Get to the Root of Optimum Yield Potential
Nitrogen losses due to leaching and denitrification can have a significant impact on the health and yield potential of corn. As the single largest input investment for producers, it’s important to protect nitrogen (N) throughout the growing season, when and where corn needs it most - at the root zone. Explore by clicking on the section tabs below or simply scroll down to see the story unfold… Protecting Nitrogen Starts Here.
What happens to applied nitrogen?
When is the time of greatest N loss and crop demand?
How does making N last longer benefit corn plants?
Can't I just apply excess nitrogen to make up for the loss?
How is N loss affected by soil type and pH?
Who first discovered
After application, nitrogen sources in the ammonium form (NH4+) rapidly convert to the nitrate form (NO3-) via a process called nitrification.
Temperature-sensitive Nitrosomonas soil bacteria convert NH4+ to the nitrite form NO2-. Another bacteria, Nitrobacter, then converts nitrite NO2- to the nitrate form NO3-.
These soil microbes become more active when soil temperatures reach 50 F and higher. The entire nitrification process can take as little as two to four weeks during warmer conditions.
In the ammonium form, nitrogen carries a positive charge and binds to negatively charged soil particles. However, unstabilized nitrogen is converted to the negatively - charged nitrate form and losses can occur as a result of leaching and denitrification.
Conversion Process of Nitrogen
Leaching is the loss of nitrates from the soil below the root zone due to rain and irrigation. Nitrates can be washed from the root zone because the soil and nitrate both have a negative charge. (Think of two magnets with the negative poles repelling each other.) N loss from leaching is primarily a concern in coarse, sandy soils.
Denitrification refers to the loss of N when soil microbes convert nitrates to gaseous N. This gaseous N escapes into the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas. Denitrification affects only nitrates; it has no impact on the ammonium form of N.
Watch a simple demonstration of this process in the video to the right.
How quickly can your N be lost?
Most yield reductions come from one or two nitrogen - loss events pertaining to:
Denitrification
Leaching
Corn uses N in two forms: ammonium NH4+ and nitrate NO3-.
Ammonium is taken up through the roots, where it’s converted into amino acids. This differs from nitrates, which are transported to the leaves before being transformed into amino acids. To complete the process, the plant transports sugar, produced through photosynthesis, from the leaves to the roots.
Both processes yield the same product, but ammonium encourages the plant to capture more energy from sunlight to make sugar. Nitrates require the plant to consume energy that could be better used for grain production. Plus, nitrates are very susceptible to loss by leaching and denitrification.
Applying excess nitrogen doesn’t make agronomic sense because corn will use only what it needs and the likelihood is great that excess N will continue to be lost to the environment due to leaching or denitrification. Particularly with today’s high cost of N, university and extension researchers recommend that the best plan is to apply only the N that the crop needs and take precautions to hold it in place as long as possible with a proven nitrogen stabilizer such as Instinct or N-Serve.
Still on the fence about applying excessive N?
Consider for a moment that you’re a cattle rancher with a gaping hole in your fencing. You wouldn’t invest in more head to replace the steers that continue to escape, would you? It simply wouldn’t make economic sense when all you really need to do is mend the fence and fix the problem. This same analogy applies to nitrogen loss.
Nutrient availability - much like soil types and pH levels - often vary within a grower’s field. This effect is complex and varies with different nutrients; however, some generalizations can be made about the impact that each has on nitrogen and volatilization losses.
Soil pH
There is a higher potential for leaching and denitrification losses as soil pH increases from 7 (considered neutral) to the moderately alkaline pH levels of 7.6 to 8.3. This results in rapid denitrification. In acidic soils, where pH is less than 5, denitrification is slower.
In general, there is a greater need to stabilize N in high-pH soils with a nitrification inhibitor such as N-Serve nitrogen stabilizer, in both fall and spring preplant applications. Using N-Serve in high-pH soils can offer higher yield responses.
When you think about how corn develops, it may be easier to view each plant as a working machine. Within each plant, raw materials - including water and minerals from the soil, and carbon dioxide and oxygen from the air - combine with sunlight to provide energy. The product of this process is grain.
