U.S. retail fertilizer prices were again mixed in the fourth week of August 2025, continuing a now month-long pattern of price volatility that reflects cautious buying behavior and localized supply and demand fluctuations.

According to DTN's data, four fertilizers saw slight price increases:

• DAP: $853/ton

• MAP: $910/ton

• Potash: $485/ton

• Anhydrous ammonia: $765/ton

Meanwhile, four fertilizers recorded minor price declines:

• Urea: $632/ton

• 10-34-0: $667/ton

• UAN28: $417/ton

• UAN32: $482/ton

These shifts remain within a non-significant range, as DTN considers any movement of 5% or more as a major change.

Nitrogen Costs Show Competitive Edge for Anhydrous

When analyzed by cost per pound of nitrogen, anhydrous continues to offer a cost advantage:

• Urea: $0.69/lb.N

• Anhydrous ammonia: $0.47/lb.N

• UAN28: $0.75/lb.N

• UAN32: $0.75/lb.N

This may influence fall application plans, particularly in corn-heavy states where nitrogen efficiency remains a cost-sensitive issue.

Phosphorus Management Under the Spotlight

Dr. Ehsan Ghane of Michigan State University has recently emphasized that applying phosphorus when soil levels are already high does not improve profitability and can harm the environment. His article, "No Payoff From High Soil Test Phosphorus," explains that over-application contributes to nutrient runoff and algal blooms, especially in sensitive watersheds like Lake Erie.

"Maintaining soil test phosphorus at or slightly above the critical level ensures productivity without the excess risk of nutrient loss," Ghane noted, reinforcing a growing consensus on nutrient stewardship.

Year-over-Year Fertilizer Price Comparison

Compared to the same period in 2024, seven of eight fertilizers are now more expensive:

• 10-34-0: +4%

• MAP: +12%

• Anhydrous: +13%

• DAP: +15%

• UAN28: +27%

• Urea: +29%

• UAN32: +32%

Potash is the only fertilizer with a 1% price decrease from last year.

Since 2008, DTN has tracked fertilizer price trends through its Fertilizer Index, providing ag retailers and producers with weekly national benchmarks.

Dry Fertilizers

Liquid Fertilizers