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4 Forms of Nitrogen Inputs to Consider

October 26, 2022

Nitrogen is one of three main nutrients needed for plant growth and development. Responsible for production of chlorophyll, nucleic acids and enzymes, nitrogen is present in various parts of a plant and affects many physiological functions.

CHS offers multiple product solutions that help to reduce loss of nitrogen and protect your fertility investments. N-Edge® nitrogen stabilizer from CHS provides a valuable two- to three-week window of time for rain or incorporation to move fertilizer to the root zone, improving profitability and nutrient stewardship. N-Edge® nitrogen stabilizers protect fertilizer investment and are available to farmers through member cooperatives and agricultural retailers across North America. N-Edge, N-Edge 2 and N-Edge Pro reduce loss of nitrogen to the atmosphere and N-Edge Soil 2 keeps nitrogen available longer in the root zone.

Four forms of nitrogen inputs:

  • 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:
  • Anhydrous Ammonia: Ammonia is an inorganic compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH₃. It is relatively easy to apply and is readily available to producers.  Anhydrous ammonia is applied directly into the soil, as a pressurized liquid that immediately becomes a vapor after leaving the storage tank. Anhydrous ammonia should be injected at least 4 inches below the soil surface to prevent its loss as vapor back to the atmosphere.

For more information on N-Edge Pro and the full N-Edge portfolio, visit CHSAgronomy.com or talk to your local CHS Agronomy retailer.

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