The longer the ammonium form of N is available to corn plants during the growing season, the more likely the corn crop will reach its maximum yield potential.
N-Serve and Instinct protect the ammonium form of N from conversion to nitrates and keep the nutrient in the root zone for efficient uptake.
More than 30 years of university research shows that the use of nitrapyrin, the active ingredient of Instinct and N-Serve, can result in up to 5 percent to 7 percent additional yield.
Keeping N in the ammonium form longer pays off in other ways too:
Did you know? When a corn plant is mature (R6), 67 percent of total plant nitrogen, or nearly 140 lbs. N per acre, is contained in the grain.
(Based on 200 bu. corn.)The Root Zone: Where N Matters Most
Why is the root zone so important? Roots are responsible for the direct uptake of nutrients and, most important, the ammonium form of N.
Ammonium is the preferred form of N because it is taken
up through the roots, where it’s converted to amino acids,
which encourages the plant to capture more energy from
sunlight to make sugar for advancing plant growth and finally
grain production.
As corn seedlings germinate and grow, their roots begin shallow and then branch deeper into the soil profile as the plant progresses through each vegetative growth stage.
Protecting ammonium-N from leaching and denitrification out of the upper 2 feet of soil is key to a strong start, and optimized grain production and yield.
Did you know? When a corn plant is mature (R6), 67 percent of total plant nitrogen, or nearly 140 lbs. N per acre, is contained in the grain.
(Based on 200 bu. corn.)Stronger, healthier plants
Research shows that the benefit to ensuring that N is readily available for crop uptake can result in:
When do nitrogen losses occur?
Whether fall- or spring-applied, unprotected N converts in the spring to the nitrate form as soil temperatures increase. Peak nitrate losses occur from May through July - or any time up to 75 days after crop emergence, as seen in the figure to the right.
A shortage of N during this period severely restricts yield potential since it coincides with corn’s greatest N demands.
When does corn demand nitrogen during the growing season?
Start strong: Yield potential of a corn crop is determined during the first 30 to 40 days following emergence; however, nutrient availability must be maintained throughout the whole season during key growth stages for optimum yields.
Finish strong: During the time period extending from three weeks before tasseling to mid-silk, the crop needs more than one-half of its total required N.
Using N-Serve or Instinct makes more ammonium-N available to corn early when yield potential is determined and later during ear-set and grainfill.
Source: Chalmer’s Silty Clay Loam, R.A. McCormick,Ph.D. Thesis, Purdue University
Nitrogen deficiency in corn
As corn plants mature throughout the season, their source of N can be lost due to leaching and denitrification. If N is no longer available for the plant to use, the plant begins to absorb the N contained within its own leaves and stalk. This process is known as cannibalization.
When the plant is absorbing nutrients from itself, it’s also making sacrifices, such as reducing the supply of nutrients to lower leaves.
Nitrogen deficiency leads to:
Watch for excessive “firing,” a visual symptom of N deficiency where the lower leaves turn yellow, shrivel to a fraction of their normal size and eventually drop. Also, note the distinctive V-shaped yellowing.
For more than three decades, Dow AgroSciences has been the leader in N stabilization for anhydrous ammonia, providing solutions that stabilize N in order to provide the best overall return on investment per pound of N applied.
Nitrapyrin Introduced in 1976
Dow AgroSciences Introduces Instinct® for UAN and Liquid Manure
Instinct nitrogen stabilizer was introduced in 2009 as a new water-based, microencapsulated formulation of the active ingredient nitrapyrin that was designed for today’s farming practices.
More than 30 years of research confirms that the use of nitrapyrin, the active ingredient in Instinct, protects nitrogen and therefore helps to optimize yield potential. On-farm field trials in Iowa showed an average yield increase of 5 to 7 percent per acre when Instinct was used with UAN, compared with plots without stabilized N.
Instinct® joins N-Serve® in the Dow AgroSciences nitrogen management offering as the only other N stabilizer for UAN and liquid manure registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Results of 2008 24(c) Trials
In 2008, 76 field comparisons were conducted in Iowa to research yield results from using stabilized and unstabilized UAN. (Click on each thumbnail for an expanded view.)
