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32% vs. 46-0-0

I can buy 32% for $405 per ton delivered by the semi load or 46-0-0 delivered for $408. I can apply the liquid in a 2x2 or spread the dry as broadcast.

The question is, can I use the 2X2 method and get by with enough less fertilizer that I won't be spending any more dollars than broadcasting dry? In other words, can I get by with 50 pounds as a 2X2 and be as I good as 70 pounds broadcast? About the same dollars spent.

TIA. chris.isu

Posted 4/22/ 17:58 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 32% vs. 46-0-0

Eastern Iowa

Thats a good buy on urea but broadcast you should be looking at Agrotain (not sure on cost) too. You will get a lot more bang out of the banded placement with the 32. What are your other sources of N, sounds like you have some on already or are planning on sidedress? Are you willing to incorporate the Urea? Sir

Posted 4/22/ 19:20 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 32% vs. 46-0-0

We can't incorporate with tillage cuz the CSP program I'm in won't allow it.

Agrotain would probably add about $80 per ton and Agrisure about $60. I'm in drought striken NW Kansas and am trying to get by on the cheap. Figured 50 lbs of N would get me to 70 bu corn or milo, which would look pretty good this fall considering how things look now.

NH3 is about $720 but I don't have a really good way to apply it being notill. playsndirt

Posted 4/22/ 20:37 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 32% vs. 46-0-0

W. central IL.

Agrotain should cost around .06 to .07 cents per pound of actual N. chris.isu

Posted 4/22/ 21:01 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 32% vs. 46-0-0

Eastern Iowa

I'd go with the 32% then. If you get rain and it looks more promising later you could always sidedress. The banded and injected will do much better if its dry than broadcast and the lower rate should be just as good as the broadcast urea.. Sir

Posted 4/22/ 21:04 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 32% vs. 46-0-0

That would be $55 to $60 per ton. There's a pretty wide variance in prices. The wholesaler vs Co-op is $96 per ton difference on 46-0-0.

Both of these guy are saying 10-34-0 is about impossible to get. Wholesaler says he can't get it and the Co-op guy says he doesn't know but if he can it could be $ per ton. Plenty of 11-52-0. mcupps

Posted 4/22/ 23:29 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 32% vs. 46-0-0

Downtown Shell Knob MO Come Visit!

By my math the Urea is 44.3 cents while the UAN is 63.2 cents. So you get 1.43 times the nitrogen from the urea than the UAN. So you could lose 29 to 30% before it would cost as much as the UAN does. Mix some stabilizer or spread before a rain and its going to be fairly hard to lose 30% of your urea. Im not going to recommond one over the other. Just arguing the other side of the debate :) mcupps

Posted 4/22/ 23:41 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 32% vs. 46-0-0

Downtown Shell Knob MO Come Visit!

Do you have any research that shows the banded and sidedressed UAN does better than a higher rate of broadcast urea. Im not trying to be critical, I am seriously curious? We have cut our UAN rate at planting and plan on sidedressing less UAN and instead are applying a higher rate of granular Urea because it is so much cheaper. Last year I did some unscientific test using the same dollar amount of N but applying different amounts as dry urea in front of the planter Vs Sidedressing. And I was much happier with corn treated with a higher rate of granular urea at planting. Of course we had a lot of heat early last year and also got dry quickly. In the past we have always relied on our sidedress N, but it is getting to the point that I want enough N to make a crop even if something bad happens and i can't get it sidedressed, and then the sidedressing is strictly supplemental. I guess I have just driven down too much 40" tall corn trying to get sidedress N on. Of course I know that all growing conditions are different. And if I farmed sands, or land that flooded more often, Im sure my approach would be different. Sir

Posted 4/22/ 23:50 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 32% vs. 46-0-0

Out here it's kind of a rule of thumb, you can band on 2X2 and get by with , like, 65% to 70% of what the soil test calls for compared to broadcast at 100%. If so that would be about a toss up. The ideal would be band the 46-0-0 2X2 but I don't know how you do that with a planter.

