After taking farmers on a wild ride over the past year, volatility in the fertilizer market remains subdued, at least at major international terminals. That's little comfort for farmers trying to finalize planting decisions and facing high charges from local suppliers.

Nitrogen fertilizer prices were mixed in quiet trade in the latest week. Anhydrous ammonia at the Gulf was steady, around $250 a ton, while prices were up $4 out of the Black Sea. Urea, however, eased again this week, falling $2.25 at the Gulf to $293.75 and tumbling around $11 a ton out of the Black Sea.

DAP prices also eased slightly, down $1.25 a ton at the Gulf to $319.25.

Forward prices into April suggest a quiet market this spring. Bids are mostly flat out of both the Gulf and Black Sea for major products.