08 June, 2026

Focus on nitrogen use efficiency

By: Philip Cosgrave

Nitrogen (N) fertiliser prices have increased by nearly a third (AHDB) and this, combined with the large increase in fuel prices since the beginning of the year, has heaped huge pressure on farms to somehow navigate this unexpected spike in costs.
Spreader on a field
Spreader on a field

The reaction to very high fertiliser prices in 2022 is evident in the latest British Survey of Fertiliser Practice data, showing a significant reduction in overall fertiliser application rates from 51kg/ha in 2021 to 34 kg/ha in 2022, and there has been no rebound in nitrogen use since 2022. N use has declined by 65% since 2000.  

The kneejerk reaction to high fertiliser prices is to use less fertiliser, which isn’t a surprise but it’s not often the right reaction unless you intend to change your system or lower your stocking rate.  

At current N fertiliser prices, don’t sacrifice home-grown forage for purchased forage and concentrate. A kilo of N fertiliser at £1.60 will grow between 10 – 20 kg of grass DM/ha. Taking concentrate prices at £290 tonne which equates to £0.34 kg/DM, purchased concentrate is two to four times more expensive than growing grass with chemical nitrogen. 

A more pertinent question should be, are you using N efficiently on your farm? This does not just include chemical N but also manures and clover. If there is room for improvement, then there is scope to reduce chemical N or grow more forage from the same chemical N inputs.