Nitrogen

Farmers’ shift away from fall application of nitrogen for crops such as corn and sorghum is being reflected in changing retail practices, says Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie. “In my area of central Illinois, I know two fertilizer plants that have completely dropped anhydrous ammonia,” he says. “Their sales had shifted to spring application of nitrogen solution. While ammonia can be applied in the spring, farmers found it took up too much of their time when they needed to concentrate on planting, compared to nitrogen solution that can be applied as they plant or with herbicides.”

The early harvest opened the window for farmers to make mistakes with fall applied N.

The theme of Covid shutdowns, along with shifts to greener energy and other decisions, has led to a network of shortages that threaten home heating in Britain, electricity in Brazil, and availability of power in China.

Dept. of Commerce issued a preliminary determination this week showing urea nitrate from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago is being sold into the U.S. at less than fair value. The ruling could open the door for tariffs.