I think somebody on here a while back posted pictures of a tube he made for banding dry with a John Deere single disc fertilizer boot ? KF Farm

Posted 4/23/ 00:25 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 32% vs. 46-0-0

Central Missouri

When you place N 2x2 you can reduce the rate of the broadcast by 25%. So a 100 units of urea would be the same as 75 units of 32%. So do the math on the $$$ from that. Second, 32% can help warm the soil and increase the electrical current along the row. So 32 is better in that regard. Third, if you are dry, you can volitize up to 30% of you urea. Fourth, if you are dry you will needs a rain to get the urea into the root zone, your 32 is already there. Fith, 32 relases 1/2 of its n in 35 days, 1/4 immediatey, and 1/4 60 days after application (so it is "somewhat" time released; urea relase most of it 35 days after application. Obviously, I use 32 or 28 and don't worry about the cost/N, but you decide what works best for you Sir

Posted 4/23/ 08:09 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 32% vs. 46-0-0

KF Farm, that was some info I didn't know. We're already rigged up to use liquid and not the dry so I'm probably going that way.

Thanks for the comments everybody. chris.isu

Posted 4/23/ 18:35 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 32% vs. 46-0-0

Eastern Iowa

Good luck! I would be glad to share some of our moisture with you! chris.isu

Posted 4/23/ 20:17 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 32% vs. 46-0-0

Eastern Iowa

Matt, I haven't done any specific trials comparing urea vs UAN but I have lots of experience banding N (and now all my fertilizers). I think there are early N needs that the close placement really helps for increasing ear girth. I used to band with the planter, now all strip till placing N,P,K & S under the row. I've used all different forms of N and have found that placement and timing are sometimes more important than total rate. I do like urea in the strip band, gives similar results as NH3.

Fertilizer can be a significant out-of-pocket expense in the maintenance of hay and forage crops. Frequently, cost is given as the prime reason why a producer does not fertilize hay and forage crops for maintenance. Producers can save money on fertilizer applications if they compare the total cost of applying different fertilizer blends.

Cost of Applying a Single Nutrient

Economically speaking, all fertilizers are not created equal. Let's say you have decided that this year you want to stockpile a field of tall fescue for winter grazing. You remember a recommendation that you should apply 50 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre. The local fertilizer dealer gives you these prices on three different nitrogen sources:

  Urea @ $190/ton   Ammonium Nitrate @ $240/ton   Ammonium Sulfate @ $167/ton

What fertilizer would be the best choice if you wanted to apply 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre? At first glance, you might choose Ammonium Sulfate. The actual value of each as a nitrogen source is quite different, as illustrated in this example:

1. First, remember that each fertilizer is not 100 percent nitrogen. The percentage of the nutrients in each fertilizer is given in its guaranteed analysis. For example, a fertilizer with the analysis of 10-10-10 contains 10 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphate (P2O5), and 10 percent potash (K2O).
   The guaranteed analyses for the three available fertilizers are:
       Urea = 46-0-0   Ammonium Nitrate = 34-0-0   Ammonium Sulfate = 21-0-0-2
2. Calculate the pounds of fertilizer per acre you must use to apply 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre (N/A). To do this, divide the amount of the nutrient wanted by the proportion of that nutrient in the fertilizer used.
   (Nutrient rate per acre ÷ fertilizer nutrient proportion = pounds of fertilizer needed to apply per acre.)
   
   Urea (46-0-0)
   50 lb. N per A ÷ 0.46/lb. of fertilizer = 109 pounds of fertilizer needed to apply per acre.
   
   Ammonium Nitrate (34-0-0)
   50 lb. N/A ÷ 0.34/lb. of fertilizer = 147 lb. of fertilizer per acre to be applied.
   
   Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0-2)
   50 lb. N/A ÷ 0.21/lb. of fertilizer = 238 lb. of fertilizer per acre to be applied.
   
   There is quite a difference in the amount of fertilizer you would need to apply. What does this mean economically?
    
3. Calculate the number of acres per ton that each fertilizer will cover.
   (Pounds per ton ÷ pounds of fertilizer per acre = acres per ton.)
   
   Urea
   2,000 lb. per ton ÷ 109 lb. per acre = number of acres per ton or 18.3 acres per ton.
   
   Ammonium Nitrate
   2,000 lb./ton ÷ 147 lb. per acre = 13.6 acres per ton.
   
   Ammonium Sulfate
   2,000 lb./ton ÷ 238 lb. per acre = 8.4 acres per ton.
    
4. Calculate the fertilizer cost per acre.
   (Commercial fertilizer cost per ton ÷ acres per ton = fertilizer cost per acre.)
   
   Urea @ $190 per ton
   $190 ÷ 18.3 acres per ton = $10.38 per acre.
   
   Ammonium Nitrate @ $240/ton
   $240 ÷ 13.6 = $17.65 per acre.
   
   Ammonium Sulfate @ $167/ton
   $167 ÷ 8.4 = $19.88 per acre.
   
   But material costs are only part of the total cost of applying the fertilizer.
    
5. Calculate the spreading cost. Your cost may vary. This calculation uses a spreading cost of $6.00 per ton, the cost to rent the local spreader.
   (Spreading cost per ton ÷ acres per ton = spreading cost per acre.)
   
   Urea
   $6.00/ton ÷ 18.3 acres/ton = $0.33 spreading cost/acre.
   
   Ammonium Nitrate
   $6.00 ÷ 13.6 = $0.44 spreading cost/acre.
   
   Ammonium Sulfate
   $6.00 ÷ 8.4 = $0.71 spreading cost/acre.
    
6. Now calculate the total cost for each fertilizer.
   (Fertilizer cost per acre + spreading cost per acre = total cost for each fertilizer per acre.)
   
   Urea total cost per acre =
   $10.38 fertilizer cost/acre + $0.33 spreading cost/acre =$10.71 per acre.
   
   Ammonium Nitrate total cost per acre =
   $17.65 fertilizer cost/acre + $0.44 spreading cost/acre =$18.09 per acre.
   
   Ammonium Sulfate total cost per acre =
   $19.88 fertilizer cost/acre + $0.71 spreading cost/acre =$20.59 per acre.
   
   If you had 50 acres, then it would cost:   Urea: $10.71 x 50 = $535.50   Ammonium Nitrate: $18.09 x 50 = $904.50   Ammonium Sulfate: $20.59 x 50 = $1,029.50

In this case, urea was actually the best value. This was an example to demonstrate the steps in determining what the total cost of applying a given fertilizer would be. Please remember that applications of urea-based fertilizers in summer may result in significant losses of nitrogen due to volatilization. If one-half inch of rain is not received in three to four days after an application of urea, then volatilization of the urea can be significant. For more information on proper use of nitrogen fertilizers, please refer to Selecting Forms of Nitrogen Fertilizer, Agronomy Fact Sheet 205. Using these steps to compare fertilizer cost may save producers hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars annually. Fertilizing when plants can best utilize nutrients, managing your nitrogen source, and comparing the total cost of fertilizer blends will put more money in your pocket. It should be noted that the calculations presented here do not consider the value of other nutrients available in these fertilizer blends. If you are fertilizing for multiple nutrients, then the same process can be used.

Cost of Mixed Fertilizers

The previous example was for one nutrient, and each of the choices had one nutrient to compare. How can you compare mixed blends of fertilizer? Compare the following different fertilizer sources:

15-15-15 @ $210.72/ton

19-19-19 @ $220.60/ton

What fertilizer would be the best choice?

