Fertilizer Prices Soar, Manure Supplies Run Short

面临着global shortage of commercial fertilizersmade worse by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, more U.S. growers are turning toward old-fashioned animal manure, reportsReuters.

Some livestock and dairy farmers, including those who previously paid to have their animals' waste removed, have found a fertile side business selling it to grain growers.

While manure can replace some of the nutrient shortfall, it's no panacea, agriculture specialists say. There's not enough supply to swap out all the commercial fertilizer used in the U.S. Transporting it is expensive. And prices for animal waste, too, are rising on strong demand.

Sky-high prices for industrial fertilizer are projected toreduce American farmers' corn and wheat plantingsthis spring, according to U.S. government data.