Calgary, Alberta, Canada
August 22, 2104
Successful nitrogen (N) management for wheat crops means a grower could experience higher yields and increased levels of grain protein at harvest. ESN® SMART NITROGEN® is a natural fit for winter wheat. One application of ESN at planting can provide all your N needs and protect your N investment.
ESN, made by Agrium Wholesale, is a controlled-release fertilizer consisting of a urea granule encapsulated in a polyurethane coating. This allows the N to release from the granule at a rate controlled by soil temperature, providing continuous feeding of N when the plant needs it most.
“ESN protects N from leaching, volatilization and denitrification and allows you to apply the entire crop’s N needs at planting without worry of N loss through the winter,” says Dr. Alan Blaylock, Manager, Agronomy, Agrium Wholesale. “In addition, ESN allows you to eliminate spring N applications saving fuel, time and money. ESN also increases the potential for greater yields and profits.”
In a University of Missouri study, ESN and ESN blends consistently produced top wheat yields for all application times from October to March. Other findings in this study include:
- ESN can be blended with urea or ammonium sulfate for a one-pass N-management program.
- ESN can be applied whenever conditions are suitable.
- ESN ensures you get the most from your N investment.
- ESN’s patented polymer coating protects N from loss and ensures maximum flexibility in N application timing.
- Your N stays protected inside the coating and is released when needed by the crop.
ESN can be used alone or in combination with other soluble fertilizers for a wider application window. For applications in Nov.-Jan, 100 percent ESN can be used; from Jan.-March, a blend of 75 percent ESN and 25 percent urea is recommended and for applications in April a blend of 50 percent ESN and 50 percent urea is recommended.
In addition to performance benefits, ESN has a seed safety benefit for winter wheat, as well.
“Winter wheat growers who like to apply fertilizer with the seed at planting like the extra crop safety ESN provides,” says Blaylock. “The protective coating on ESN allows farmers to apply N with the seed at up to three times the seed-safe rate of urea. Seed-placed ESN had increased wheat yields by as much as 7 bushels/acre over conventional urea.”
Agrium Wholesale is one of the world’s largest fertilizer distributors, marketing approximately 10.4 million tons of nitrogen, potash, phosphates and secondary nutrients annually. Agrium Wholesale produces, markets and distributes crop nutrients for agricultural and industrial customers around the world, with operations in North America, South America, Egypt and Europe. Agrium Wholesale manufactures, markets, and distributes four primary nutrients: nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphate. Distribution is completed through a network of over 100 distribution warehouses, supplied by 17 production facilities.
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