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.