How to Get Fertilizer in Fallout 4: A Comprehensive Guide and the Curious Case of Brahmin Diplomacy

How to Get Fertilizer in Fallout 4: A Comprehensive Guide and the Curious Case of Brahmin Diplomacy

In the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout 4, survival is the name of the game. Among the many resources you’ll need to thrive, fertilizer stands out as a crucial component for crafting and settlement building. But how exactly do you get your hands on this valuable resource? And what does it have to do with the mysterious art of Brahmin diplomacy? Let’s dive in.

1. Understanding Fertilizer in Fallout 4

Fertilizer is a key ingredient in crafting various items, including explosives like bottlecap mines and frag mines. It’s also essential for creating Jet, a popular chem in the wasteland. But where does it come from? In the world of Fallout 4, fertilizer is primarily obtained from Brahmin, the mutated cows that roam the Commonwealth.

2. Brahmin: The Fertilizer Factories

Brahmin are not just a source of milk and meat; they are also the primary producers of fertilizer. When you have Brahmin in your settlement, they will naturally produce fertilizer over time. To maximize your fertilizer output, consider the following tips:

  • Build a Brahmin Trough: Constructing a Brahmin trough in your settlement will attract Brahmin, increasing the likelihood of them producing fertilizer.
  • Assign Settlers to Manage Brahmin: Assigning settlers to manage the Brahmin can increase the efficiency of fertilizer production. This is where the concept of “Brahmin diplomacy” comes into play—settlers who are skilled in animal husbandry can coax more fertilizer out of the Brahmin.

3. Scavenging for Fertilizer

If you don’t have Brahmin in your settlement, don’t despair. Fertilizer can also be found scattered throughout the Commonwealth. Here are some common locations where you might find it:

  • Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: These locations often have gardening supplies, including bags of fertilizer.
  • Farms and Agricultural Areas: Abandoned farms and agricultural facilities are prime spots for finding fertilizer.
  • Workshops and Garages: Some workshops and garages may have fertilizer stored alongside other crafting materials.

4. Crafting Fertilizer

In addition to scavenging and Brahmin production, you can also craft fertilizer yourself. To do this, you’ll need the following materials:

  • Plastic: Plastic can be found in various locations, including toy stores, hospitals, and even some homes.
  • Bone: Bone can be obtained from skeletons, animal carcasses, or by scrapping certain items.
  • Cloth: Cloth is a common material that can be found in clothing, curtains, and other fabric items.

Once you have these materials, you can craft fertilizer at a chemistry station. This method is particularly useful if you’re in a pinch and need fertilizer quickly.

5. Trading for Fertilizer

If all else fails, you can always trade for fertilizer. Many merchants in the Commonwealth carry fertilizer, though it may come at a premium price. Some of the best places to look include:

  • Diamond City Market: The merchants in Diamond City often have a variety of crafting materials, including fertilizer.
  • Bunker Hill: This trading hub is another great place to find fertilizer and other rare items.
  • Traveling Merchants: Keep an eye out for traveling merchants like Carla or Trashcan Carla, who often carry fertilizer in their inventory.

6. The Curious Case of Brahmin Diplomacy

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the Brahmin. The concept of “Brahmin diplomacy” is a whimsical notion that suggests settlers can negotiate with Brahmin to increase fertilizer production. While this idea is more fiction than fact, it does highlight the importance of managing your settlement’s resources effectively. By assigning skilled settlers to manage Brahmin and ensuring they have the necessary tools (like a Brahmin trough), you can optimize your fertilizer output without resorting to actual diplomacy.

7. Advanced Tips for Fertilizer Management

For those looking to take their fertilizer game to the next level, consider these advanced tips:

  • Automate Fertilizer Production: Use the Contraptions Workshop DLC to create automated systems that collect and store fertilizer from Brahmin.
  • Expand Your Settlements: The more settlements you control, the more Brahmin you can have, and thus, the more fertilizer you can produce.
  • Invest in the Local Leader Perk: This perk allows you to establish supply lines between settlements, making it easier to share resources like fertilizer.

8. Conclusion

Fertilizer is a vital resource in Fallout 4, whether you’re crafting explosives, chems, or simply trying to keep your settlements thriving. By understanding the various ways to obtain fertilizer—through Brahmin, scavenging, crafting, and trading—you can ensure that you never run out of this essential material. And while the idea of Brahmin diplomacy may be more fantasy than reality, it serves as a reminder that effective resource management is key to survival in the wasteland.


Q: Can I use fertilizer for anything other than crafting explosives and chems? A: Yes, fertilizer can also be used in settlement building, particularly in creating garden plots for growing crops.

Q: How often do Brahmin produce fertilizer? A: Brahmin produce fertilizer over time, typically every 24 in-game hours, provided they have access to a Brahmin trough.

Q: Is there a limit to how much fertilizer I can store in my settlement? A: There is no hard limit to how much fertilizer you can store, but it will take up space in your workshop inventory. Be sure to manage your storage efficiently.

Q: Can I find fertilizer in the wild without Brahmin or crafting? A: Yes, fertilizer can be found in various locations throughout the Commonwealth, such as supermarkets, farms, and workshops.

Q: What happens if I don’t have a Brahmin trough in my settlement? A: Without a Brahmin trough, Brahmin will not produce fertilizer. It’s essential to build a trough to attract and manage Brahmin effectively.

Q: Are there any mods that can help with fertilizer production? A: Yes, there are several mods available that can enhance fertilizer production, such as those that increase the yield from Brahmin or add new ways to craft fertilizer.