Homeowners staggering under heavyt natural gas bills are anxiously awaiting warmer temperatures.

However, farmers, greens keepers and landscapers may find little relief from those bills when the spring growing season blooms.

Besides heating, natural gas is basic in the production of nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer is key to keeping golf courses green, corn fields abundant and back yards beautiful.

The price for a ton of nitrogen fertilizer increased this year by $80, said Steven Lengel, owner of Agway Hermitage. A bulk ton costs $280 and $300 when bagged.

Major users like farmers placed their orders in December, Lengel said. So, the Agway owner does not expect a shortage of fertilizer.

"The guys, who bought fertilizer early may be OK, but the guys who waited may be in a little trouble," said Tom Zundel, Mercer County Cooperative Extension Service agent in agronomy.

Dairy farmers grow corn to feed their cattle. If necessary, they may reduce the amount of fertilizer they use, he said. The rule of thumb is: For every five cents a pound of fertilizer rises in price, farmers use four pounds less per acre to break even, Zundel said.

Grain farmers could look at growing something other than corn, such as soybeans, he said.

Locally, farmers have carried over last year’s corn in their silos, so they may not experience problems this year, Zundel said.

Like the farmers, Tom O’Shanter golf course beat the rising prices by ordering early. "We won’t be affected this year. We pre-ordered in November. Next year, it will, when I have to buy again," said Rick Kerins, certified greens superintendent and golf course co-owner.

Greens fees will be increased because of the general cost of operations and not because of fertilizer prices, he said. The golf course also has to deal with the rising cost of gasoline used to fuel mowers, he said.

Darla Swift, who owns Wayne A. Swift Nursery in Delaware Township with her husband, said the nursery will have to absorb the cost increases for the fertilizer they use for their shrubs and evergreens.