IPF research shows how Tasmanian producers can maximise nitrogen efficiency and pasture productivity

 

Tasmanian beef and dairy producers can achieve more cost-effective nitrogen (N) application to pastures and maximise returns per hectare by switching from urea to Green Urea NV^®, as shown by the latest research undertaken by Incitec Pivot Fertilisers (IPF).

On-farm trials compared the performance of urea, the most common form of N fertiliser, to Green Urea NV by measuring the effectiveness in reducing ammonia (NH3) volatilisation and N losses.

Results demonstrated topdressing with Green Urea NV reduced ammonia volatilisation losses in pastures by 71% compared to urea.

IPF's Green Urea NV contains a urease inhibitor or enhanced efficiency fertiliser (EEF), a spray-on coating which slows the activity of a specific biological process involved in the conversion of urea to ammonium.

This gives time for urea to be incorporated by rain or irrigation, resulting in less losses and more retention of N in the system for pasture production.

Independent agronomist, Seona Findlay, conducted the trials in collaboration with IPF on a mixed grazing property at Hagley in northern Tasmanian on pastures including dryland hybrid ryegrass.

"For farmers wanting to have confidence in applying nitrogen in dryland situations when rains may or may not eventuate close to fertiliser application, this trial work provides some further peace of mind about product choice and applications,” Ms Findlay said.

Pastures were topdressed with N applied at a rate of 46kgN/ha (urea at 100kg/ha), and volatilisation losses were measured using a closed system designed by IPF Research & Development (R&D) Agronomist, Dr Robert Impraim.

The Tasmanian trial site was one of several locations throughout southern Australia where IPF conducted trials in 2024 and early 2025, comparing the performance of Green Urea NV to urea, in both pastures and winter cropping sites.

IPF Technical Agronomist Lee Menhenett said Green Urea NV consistently showed its worth in reducing losses across all trial sites.

"No product reduces losses completely, but our measurements showed Green Urea NV was the best for significantly reducing N losses,” Mr Menhenett said.

"Using Green Urea NV enables producers to apply N when conditions suit, up to 14 days ahead of a rain event, without losing efficiency.

"Preventing N loss means producers will achieve improved pasture growth and feed quality and get a better return on their fertiliser investment.

"The trials are one of many R&D projects IPF is running to help drive efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in the fertiliser industry, supporting greater productivity for farmers."

For more information about Green Urea NV, contact IPF Midland-Southern Tasmania
Sales Manager, Mark Scott, 0407 526 936 or email: mark.scott@incitecpivot.com.au