1. First calculate the pounds of nutrients in a ton of fertilizer. To do this, add the percentage of nutrients together and multiply a ton by the sum.
   (2,000 lb. per ton x total percent nutrients = pound of nutrients in a ton of fertilizer.)
   
   15-15-15
   2,000 lb./ton x (0.15 + 0.15 + 0.15) = 900 lb. of nutrients in a ton of 15-15-15.
   
   19-19-19
   2,000 lb./ton x (0.19 + 0.19 + 0.19) = 1,140 lb. of nutrients in a ton of 19-19-19.
   
   There is quite a difference in the amount of nutrients you receive per ton of fertilizer. What does this mean economically?
    
2. Next calculate the cost per pound of nutrients in each fertilizer. This can be done by dividing the cost per ton of fertilizer by the pounds of nutrients per ton.
   (Cost per ton ÷ pounds of nutrient per ton = cost per pound of nutrient.
   
   15-15-15
   $210.72 per ton ÷ 900 lb. of nutrient per ton = $0.23 per lb. of nutrient.
   
   19-19-19
   $220.60/ton ÷ 1,140 lb. of nutrient/ton = $0.19 per lb. of nutrient.
   
   In this example, 19-19-19 would be the better value. This method works as a basic comparison of multiple nutrient fertilizers, but does not take into account any difference in price between the different nutrients. This method can also be used to compare single nutrient fertilizers.

Calculating Fertilizer Cost Based on Soil-Test Results

Rarely do crops need the three primary nutrients on a one- to-one-to-one basis. It is recommended that a soil-test analysis and possibly a tissue analysis be utilized to determine the crop's needs for nutrients and the rates at which those nutrients should be applied. A soil test is the best way to determine the nutrient needs of a soil. Several laboratories in and around Ohio offer soil-testing services for a nominal fee. Contact your local Extension office for a complete list. Please refer to Bulletin E- or Fact Sheet AGF-206-95 for information on correct sampling procedures.

Soil tests provide information about the nutrient level of the soil and the amounts of lime and fertilizers necessary to achieve a particular yield goal. In addition, educational comments for particular crops are provided on the report form.

What happens after you have taken a soil test and have the results? How do you determine the best fertilizer to apply? Let's look at a soil-test report that came from a field at the Eastern Ohio Resource Development Center (EORDC). This is a field of fescue with a yield goal of three tons per acre. The results say that this year we need to apply:

125 pounds of nitrogen, 50 pounds of phosphate, and 265 pounds of potash per acre.

The results also say that we should split the nitrogen application into a spring and a fall treatment. Since you need to split the nitrogen application, you decide to split the phosphate and potash application as well. Now you will need to apply:

62.5 pounds of nitrogen, 25 pounds of phosphate, and 132.5 pounds of potash per acre in the spring and in the fall. To avoid the potential for grass tetany, you decide to apply the spring application after first cutting.

You call the local fertilizer dealer and get the following prices.

    19-19-19 @ $220.60/ton   Urea 46-0-0 @ $190.00/ton   Triple Super Phosphate 0-46-0 @ $249.90/ton   Potash 0-0-60 @ $187.00/ton   DAP 18-46-0 @ $265.00/ton

What would be the best choice or combination to use?

1. Since phosphate is the smallest amount we need to apply and we don't want to over apply any nutrient, let's look at it first. We need 25 pounds of phosphate per acre. Three sources are available to supply that amount.
   
   19-19-19
   0-46-0
   18-46-0
    
2. First, calculate how much of each fertilizer is needed to supply 25 pounds of phosphate. To do this, divide the amount of the nutrient wanted by the proportion of that nutrient in the fertilizer used.
   (Nutrient rate per acre ÷ fertilizer nutrient proportion = pounds of fertilizer needed to apply per acre.)
   
   19-19-19
   25 lb. P2O5/A ÷ 0.19/lb. of fertilizer = 131.6 lb. of fertilizer per acre.
   
