With the looming possibility of increased regulation of farming practices, many growers are looking at ways to reduce their environmental footprint.

“Farmers want to do things their own way. They know that they need to start focusing on environmental stewardship before someone gets the authority to come in and tell them what to do on their own farm,” says Ryan Lancaster, Illinois/Missouri Sales Agronomist for AgXplore.

Treating anhydrous ammonia helps keep nitrogen out of the groundwater. It also results in higher yields by holding nitrogen in the root zone, where it’s available for plant uptake.

“This falls in line with the 4Rs for Nutrient Stewardship, which is recognized as an industry-leading guideline,” Lancaster says. The 4R concept incorporates the Right fertilizer source at the Right rate, at the Right time and in the Right place.

Soil health concerns

Farmers are increasingly interested in improving the health of their soils.

In the past, the presence of organic matter in the soil was considered a problem. Today, science has shown the opposite. Growers know that organic matter helps build healthy, productive soil that absorbs water, retains nutrients and nourishes plants.

A healthy soil profile includes an abundance of bacteria.

“Forty, 30, even 20 years ago, farmers weren't looking to harness the power of soil bacteria,” says Lancaster. “We didn't really understand it. I always tell growers or retailers, ‘If you're holding a handful of soil, you can have a billion bacteria in your hand.’”

“The bacteria are there for a reason,” he says. “They are fundamental in breaking down residue in soils, and mineralizing elements so that they are available to plants. They’re part of the natural process of the soil.”

New method for treating anhydrous ammonia

“One of the few things in agriculture that hasn’t changed in the last 40 years is nitrogen stabilization in anhydrous,” Lancaster says.

Until recently, the only nitrogen stabilizer available for anhydrous ammonia to retailers and growers has been a bactericide. It works by killing soil bacteria to protect nitrogen.

“Ironically, growers are inadvertently killing soil bacteria with one hand while spending money on products that add bacteria to soil on the same acres with the other hand,” says Lancaster.

A new product is offering retailers and growers a nitrogen management alternative to use with anhydrous, UAN and manure. According to Lancaster, it’s safe, easy-to-use and it protects soil health.

“The new product has a completely different composition and mode of action,” he explains. “It’s calcium polymer based, so it enhances bacterial activity in the soil.”

This product, called NZONE GL and manufactured by AgXplore, has been proven in research to reduce leaching by 47 percent. Research also shows that using NZONE GL provided a 12 bushel-per-acre yield advantage.

Additional information about NZONE GL and AgXplore is available at agxplore.com.