The table below is a cost workup considering for the actual Nitrogen content of each of three products. This paints a slightly different picture than does a simple product cost analysis and shows that anhydrous, while pricey by the ton, contains 82% actual nitrogen and will give the most bang for your buck at $0.48 cents per pound. Urea, at 45% actual N is currently at $0.57 cents per pound and UAN32 solution contains 32% actual N at a price tag of $0.61 cents per pound.
The values below are based on the current Inputs Monitor regional price for NH3, Urea and UAN32. Prices will vary, so check in at your preferred retailer for current local pricing. Given December 2013 corn futures at $5.53, expected new-crop revenue is at $844.80 per acre placing 18% price resistance at $152.06 per acre for total NPK. Trends suggest time is running out for winter pricing purchases and hand-to-mouth fertilizer demand in March may push retail prices higher.
| Product |
N content
|
N$/lb
|
N Cost for 175lb/acre
|
Remainder for P&K
|
N Cost for 200lb/acre
|
Remainder for P&K
|
| Anhydrous |
82%
|
$0.48
|
$84.00
|
$68.06
|
$96.00/acre
|
$56.06
|
| Urea |
45%
|
$0.57
|
$99.75
|
$52.31
|
$114.00/acre
|
$38.06
|
| UAN32 |
32%
|
$0.61
|
$106.75
|
$45.31
|
$122.00/acre
|
$30.06
|
See Comments