   0-46-0
   25 lb. P2O5/A ÷ 0.46/lb. of fertilizer = 54.3 lb. of fertilizer per acre.
   
   18-46-0
   25 lb. P2O5/A ÷ 0.46/lb. of fertilizer = 54.3 lb. of fertilizer per acre.
    
3. Next calculate how much other nutrients we are supplying with these sources of phosphate. To do this, we multiply the pounds of fertilizer per acre that must be applied by the proportion of the other nutrients in that fertilizer.
   (Pounds of fertilizer that must be applied for correct rate of phosphate x proportion of other nutrients in blend = pounds of other nutrients we are applying.)
   
   19-19-19
   131.6 lb. x 0.19 (N) = 25 lb. of N applied per acre.
   131.6 lb. x 0.19 (K2O) = 25 lb. of K2O applied per acre.
   
   0-46-0
   No other nutrients being applied.
   
   18-46-0
   54.3 lb. x 0.18 (N) = 9.8 lb. of N applied per acre.
    
4. Next, calculate the pounds of fertilizer you must use to apply the recommended rate of nitrogen per acre. The single nitrogen source is urea, 46-0-0. Remember to subtract the amount applied from other sources.
   (Nutrient rate per acre &#; amount from other sources ÷ fertilizer nutrient proportion = pounds of fertilizer you need to apply per acre.)
   
   19-19-19 + 46-0-0
   62.5 lb. N/A &#; 25 lb. applied ÷ 0.46/lb. of fertilizer = 81.52 lb. of urea per acre must be applied.
   
   0-46-0 + 46-0-0
   62.5 lb. N/A ÷ 0.46/lb. of fertilizer = 135.9 lb. of urea needed to apply per acre.
   
   18-46-0 + 46-0-0
   62.5 lb. N/A &#; 9.8 lb. applied ÷ 0.46/lb. of fertilizer = 114.6 lb. of urea needed to apply per acre.
    
5. Now calculate the pounds of fertilizer you must use to apply the recommended rate of potash per acre. The single potash source is 0-0-60. Remember to subtract the amount applied from other sources.
   (Nutrient rate per acre recommended &#; amount from other sources ÷ fertilizer nutrient proportion = pounds of fertilizer needed to apply per acre.)
   
   19-19-19 + 46-0-0 + 0-0-60
   132.5 lb. K/A &#; 25 lb. applied ÷ 0.60/lb. of fertilizer = 179.2 lb. of potash per acre must be applied.
   
   0-46-0 + 46-0-0 + 0-0-60
   132.5 lb. K/A ÷ 0.60/lb. of fertilizer = 220.8 lb. of potash needed to apply per acre.
   
   18-46-0 + 46-0-0 + 0-0-60
   132.5 lb. K/A ÷ 0.60/lb. of fertilizer = 220.8 lb. of potash needed to apply per acre.
    
6. Finally, calculate the cost per acre to apply each fertilizer blend. To do this, calculate the sum of the cost per pound of each ingredient multiplied by the pounds needed for that ingredient.
   (Cost for ingredient per ton ÷ 2,000 lb. per ton x number of pounds needed to apply.) Repeat this for each ingredient purchased and total as shown in the example given here.               19-19-19 @ $220.60/ton   Urea 46-0-0 @ $190.00/ton   Triple Super Phosphate 0-46-0 @ $249.90/ton   Potash 0-0-60 @ $187.00/ton   DAP 18-46-0 @ $265.00/ton
   19-19-19 + 46-0-0 + 0-0-60
   (($220.60 ÷ 2,000) x 131.6) + (($190 ÷ 2,000) x 81.52) +
   (($187 ÷ 2,000) x 179.2) = $39.50 per acre.
   
   0-46-0 + 46-0-0 + 0-0-60
   (($249.90 ÷ 2,000) x 54.3) + (($190 ÷ 2,000) x 135.9) +
   (($187 ÷ 2,000) x 220.8) = $40.33 per acre.
   
