There are reports of low availability of protected urea in some places.

Protected urea is a key measure for reducing ammonia emissions and is being pushed heavily by the Department of Agriculture and Teagasc, with a target of 100% protected urea use by the end of 2023.

However, like all fertilisers, availability this season is a concern. Protected urea sales only increased by 2.8% to 50,442t last season, while sales of straight urea came in at 88,708t.

This equates to about 10% of the artificial nitrogen used in Ireland.

The balance of nitrogen used is CAN (27% N) or nitrogen in compounds.

There is reported to be demand among farmers for protected urea, but most demand is not expected until late spring.

Industry reports suggest that urea is hard to come by and is one of the more volatile products on the market.

Teagasc continues to promote protected urea use to improve fertiliser efficiency and reduce emissions on farms

However, the Irish Farmers Journal understands manufacturers have treated and will continue to treat urea with a urease inhibitor as product becomes available. Farmers should declare their requirement for protected urea to their local supplier ahead of time to allow for planning in the supply chain.

Teagasc continues to promote protected urea use to improve fertiliser efficiency and reduce emissions on farms.

Research published in last week’s Irish Farmers Journal stated that reduced rates, as a result of reduced N losses from protected urea, made the product more competitive on price than straight urea or CAN.

However, supply is an issue and the extra cost per tonne of up to €65/t over urea, in an already expensive market, is offputting for farmers.

Under pressure

The reduced fertiliser usage might reduce their overall emissions impact, despite limited availability of protected urea for 2022.

The global fertiliser supply chain remains under pressure. Production was reduced dramatically in autumn as a result of high natural gas prices and a deficit needs to be made up.

Other issues like transport are still wreaking havoc with supplies as the availability of shipping remains an issue. Merchants and co-ops are advising farmers to have some stocks in place ahead of when it is needed.