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As nitrogen prices spike, it's important to use all the tools in the toolbox to get the best ROI. A new biological solution can help farmers do that.

4 Min Read
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Submitted by Corteva Agriscience

The last year has been extremely volatile for fertilizer prices. Between December 2020 and December 2021, costs more than doubled for all the most widely-used nitrogen fertilizer types. Anhydrous ammonia, for example, even tripled in cost.

“Nitrogen is already one of the most expensive inputs for farmers each season and it’s critical for maximum crop yield potential,” says William Wynn, U.S. product manager, soil health, Corteva Agriscience. “As other input prices also remain high, farmers are feeling the strain already in 2022.

Knowing this, Wynn says it’s important farmers use all the tools available to get crops the nitrogen they need for optimal yield potential. This is essential to get the best possible return on investment.

A New Tool for Nutrient Management

A new biological solution from Corteva Agriscience can help bring balance to farmers’ nutrient management programs. Utrisha N nutrient efficiency optimizer is a microbial nitrogen fixation product that provides crops with an alternative, sustainable nitrogen source. It captures nitrogen from the air to help facilitate crop growth and optimize yield potential. Utrisha N can be used with a wide variety of crops including corn, soybeans and wheat.

The bacteria in the product enter the plant through the leaves and colonize, making above-ground plant tissue their habitat. Once the bacteria colonize, they convert nitrogen gas into ammonium, which the plant can use immediately,” Wynn explains. “The bacteria cannot be removed or washed away, and they live and grow within the plant throughout the plant’s growing cycle. In addition, the bacteria do not overproduce nitrogen, making this an environmentally friendly solution.”

Bring Balance to Nitrogen Management

This new nitrogen source is meant to supplement traditional nitrogen programs that include fertilizer and nitrogen stabilizers.

“For example, to truly maximize nitrogen use on a corn-growing operation, I recommend farmers protect their conventional fall and/or spring fertilizer applications with a proven solution like N-Serve® nitrogen stabilizer and Instinct NXTGEN® nitrogen stabilizer, which are both powered by Optinyte® technology,” advises Wynn. “Then I recommend foliar-applying Utrisha N at the V5 stage. This method will help ensure nitrogen is there when corn needs it to optimize yield potential.”

Wynn says nitrogen costs aren’t likely to drop very far in the near future. So, taking steps to get the best possible return on that very expensive investment is essential for farmers. He says, as nitrogen costs remain volatile, this new biological can provide farmers more consistency year-over-year in overall nitrogen costs by offering another tool to optimize nitrogen management.

“Utrisha N can help ease a lot of concerns about nitrogen loss,” explains Wynn. “Even if a farmer is dealing with deficiency issues caused by light sandy soils, poor drainage or heavy rains, this biological solution will provide that steady, consistent supply of nitrogen.”

Biological products are not an entirely new category for farmers. However, as these natural solutions become more prevalent, farmers may feel some uncertainty around using them.

“Farmers will want to work closely with their trusted advisors as they consider using new biological solutions. I also advise they partner with a company they trust as their farming needs evolve and change,” says Wynn. “The right biologicals, use alongside conventional products can help keep farms healthy and productive now and into the future.”

Wynn says using Utrisha N as part of a nutrient management program that also incorporates traditional fertilizers and stabilizers is just one example of the balance biologicals can bring to farming.

To learn more about biologicals from Corteva Agriscience, including Utrisha N, visit the Biological Solutions page on Corteva.us.

 

LEGALS:

™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Instinct NXTGEN® and Utrisha™ N are not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Do not fall-apply anhydrous ammonia south of Highway 16 in the state of Illinois. Always read and follow label directions. © 2022 Corteva.

 

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