Teagasc experts recommend the use of coated or ‘protected’ urea for grass and crops
TEAGASC fertiliser specialists have outlined the the advantages of using what is known as ‘protected urea’ this Spring.
‘Protected urea’ is about 10% more expensive than standard urea but it contains a coating on the granules that largely prevents the loss of ammonia into the atmosphere.
According to the Teagasc experts, recent research has shown that protected urea can reduce ammonia volatilisation losses (into the atmosphere) by 80% compared to standard urea.
Protected urea is coated with what is called an unease inhibitor called NBPT that helps to make the product ‘a very efficient N fertiliser source’.
Mark Plunkett and David Wall, of the Teagasc Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme in Wexford’s Johnstown Castle, have also pointed out that there are reduced Nitrous Oxide N2O emissions with protected urea.
They outline key messages that have emerged from the Teagasc research work on nitrogen utilisation and efficiency pointing out that protected urea has a number of advantages as an N source as compared to CAN and standard urea.
■ It will reduced N losses through ammonia volatilisation compared to urea and produce similar yields to CAN with a slightly higher N uptake.
■ Protected urea will also reduce nitrous oxide emissions while being a consistent N source for the growing season.
■ The use of protected urea will help Irish farmers to reduce their GHG (Greenhouse gas) and ammonia emissions.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.