How to Reduce Fertilizer Costs Without Yield Loss: Agronomists' Advice

How to Reduce Fertilizer Costs Without Yield Loss: Agronomists' Advice

In 2025, Ukrainian farmers will face rising fertilizer prices due to rising energy costs, logistical challenges, and exchange rate fluctuations. According to the Ukrainian Agrarian Business Club (UABC), fertilizer costs can account for up to 20–30% of total costs per hectare. However, reducing fertilizer costs without yield loss is entirely possible thanks to modern agronomic practices, precision farming, and a rational approach to resource management. In this article, we have collected 10 key tips from agronomists that will help farmers optimize fertilizer costs while maintaining high crop productivity.

1. Conducting soil analysis for accurate fertilizer application

Soil analysis is the basis for effective fertilizer use. Determining the level of nutrients in the soil allows you to avoid over-fertilization and optimize their dosage. According to the agricultural company Kernel, regular soil analysis can reduce fertilizer costs by 15–25% without losing yield.

• What to analyze: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, trace elements and soil pH.
• How often: once every 2–3 years for each field.
• Tools: cooperation with laboratories, use of portable soil analyzers.

Tip: Use soil nutrient maps to create differentiated fertilizer application zones.

2. Applying precision agriculture

Precision agriculture allows you to apply fertilizers only where they are really needed, thanks to the use of GPS, drones and sensors. For example, Variable Rate Application (VRA) technologies allow you to save up to 20% of fertilizers while maintaining yield.

Advantages:

• Precise dosage of fertilizers based on the needs of specific areas of the field.
• Reduction of costs for logistics and storage of fertilizers.
• Minimization of environmental impact due to excess nutrients.

Example: A farm in Cherkasy region reduced costs for nitrogen fertilizers by 18% thanks to VRA technologies.

3. Use of organic fertilizers

Organic fertilizers, such as compost, manure or biohumus, are a cost-effective alternative to mineral fertilizers. They not only reduce costs, but also improve soil structure. According to the Institute of Soil Science, organic fertilizers can replace up to 40% of mineral fertilizers without loss of yield.

Type of organic fertilizer	Cost, UAH/t (2025)	Savings compared to mineral fertilizers, %
Manure	200–300	30–50%
Compost	400–600	20–30%
Biohumus	1000–1500	10–15%

Tip: Use your own crop and livestock waste to create compost.

4. Implement crop rotation

Proper crop rotation reduces the need for fertilizer, as crops use nutrients differently. For example, legumes (soybeans, peas) fix nitrogen in the soil, which allows you to reduce the application of nitrogen fertilizers for the next season by 20–30%.

Recommendations:

1. Include legumes in your crop rotation.
2. Alternate crops with different nutrient needs (for example, corn after wheat).
3. Use green manures (mustard, lupine) to naturally enrich the soil.

5. Optimize fertilizer purchases

Purchasing fertilizers in bulk or in the off-season allows you to save up to 10–15% thanks to discounts from suppliers. For example, the purchase of urea in the fall of 2024 cost 5–7 UAH/kg cheaper than in the season.

Tip: Sign long-term contracts with suppliers and participate in tenders to reduce costs.

6. Use of microbiological preparations

Microbiological preparations, such as nitrogen fixers and phosphorus-soluble bacteria, increase the availability of nutrients for plants. This allows you to reduce the application of mineral fertilizers by 10–20%. For example, the drug "Baikal EM-1" has shown effectiveness in increasing corn yield by 5–7% while reducing fertilizer costs.

Advantages:

• Improving the absorption of nutrients by plants.
• Reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
• Environmental friendliness and safety for the soil.

7. Use of green manures

Green manures are crops grown to enrich the soil with organic matter and nutrients. For example, mustard or oilseed radish fix nitrogen and improve soil structureone that allows you to reduce fertilizer application by 15–25%.

How to use:

1. Sow green manure after harvesting the main crop.
2. Plow the green mass into the soil before flowering.
3. Combine green manure with organic fertilizers for maximum effect.

8. Modernization of fertilizer application equipment

The use of modern fertilizer spreaders with GPS navigation and automatic dosing systems allows you to avoid excessive fertilizer application. According to the Agroresurs company, such systems save up to 10% of fertilizer per season.

Tip: Invest in equipment with an automatic shutdown function on cultivated areas.

9. Participation in state support programs

In 2025, farmers can take advantage of state programs, such as compensation for the cost of fertilizers or equipment. For example, the "Affordable Fertilizers" program from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine compensates up to 30% of the cost of purchasing fertilizers for small and medium-sized farms.

How to get:

• Register in the State Agrarian Register.
• Submit an application through the "Diya" portal.
• Follow grant programs from international organizations, such as FAO.

10. Personnel training and agronomic expertise

The correct use of fertilizers depends on the qualifications of agronomists and equipment operators. Regular training of personnel allows you to avoid mistakes, such as uneven fertilizer application, which can lead to overspending. According to the Ukrainian Agricultural Commission, training agronomists increases the efficiency of fertilizer use by 5–10%.

Recommendations:

1. Conduct trainings on agronomy and the use of modern technologies.
2. Cooperate with scientific institutions for advice.
3. Use software to plan fertilizer application.

Fertilizer price forecast for 2025

According to forecasts, in 2025, mineral fertilizer prices in Ukraine will increase by 10–15% due to an increase in gas prices and logistics costs. For example, the average price for urea may reach 18–20 thousand UAH/t, and for ammophos - 22–25 thousand UAH/t. However, off-season purchases and government support can partially offset this increase.

Conclusion

Reducing fertilizer costs without losing yield is possible if you combine modern technologies, rational planning, and government support. Implementing at least a few of the proposed methods, such as soil analysis, precision agriculture, or the use of green manure, will help Ukrainian farmers not only save money but also improve the environmental friendliness of production. Start by analyzing the needs of your farm and gradually implement new practices for maximum effect.