Grainswest - Winter 2022

Winter 2022 grainswest.com 35 ertilizer prices have skyrocketed over the last year, to the point where they have almost doubled,” said Rigas Karamanos, former senior agronomist with Koch Fertilizer Canada. “In 2021, some growers bought urea fertilizer for $730 per metric tonne, whereas now they are looking at about $1,300 per metric tonne.” Karamanos noted the increase is due to multiple factors. While transportation backlogs impeded supply at the Port of Vancouver and China suspended phosphate and urea exports, higher commodity prices have increased demand. “In spite of the price crunch, much fertilizer research is focused on best management practices for reducing gas emissions as this is what the public is most concerned about,” said Karamanos, in reference to the production of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. As the current price crunch has jolted farmers and the ag industry, three fertilizer research projects now have implications for cost management in the field and at the factory. ANONGOING EXAMINATION An ongoing study conducted by Fertilizer Canada since 2014 may contribute to more efficient fertilizer use. The Fertilizer Use Survey has been expanded to gather information on western Canadian corn, flax, sunflower and wheat crops, which were not previously included. This past spring, the Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC), SaskWheat and the Manitoba Crop Alliance partnered in the project, which will examine farmer adherence to 4R beneficial nutrient practices. The three commissions have contributed funds and participated in committee discussions regarding the structure of the survey. “The project is assessing the current state of fertilizer management in Canada,” said Karen Proud, Fertilizer Canada president and CEO. “The survey shows us how agri-retailers “F BY GEOFF GEDDES PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK Researchers develop solutions as nutrient costs skyrocket While fertilizer is critical to keep farmers in the black, many see red as its cost has greatly increased. As prices are on the upswing, industry groups and researchers turn their attention to new ideas that may boost ROI.