   18-46-0 + 46-0-0 + 0-0-60
   (($265 ÷ 2,000) x 54.3) + (($190 ÷ 2,000) x 114.6) +
   (($187 ÷ 2,000) x 220.8) = $38.71 per acre.
   
   In this example, using a blend of DAP (18-46-0), urea (46-0-0), and potash (0-0-60) was the most economical. Prices listed in this fact sheet were current at the time of writing. Prices of fertilizer will vary. However, you may use the formulas regardless of price change. The calculations presented here do not take into account blending cost. When purchasing fertilizer, consider sources of macronutrients and micronutrients found in common fertilizer materials. Table 1 lists common sources of fertilizers and approximate contents.

Table 1. Percentage of Fertilizer Nutrients and Content Source N P2O5 K2O Secondary & Micronutrients With Concentrations Greater Than 1% Anhydrous Ammonia 82.0 - - - Ammonia Nitrate 33.5 - -   Ammonia Sulfate 21.0 - - 23.0 S Urea 46.0 - - - Aqua Ammonia 20.0-25.0 - - - Nitrogen Solutions 20.0-32.0 - - - Urea Formaldehyde 38.0 - - - Calcium Nitrate 15.5 - - 19.4 Ca, 1.5 Mg Superphosphate - 47.0 - 14.0 Ca, 1.4 S Ammonia Phosphate 11.0 48.0 0.2 1.1 Ca, 2.2 S Diammonium Phosphate 18.0 47.0 -   Muriate of Potash - - 60.0-62.0 47 Cl, 1.2 Mg, 18.0 S Potassium Magnesium Sulfate - - 21.0 11.0 Mg, 23.0 S Potassium Nitrate 13.0 - 44.0   Ammonium Nitrate-lime 20.0 - - 7.3 Ca, 4.4 Mg, 4.0 S Magnesium Sulfate - - - 2.2 Ca, 10.5 Mg, 14.0 S Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate) - - 0.5 22.3 Ca, 17.0 S Elemental Sulfur - - - 30.0-99.0 S Basic Slag - 8.0-12.0   29.0 Ca, 3.3 Mg, 21.0 Mn Kieserite - - - 1.5 Ca, 18.2 Mg Dolomite - - - 21.0 Ca, 18.2 Mg Limestone (calcitic) - - 0.3 32.0 Ca, 3.0 Mg Borax - - - 11.0 B Copper Sulfate - - - 33.0 Cu, 13.0 S Iron Sulfate - - - 20.0 Fe, 12.0 S Manganese Oxide - - - 41.0-68.0 Mn Manganese Sulfate - - - 23.0-28.0 Mn, 13.0 S Zinc Oxide - - - 50.0-80.0 Zn Zinc Sulfate - - - 12.0-18.0 Zn Source: The Fertilizer Handbook, by The Fertilizer Institute, Washington, D.C.

The decision as to what nutrients to purchase for forage crops should be based on soil and possibly tissue tests. Differences in the value of crop nutrients can be extreme. For this reason, we recommend that you purchase the nutrients needed as indicated through proper analysis. Compare each nutrient source for the concentration of nutrients and follow the best management practices associated with the application of nutrients described in OSU Extension Bulletin 609. If planting, the amount of nitrogen supplied by the previous crop should also be considered. Table 2 lists nitrogen credits that should be subtracted from the nitrogen fertilizer recommendation if not previously done by the soil testing laboratory.

Table 2. Nitrogen Available from Previous Crop (lb/acre) Previous Crop N Credits Corn, Small Grain 0 Soybeans 30 Grass Sod/Pasture 40 Forage Legume   Avg. Stand (3 plants/ft2) 40 + [20 x (plants/ft2)]   Max. 140 Source: Extension Bulletin E-

For more information on forage fertility or if you have specific questions on testing, contact your local Extension office.

