Blending Polymer‐Coated Nitrogen Fertilizer Improved Bermudagrass Forage Production

Abstract

Urea‐based fertilizers have replaced ammonium nitrate (AN) as the most common N source used in forage crops. However, urea‐based fertilizers are less efficient and result in greater N loss as ammonia. Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN, Agrium Advanced Technologies) is a polymer‐coated urea‐N fertilizer that controls N release through temperature‐controlled diffusion. This study assessed the effect of different proportions of ESN and untreated urea (0, 50, 75, and 100% ESN with the balance as urea) on yield and nutritive quality of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], as compared with conventional applications of AN and urea. The experimental design was a randomized complete‐block design with four replications on each of two sites and 3 yr (2010–2012). Nitrogen was applied at 336 kg ha−1 season−1, but was split over the season into two equal applications for the ESN treatments and four equal applications for the AN and urea conventional treatments. As the proportion of ESN increased, the amount of N lost through volatilization decreased. Relative to conventionally applied AN, the 50 and 75% ESN blends resulted in similar yields and 16.8% lower nitrate (NO3–N) levels in the harvested forage. Relative to conventionally applied urea, the 50 and 75% blends produced 10 and 6.1% more yield and 14.4 and 19.5% greater N removal, respectively. The 50 and 75% ESN blends were also the most cost‐effective blend systems. These results support a recommendation of blending ESN at a rate of 50 and 75% with urea as a substitute for AN.

Enhanced efficiency nitrogen formulations on stockpiled tall fescue production

“…The use of N-(n-butyl) thiophosporic triamide (NBPT)-treated urea reduced ammonia loss from surfaceapplied N in various forage systems up to 93% compared to standard urea (Connell et al, 2011;Suter et al, 2013;Zaman et al, 2009). Connell et al (2011) and Payne et al (2015) found that Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) reduced ammonia volatilization by 81 and 88%, respectively, compared to urea on bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]. These products may specifically hold the potential to reduce N losses with late summer N applications for stockpiling when high temperatures and humidity enhance volatilization rates.…”

Productive and morphophysiological responses of Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. BRS Zuri to timing and doses of nitrogen application and defoliation intensity

“…However, this nutrient is highly susceptible to losses; therefore, strategies to increase N fertilization efficiency are needed (Bredemeier & Mundstock, ; Irving, ). Payne, Dennis, Cabrera, Lacy, and Kissel () used polymer‐coated urea to increase forage yields in bermudagrass. On the other hand, Kottegoda et al.…”

Enhanced efficiency nitrogen formulations for bermudagrass–white clover pastures

“…Enhanced efficiency N fertilizers have been developed to reduce N losses by chemically inhibiting urease or physically slowing the release of N. Some formulations (Agrotain, SuperU, 50 and 75% blends of Environmentally Smart Nitrogen [ESN] + urea) produced bermudagrass accumulations greater than or similar to untreated urea (Connell et al., 2011; Massey et al., 2011; Payne et al., 2015). Though ESN alone did not improve forage accumulations in bermudagrass in comparison to urea (Connell et al., 2011; Payne et al., 2015), its slow‐release nature may allow clover to persist in the stand over multiple growing seasons.…”