Cost benefit calculator for nitrogen fertiliser use on grassland

Use this tool to work out the cost versus the benefit of applying nitrogen fertiliser to grassland. Accounting for fertiliser and feed prices, it calculates the cost of nitrogen application and then compares with the feed value of grass. This will help with the decision on whether it is more cost effective to apply nitrogen fertiliser to grassland or purchase feed instead.

An energy crisis and war in Ukraine have contributed to unprecedentedly high fertiliser prices. Many livestock producers are thinking about whether it is still economic to apply nitrogen fertiliser to grassland or buy in feed instead.

The tool calculates:

• Cost of nitrogen fertiliser and application (£/kg)
• Grass feed value (£/kg dry matter)
• Cost benefit ratio
• Cost benefit result

The results provided can aid decision making. However, local adjustments may be required to fit specific circumstances.

The cost benefit calculation is based on seven inputted figures:

1. Fertiliser product price (£/t)
2. Fertiliser product nitrogen content (%)
3. Fertiliser spreading cost (£/ha), a typical figure is provided
4. Number of nitrogen applications (per year)
5. Total nitrogen fertiliser applied (kg N/ha per year)
6. Feed/blend/concentrate price (£/t)
7. Dry matter of feed (%), a typical figure is provided

When you click on ‘Download resource’ from the AHDB website and the calculator opens up in viewing mode only, at the top of the screen there should be a button that says ‘Download file’. Click on this and you should then be able to click on or open the downloaded file.

No. The calculator just works out the cost of nitrogen fertiliser and its application versus the feed value of grass. There are other apps and calculators available to calculate your recommended nitrogen application rate or use the RB209 publication. A link to RB209 can be found at the bottom of this page.

Helps you make the most of organic materials and balance the benefits of fertiliser use against the costs.