lower cost per pound of nitrogen.

Get the best price
Always compare fertilizer costs from several sources. “Variation among sources can be significant - we have seen up to 40% for the same product - but be sure to compare the costs as delivered and applied.”
 

Another option is obtaining bulk fertilizers directly from a wholesaler. This requires either obtaining a dealer's license or purchasing through a licensed dealer. If purchased through a dealer, many will reduce their price if bulk fertilizer is delivered directly to the user and they never have to handle it. There are drawbacks, though, including not being able to use a blend, arranging for freight, providing storage space and application.
 

Finally, consider applying with your own equipment rather than the dealer's, advises Locke. Most dealers will reduce their fertilizer price if they do not have the wear and tear on their spreaders.