Daily Google search data since the start of the Middle East war shows a sharp and sustained increase in Irish farmer interest in organic fertiliser alternatives, with the term ‘fertiliser prices’ now searched every day.

Northern Ireland fertiliser producer, SoilWorx, is already providing welcome news for the country’s farmers and growers.

SoilWorx sales director Dr. Paul O’Hora said: “Farmers are entering the critical growing season under mounting financial pressure.

“Synthetic fertiliser prices have risen sharply and availability is unpredictable. Some farmers without forward-bought stocks are reconsidering their drilling plans for this spring altogether.”

For SoilWorx, business is different.

The organic fertiliser manufacturer (based outside Newry) is insulated from many of the current global pressures.

The result is a product range that not only delivers stable pricing and guaranteed supply for farmers and growers, but also long-term agronomic value.

Why synthetic fertiliser prices are rising fast

Approximately 60-80% of the cost of manufactured nitrogen fertiliser is attributable to natural gas.

The ongoing conflict in key gas-producing regions, combined with constrained supplies from Russia, has seen gas costs rise dramatically.

When gas prices rise, fertiliser prices follow.

Iran is also the world’s third largest producer of urea and a major exporter of ammonia, the feedstock of all synthetic nitrogen fertiliser.

With the Strait of Hormuz subject to limited ship movements, supply has become unreliable and urea prices have risen by an estimated 30-37% over the last month.

According to Google search data, Irish farmers began searching for alternatives within days.

Cost pressure at worst possible time

“Farmers are facing difficult decisions,” Paul said.

“Some are considering a ‘P&K holiday’: foregoing phosphorus and potassium applications and relying on existing soil reserves - not without risk to long-term fertility. Others are contemplating skipping spring drilling altogether.

SoilWorx operates at an entirely different point in the supply chain.

Its raw material is poultry manure - Northern Ireland-sourced and continually replenished, wholly independent of global gas markets, international shipping or geopolitical events.

“Supply is not a question for us. We’re not waiting on a vessel somewhere that may or may not arrive," Paul explained.

For farmers considering a P&K holiday, SoilWorx Dynamo offers a practical alternative.

Unlike a standard high-nitrogen product, Dynamo delivers a balanced nutrient profile - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and trace elements - in a single pelletised application, reducing overall reliance on multiple synthetic inputs simultaneously.

A turning point for organic alternatives?

Interest in SoilWorx has been building steadily, driven by awareness of the agronomic benefits of organic matter, more sustainable nutrition programmes and increasing regulatory pressure around nitrogen management.

The current price volatility is accelerating that shift.

When the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) comes in, imposing tariffs on carbon-intensive imported fertilisers, the maths will shift further in favour of organic nutrition.

“Our evidence suggests people who didn’t previously have access to organics, or hadn’t considered them, are now starting to look,” Paul said.

“Whether they believe in regenerative farming, organic production, or just in better sustainable practice, the direction of travel is clear.”

Talk to your agronomist or adviser now

SoilWorx products are available now in bags up to 600kg through wholesalers, including:

Aurivo;
Drummonds;
Deeside Agri;
Fruit Hill Farms;
Quinns of Baltinglass;
Leslie Farm Supplies.

Email: info@soilworx.co.uk

Call: 02896 205588