US fertilizer use to rise on higher crop acreage

US fertilizer consumption this season is primed to rise by 6pc on an estimated 15mn-acre increase in corn and soybean planting.

Argus estimates nutrient nitrogen (N) consumption this season across corn, soybeans, wheat and cotton to rise by nearly 6pc to about 9mn st. Phosphorus (P2O5) consumption is expected to increase by 7pc to approximately 4.24mn st, while potassium (K2O) use is expected to climb by 8pc to 4.38mn st.

Corn Belt states — where farmers are expected to increase corn and soybean planting by nearly 5.4mn acres — are expected to register the highest increases in nutrient consumption from last season.

Argus estimates Corn Belt N needs will rise by 10pc to nearly 3.04mn st this spring, largely on increased corn acreage in the eastern Corn Belt. Consumption is also expected to rise by 10pc for P2O5 and K2O to approximately 1.59mn st and 2.04mn st, respectively.

Fertilizer consumption would also receive a boost from increased planting in the Northern Plains and the Lakes.

Farmers in the Northern Plains are expected to plant an additional 5.2mn acres of corn and soybeans this year, fueling a 6pc increase in N and P2O5 needs, and a 7pc increase in K2O.

N application in the region is estimated to rise to approximately 1.94mn st, while P2O5 and K2O consumption would subsequently rise to 723,000st and 537,000st, respectively.

Fertilizer needs in the Lakes are expected to increase by 9pc across N, P2O5 and K2O as farmers intend to plant an additional 2.4mn acres of corn and soybeans.

Argus estimates N consumption will rise to nearly 976,000st in the region, while P2O5 and K2O needs would rise to 442,000st and 650,000st, respectively.

The Argus analysis is based on a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) survey conducted during the first two weeks of March, before the impact of collapsing energy markets and reduced fuel demand from coronavirus mitigation efforts were seen widely. A reduction in corn acreage would lead to lower consumption of all nutrients, particularly nitrogen.

Wet spring weather across the major growing regions is forecast to exacerbate soggy soils and worsen flood conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Any substantial disruption would impede applications and shrink overall fertilizer use, potentially mirroring last season's trend.

By Jasmine Davis

Nutrient consumption climbs on increased crop acreage

N consumption to climb with corn acreage st