Making the call on stabilized N

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If ever there was a time to get up to speed on how to protect different types of nitrogen fertilizer from various forms of loss, it’s now. That’s not just because fertilizer prices are sky high — it’s also because the total amount of N fertilizer that makes it to Canadian farms this spring might be less than originally planned for.

That impending and probable shortage has many farmers asking more questions about the applications and effectiveness of nitrogen stabilizers.

First off, there are several products that can be applied to nitrogen fertilizer to protect from certain losses: either because of a “slow release” coating, or a product that specifically decreases conversion of N to a loss-prone form (nitrate).

Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, explains that finding the right fit for the farm does depend on soil type and weather. Depending on the situation you may choose a urease inhibitor, to protect against volatilization or you may choose a nitrification inhibitor, which reduces the rate at which the fertilizer converts from ammonium to nitrate.

The products do work to reduce N losses, but the challenge, Johnson says, is knowing when to use them, and if the weather ends up working in your favour in regards to nitrogen applications, the total benefit can be reduced.

“You have to understand what to apply when, on what soil type, and Mother Nature still holds the trump card,” Johnson says. “We need these products, we need to use them. And we need to use them wisely.”

Listen on for the full conversation with Wheat Pete, and set a reminder for 8 pm E, April 18, for a full hour LIVE! Q&A on this topic on The Agronomists!

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