How to Cope With Rising Fertilizer Costs & Agriculture

by Joshua Roberts

Overview

As the agricultural industry changes, one problem facing many growers is how to cope with the rising cost of fertilizers. Many fertilizers are composed of petroleum products, linking them to the price of oil which has been skyrocketing of late. Fortunately, it is possible to successfully grow crops and eliminate the use of fertilizers entirely. Indeed, many farmers have been able to secure higher prices for their crops in doing so. With study and practice, a farm can eliminate the cost of fertilizers while raising the price of crops in just a few years' time.

Step 1

Rotate your crops every year. This is the best way to reduce overall dependence on chemical fertilizers. Crops should be divided into families, since most plant families all share similar nutrient demands. By moving your crops each year from field to field, you'll avoid placing constant demand on a certain nutrient in each field, thus allowing for a more efficient use of the nutrients that are already present in the soils.
Step 2

Save all organic waste products produced by your farming efforts. These include fallen leaves, discarded plants, and animal waste. Save kitchen scraps and, if possible, obtain supplies of manure from farmers looking to get rid of excess waste. These can be plowed into fields after harvest each year to replenish organic material and nutrients.
Step 3

Perform soil tests regularly to ensure the most efficient use of nutrients. Doing so enables you to tailor soils to the specific needs of a plant you intend to grow, rather than shooting in the dark and wasting valuable resources.
Step 4

Consider obtaining organic certification with your state agricultural department. Organic fruits and vegetables command a higher market price, rewarding you for your efforts in natural growing even as you reduce your dependence on petroleum-based fertilizers.

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Organic certification materials for your state Large amounts of natural fertilizers
Organic certification materials for your state
Large amounts of natural fertilizers

References & Resources