Strategies to maximise in field nitrogen use efficiency amid global supply uncertainty

As the winter crop planting window approaches, Incitec Pivot is encouraging Australian growers to harness proven technologies to maximise nitrogen (N) use efficiency.
Urea remains the most widely used N fertiliser globally and with geopolitical events in the Middle East creating uncertainty in global urea markets, Incitec Pivot has a range of practical management strategies to support growers this season.

Incitec Pivot's Executive General Manager of Agronomy and Innovation, Charlie Walker, said "global uncertainty reinforced the importance of informed decision-making on alternate urea sources and maximising contracted supplies where possible."

Alternatives to urea
“Urea isn’t the only source of N - there are alternative options you can use to meet crop requirements, Mr Walker said.
“One of the most effective ways to stretch contracted urea supplies is by blending with Gran-Am® fertiliser, particularly in crops with higher sulphur requirements such as canola.
“Gran-Am contains plant-available sulphate sulphur and can be blended with urea and applied pre-plant or topdressed in cereals, pasture, canola, cotton, vegetables and sugarcane.
“The N in Gran-Am does not volatilise in most situations and can provide a relatively rapid crop response, while also supplying essential sulphur.
“We know sulphur deficiency is an issue in many southern cropping regions. IPF analysis from more than 66,000 soil and plant tissues tests conducted through the Nutrient Advantage Laboratory over three years reveals 17% of soil samples from New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia are low in sulphur a further 21% are at the moderate end also, meaning they may soon need sulphur replenishment.”

Incitec Pivot also has a range of existing blends to help growers stretch their urea and blend with sulphate of ammonia, with Extra Sul and Green Extra Sul available through their local dealer.

Improving nitrogen efficiency
Maximising the efficiency of every unit of applied N is critical in a constrained supply environment. Recent Incitec Pivot trials concluded that up to 26% Nitrogen applied as urea in winter crop was lost through NH3 volatilisation. Those same trials have shown that Incitec Pivot’s Smart Fertiliser Green Urea NV reduced N loss by an average of 77%. 

“One of the most effective ways to protect N investment is through the use of enhanced efficiency fertilisers,” Mr Walker said.
“Coating urea with products from Incitec Pivot's Smart Fertiliser range can significantly reduce losses - for example, Green Urea NV® for topdressing applications, or eNpower® where urea is applied below the surface.
“In some cases, growers may achieve comparable crop outcomes with lower N application rates, though this should always be assessed in consultation with a local agronomist.”

Liquid nitrogen options
Liquid N also presents a practical and flexible alternative for growers navigating supply uncertainty. EASY N®, Incitec Pivot's Enhanced Application liquid N solution, enables efficient application using existing farm equipment such as boom sprays, while offering the advantage of on-farm storage without degradation.
“EASY N provides growers with greater flexibility in both timing and application,” Mr Walker said.
“If you already have a tank profile with IPF, supply can be arranged through your local agent. Where it’s not in place, tank systems can be readily established to support adoption.”

Why soil testing matters
Above all else, soil testing can be the most valuable tool that growers should consider this year to ensure the efficient and profitable use of available N.
“The recent rain across large areas of grain growing and grazing regions while soil temperatures are still warm may have resulted in a major mineralisation event resulting in increased soil nitrate and sulphate levels leading into autumn,” Mr Walker said.
“Soil testing can quantify the size of this event and lead to better resource allocation across and within paddocks.”

To discuss N alternatives and fertiliser blends, growers can speak with their local fertiliser dealer or their Incitec Pivot Regional Business Manager.