Protecting nitrogen is critical for a healthy crop, yet as much as 95% of nitrogen investments are at risk of loss. And when nitrogen is lost, potential yield and profit are lost too–the biggest risk to growers. Nitrogen is one of three main nutrients needed for plant growth and development. There is no denying that nitrogen is an essential nutrient for corn production and an adequate supply is required for the proper growth of corn. Protecting nitrogen fertilizer is critical for a healthy crop and return, and protection starts with knowing how to combat nitrogen loss. Use this guide to learn the best ways to prevent nitrogen loss and keep your crops as healthy as possible.
The Role of Nitrogen
Nitrogen is critical to support corn’s rapid growth and encourage the healthy development of the entire plant from roots to ears. Responsible for production of chlorophyll, nucleic acids and enzymes, nitrogen is present in various parts of a plant and affects many physiological functions. For example, nitrogen is a significant component of the amino acids in the proteins and enzymes that help roots absorb nutrients and water. It makes up a large part of the chlorophyll found in plants, which is used to make sugars that feed the plant. In addition, nitrogen impacts plant growth regulation as well as the development of proteins present in a crop's grains.
You can apply nitrogen to the soil in three ways:
- Urea: a white crystalline solid containing 46% nitrogen as an animal feed additive and fertilizer. Urea can be applied to the soil as a solid, solution or a foliar spray. With a 46% N level, urea has a lower handling, storage and transportation forms than other dry N forms.
- Urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN): UAN solution is produced by combining urea, nitric acid and ammonia, is a liquid fertilizer product with a nitrogen content that ranges from 28-32%. UAN can be mixed with herbicides, pesticides and other nutrients, allowing farmers to reduce costs by applying materials simultaneously rather than making several separate applications.
- Manure: Manure is animal dung used for fertilizing land. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients. Nitrogen rich manure is a classic tool for promoting healthy plant growth. See below for the nitrogen composition in different manures to determine what will work best for you.
Protecting your Nitrogen Investment
N-Edge® Pro, an NBPT and DCD combination nitrogen stabilizer. N-Edge Pro provides protection against volatilization, leaching and de-nitrification in both below and above ground applications. The technology reduces nitrogen loss by inhibiting urease enzymes from breaking down urea and slowing the conversion of urea to ammonia gas. N-Edge Pro helps keep nitrogen available longer in the root zone, providing greater opportunity for healthy crops that will reach their maximum yield potential.
For more information on N-Edge Pro or other nitrogen management solutions, talk to your local CHS Agronomy retailer.