Bibliography

• Michigan State University, The Ohio State University, Purdue University. Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn, Soybeans, Wheat & Alfalfa. Extension Bulletin E-.
• Potash & Phosphate Institute. . Soil Fertility Manual. Norcross, Georgia.
• The Fertilizer Institute. . The Fertilizer Handbook. The Fertilizer Institute, Washington, D.C.
• Ohio State University Extension. Ohio Agronomy Guide. Bulletin 472.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the individuals listed here for reviewing the manuscript: Mark Sulc, OSU Extension Forage Specialist; Hank Bartholomew, Southern Ohio Grazing Coordinator; Ed Vollborn, Leader, Grazing; Jay Johnson, OSU Extension Fertility Specialist; Joy Ann Fischer, Communications and Technology; and Dave Miller, East District Farm Management Specialist. Also, thank you to Carla Wickham, Office Assistant, OSU Extension, Noble County.

For more information, please visit urea 46-0-0 nitrogen fertilizer.

 

Fertilizer Needs Worksheet

Step 1.

Determine fertilizer recommendations based on yield goals and soil test values.
 

Crop to be grown ______________________________________________

Yield goal ____________________________________________________
 

Fertilizer recommendations based on soil test.

pH _______________

N ________________ lb./A

P2O5 _____________ lb./A

K2O ______________ lb./A

It may be necessary to convert Phosphate P2O5 to elemental P or K2O to elemental K. Work in the same terms as the soil-test results.

P2O5 x 0.44 = Elemental P

K2O x 0.83 = Elemental K

Step 2.

Select a fertilizer blend or nutrient source.

________ lbs. of fertilizer to spread =

____________lb. of nutrient recommended by soil test

  ____________percentage of nutrient in source
(decimal form)

Example: 0-46-0 source we are comparing

_____________________ =
(lb. of fertilizer to spread)

__25 lb. P2O5 recommended by our soil test__
0.46 (percentage of P2O5 in our selected blend)

      pounds to apply per acre = 54.3 lb./A

Do the same steps for nitrogen and potash. These steps will tell you how much fertilizer you need.

If you are looking at purchasing nitrogen for a new planting, you need to consider residual nitrogen from the previous crop and past application of manures. Look at Table 2 and deduct the nitrogen credits from the nitrogen recommended on the soil test.

Step 3.

Calculate the tons of fertilizer needed.
 

___2,000 lb. per ton_____ = # of acres a ton will cover
lb./A to spread from Step 2
 

Example: From Step 2:

_2,000 lb. per ton_ = 36.8 acres we can cover
54.3 lb./A to apply

If we needed to fertilize 10 acres:

10 acres x 54.3 lb./A = 543 lb. of fertilizer needed.

_____________
(acres to spread) x ___________________
(lb. of fertilizer per acre) = Total lb. of fertilizer needed

Do this for each major nutrient needed.

Step 4.

Calculate cost per acre.

_______________
(fertilizer cost/ton) ÷ ________________
(# of acres you can = fertilizer cost per acre     spread per ton of
fertilizer, Step 3)     Example: 0-46-0 @ $249.90/ton ÷ 36.8 acres per ton     $249.90 ÷ 36.8 = $6.79 per acre cost of fertilizer

Step 5.

Calculate the spreading cost per acre.
 

________________
(Spreading cost/ton) ÷ ___________________________
(# of acres you can spread per ton) = spreading cost per acre

 

Example: Spreading cost $6.00/ton

 

$ 6.00 ÷ 36.8 acres per ton = $0.16 spreading cost per acre

Step 6.

Calculate the total cost of fertilizer per acre.

___________________
(Fertilizer cost per acre) + ____________________
(Spreading cost per acre) = ________________
(Total cost per acre)

Step 4

 

Step 4

 

 

*Spreading cost can be significant.

Want more information on prilled urea vs granular urea? Feel free to contact us.