North Carolina farmers turn to compost as fertilizer prices remain high

North Carolina farmers are increasingly using compost as fertilizer prices remain high, partly due to geopolitical tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Higher costs for key inputs such as fertilizer and diesel are putting pressure on producers across the state, according to industry data and farmer reports. A recent American Farm Bureau Federation survey found that only 19% of Southeast farmers had secured fertilizer supplies before planting season, highlighting the ongoing strain.

Michael Fine, owner of Seven Sisters Farm in Denton, is combining compost with conventional fertilizers to manage costs and maintain yields. He applies compost to about one-third of his 6-acre farm, a process that requires more labor and time but provides agronomic benefits. Fine notes that compost improves nutrient retention and reduces runoff, leading to healthier soil and potentially more nutrient-dense crops. He still relies on commercial fertilizers for crops like watermelons, where immediate nutrient availability is essential.

Experts note that composting provides long-term benefits for soil health but does not fully replace synthetic fertilizers, especially on large-scale farms. Biswanath Dari, assistant professor of soil science at North Carolina A&T State University, describes composting as a gradual process that improves soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient-holding capacity over time. While large-scale adoption is possible, he emphasizes that conventional fertilizers remain necessary to meet row crops’ immediate nutrient needs.

Source: Spectrum News One