Dow AgroSciences nitrogen stabilizers provide value for all major forms of nitrogen in all agricultural practices. For liquid manure and UAN, Instinct® nitrogen stabilizer, along with N-Serve® nitrogen stabilizer for anhydrous ammonia, helps stabilize N longer in a form that is more usable to the corn plant and maximizes the use of applied N to achieve optimal yields.
The availability of this critical nutrient is essential for getting the most out of today’s hybrids, which are using N more efficiently, yet with an increasing demand. As producers, you have no control over the price of N; however, you can improve the cost-effectiveness of your N investment.
Dow AgroSciences is the leader in the nitrogen stabilization industry, and today we continue to deliver products offering the highest level of nitrification protection. With Instinct and N-Serve, there’s a solution for a variety of fertilizer applications proven to help protect nitrogen, the environment and yield potential.
17 Years of Corn Yield Studies Fall- vs. Spring-applied N
In a 17-year University of Minnesota study, using N-Serve with fall-applied anhydrous ammonia returned an average of 7 bushels more corn per acre than applications without N-Serve.
N-Serve® and Instinct® nitrogen stabilizers from Dow AgroSciences helps growers optimize yield potential by protecting nitrogen at the root zone - where and when it’s needed.
Whether your fertilizer is applied spring or fall, there is a proven nitrogen stabilizer that fits the way you farm.
Spring Applications
Fall Applications
Advantages of Fall-applied Nitrogen
Applying anhydrous ammonia in the fall brings advantages to growers all season long:
“By stabilizing anhydrous ammonia in the fall, we avoid spring compaction, plant earlier and spread out our workload.”
John Goodman, Grower; Conrad, Iowa
Advantages of Spring-applied Nitrogen
Research shows that you can lose more than 20 percent of your field’s nitrogen (N) after just one or two spring rainfalls. It’s just as important to protect spring applications of anhydrous ammonia as it is during the fall.
Just seven weeks after planting, an acre of corn consumes about 7.5 pounds of N a day. Stabilized N is protected from loss due to leaching - so it stays put even during spring rains.
Pumping equipment for N-Serve
The Sotera® Chemtraveller™ portable pumping system is recommended for transferring N-Serve nitrogen stabilizer from mini bulk tanks to sidekick tanks.
Direct injection of N-Serve
Raven SCS-Sidekick systems are recommended for direct injection of N-Serve.
™Chemtraveller is a registered trademark of Sotera Systems
Direct Injection of Instinct®
Designed to stabilize N in liquid manure, Instinct comes in a unique formulation that makes it ideal for direct-injection systems used with liquid manure.
Equipment Providers
The following manufacture equipment that is preferred in the handling of N-Serve and Instinct nitrogen stabilizer.
FarmChem Corp. (IA)
Provides equipment and service for crop input manufactures and dealers.
(800) 247-1854
www.farmchem.comEconomy Controls Corp. (MO)
Manufactures individual components or complete systems to fill, dispense, measure, inject and transfer liquids. Expertise in manufacturing the dispensing system that injects and blends N-Serve nitrogen stabilizer into anhydrous ammonia applicators and nurse tanks.
(800) 350-9797
www.economycontrols.comRaven Industries Inc. (SD)
Offers products and services in the areas of application control, guidance and precision, chemical injection, planter control and flow control.
(800) 243-5435
www.ravenprecision.com
How do nitrogen stabilizers differ?
How do N-Serve® and Instinct® optimize yield potential?
Why should I stabilize
What are some best management practices for N?
How much N is contained in manure?
What helps you
Managing nitrogen availability to this area throughout the growing season is essential for resisting disease, increasing solar collection and stalk quality while reaching the true potential of today’s high-yielding corn hybrids.
Growers are planting earlier, and at higher populations, all without increasing N rates. Nitrogen stabilizers like N-Serve and Instinct give greater nitrogen efficiency by maintaining nitrogen longer into the season when the crop demands it.
