Urease Versus Nitrification Inhibitors: Help Customers Choose the Right Stabilizer
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Having a solid nutrient management plan allows for in-season adjustments to better manage nutrient application timing, placement and volumes when weather is a limiting factor.
“Your customers can’t control the weather, but they can limit the amount of nitrogen lost from their fields each year,” says Jon Stofer, Nutrient Maximizer strategic account manager, Corteva Agriscience. “Nitrogen stabilizers are a key tool in helping producers reduce those losses.”
There are two types of nitrogen stabilizers on the market, and both help slow the conversion of stable nitrogen to unstable nitrogen that’s susceptible to loss.
Urease versus nitrification inhibitors
Urease inhibitors slow the conversion of urea to ammonium and are used to prevent above-ground nitrogen loss via volatilization. The active ingredient in urease inhibitors is called N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT).
Nitrification inhibitors slow the conversion of ammonium to nitrate and are used to prevent below-ground losses due to leaching and denitrification. The active ingredients used in nitrification inhibitor products are nitrapyrin and dicyandiamide (DCD).
The right stabilizer type for your customers will depend on when and how nitrogen applications are being made. Here are recommended solutions for common application scenarios.
- Spring applications of UAN or urea without field incorporation: Stofer recommends using a urease inhibitor, such as PinnitMax® TG nitrogen stabilizer to reduce volatilization.
- Spring applications of UAN or urea with field incorporation: Use a nitrification inhibitor, such as Instinct NXTGEN® nitrogen stabilizer, to reduce leaching and denitrification.
- Anhydrous ammonia applications: No matter the season, anhydrous ammonia applications should be paired with a nitrification inhibitor, such as N-Serve® nitrogen stabilizer, to reduce nitrogen loss due to leaching and denitrification.
- Fall applications of manure: Use a nitrification inhibitor, such as Instinct NXTGEN nitrogen stabilizer, to reduce leaching and denitrification.
“Nitrogen is one of the most expensive inputs, and the driving force behind all types of nitrogen loss is weather,” Stofer says. “Encourage customers to use proven nitrogen stabilizers and ensure nitrogen is not a limiting factor throughout the growing season.”
Reach out to your local Corteva Agriscience Nutrient Maximizer Sales Team member or visit NitrogenStabilizers.com to learn more about nitrogen stabilization options for your customers.
Instinct NXTGEN® and PinnitMax® TG are not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Do not fall-apply anhydrous ammonia south of Highway 16 in the state of Illinois. Always read and follow label directions.