The potential for increasing nitrogen responses using Agrotain treated urea

Abstract

Two trials were set up near Te Awamutu and Ashburton to explore the difference in pasture responses between standard urea and Agrotain treated urea (SustaiN) over a 12 month period. Two rates of nitrogen (N) application were used (30 kg N/ha and 60 kg N/ha) and the fertilisers were applied four times throughout the year (once each "season"). At the 30 kg N/ha application rate (120 kg N/ha total), N responses with SustaiN were 75.2% higher than with urea alone. At the 60 kg N/ha application rate (240 kg N/ha total), N response with SustaiN was 33.7% higher than urea alone. Similar seasonal and annual responses occurred at both sites. Economic analyses showed these increases in response to be very profitable and indicate that there is considerable potential for improving farm production and profitability by treating urea with Agrotain. Keywords: nitrogen, urea, Agrotain, pasture, response, efficiency