Calum Findlay, Gleadell’s Fertiliser Manager, comments on the fertiliser markets

Urea

Physical trade for spot urea, both prilled and granular, is moving things a little higher. This may well be the changing of the tide for world urea values, which are still on a three-year low internationally. The current exchange rate of £1=$1.51 is also one of the lowest figures seen for a year, making dollar traded product more expensive overall. The end of the Chinese low export tax window is the 22 July, which will also firm things on the world market.

Alzon 46%

Values for Alzon 46 are currently unchanged, as it is a German-manufactured product coming from a stable domestic market. This has reduced the “premium” over standard granular urea, making Alzon 46 an interesting option. Alzon should perform more efficiently than AN or urea, resulting in increased yield or reduced nutrient application rates.

Ammonium nitrate

Imported products are being pressured by currency, leading to an increase in values. The majority of nitrogen for purchase pre-harvest seems to have taken place. Supply of nitrogen / sulphur products in the UK is becoming limited due to reduced amounts of imported material, which is expected to cause a shortage.

P&K

Values have eased for both potash and phosphate due to the current lull in demand. However with sowing only six to eight weeks away, phosphate demand is expected to drive values upwards. Potash supply contracts into India and China are under negotiation, which is expected to lead to some higher prices from August onwards.

Gleadell oilseed rape seedbed products

Gleadell has put together some specific oilseed rape products, to apply NPKS and boron to oilseed rape pre-or post-sowing. Gleadell OSR Pro uses the latest phosphate protection and boron application system to give oilseed rape the best possible start this autumn.