There are two main types of nitrogen stabilizers: urease inhibitors and nitrification inhibitors, which are completely different. Urease inhibitors effect the urease enzyme which catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea when urea is left at the soil surface. Any small amount of soil moisture causes unprotected urea to hydrolyze and convert to ammonium and carbon dioxide which may then be lost through volatilization. According to the University of Minnesota, Extension, this process can occur in 2 to 4 days and happens quicker on high pH soils.
Urease inhibitors can provide up to 10 days of protection for only the urea components of fertilizer on the soil surface.
Instinct® and N-Serve® nitrogen stabilizers, nitrification inhibitors, do more. Both reduce the loss of nitrogen in the soil due to leaching and denitrification, keeping nitrogen in the corn root zone when and where it’s most needed. Instinct, for example, is surface-stable for up to 10 days but does not inhibit the urease enzyme. Instinct only inhibits the nitrification process caused by temperature-sensitive Nitrosomonas soil bacteria.
Once ½ inch of water moves the urea and nitrapyrin - the active ingredient in Instinct - into the soil, nitrification inhibition takes place.
Click to enlarge.
Today’s hybrids demand more from our nitrogen than ever before. With N being the single largest input investment for producers, it makes agronomic sense to protect it from loss. In addition, there are a number of compelling reasons to stabilize:
Click to enlarge.
Best management practices include a wide range of proven methods for getting the most from your
fertilizer investment.
Instinct and N-Serve optimize yield potential by ensuring that N is available in the root zone during key stages of corn growth. Corn with access to sufficient N when it needs it most tends to be greener, taller and more robust - setting the stage for optimum yields.
Instinct and manure
Animal manure is one of the most widely used forms of N used alone or with synthetic fertilizers.
With growing environmental concerns around this nitrogen source, growers are evaluating tools for better N management.
In this video, watch as Instinct nitrogen stabilizer is incorporated into fall-applied swine manure to help stabilize one farm’s nitrogen levels and improve yields at harvest.
Instinct and UAN
Liquid UAN is the second most widely used form of N in the Midwest?
This video shows how a Midwestern farm incorporated Instinct nitrogen stabilizer into its spring UAN application and realized increased biomass and a 7 bu./A yield advantage at harvest.
N-Serve and anhydrous ammonia
Including N-Serve nitrogen stabilizer in fall anhydrous ammonia applications is important for many reasons.
By stabilizing anhydrous ammonia in fall, producers can avoid spring compaction, plant earlier, spread out the workload and be more productive at harvest.
This video provides a side-by-side comparison revealing the benefits and results from using stabilized N in the fall.
“N-Serve is like a crescent wrench that fits all types of farming situations.”
Chuck Beckman, Crop Consultant
Lee Fertilizer, Camp Point, Ill.
This simple calculation shows the price per pound of N contained in 1,000 gallons of liquid swine manure.
Anhydrous ammonia = $700/ton
1,000 gallons of liquid swine manure out of a finishing house contains approximately 34 pounds of available ammonium nitrogen.
Managing manure value through stabilization
Livestock manure gives producers an invaluable resource for improving grain yield and quality.
As with commercial N fertilizer, field-applied livestock manure is susceptible to N loss. Any time soil temperatures exceed 40 F, whether fall or spring, ammonium-N starts converting to the nitrate form.
Time is the key
Fall applications allow more time for organic matter in manure to break down, making N available for plant uptake, but also for loss. Spring applications help close the window for N loss; however, saturated soil conditions can lead to leaching and denitrification.
Instinct® nitrogen stabilizer serves as an effective management tool for integrating livestock manure into a farming operation.
Source: Chalmer’s Silty Clay Loam, R.A. McCormick,Ph.D. Thesis, Purdue University
For the most part, manure is not a balanced form of fertilizer. By adding Instinct to liquid manure and stabilizing N in the soil, growers can better balance the rations of N and phosphorus for optimum crop yields.
Source: Purdue University Extension Bulletin ID-101
By the time harsh spring weather hits, unstabilized nitrogen is vulnerable to leaching and denitrification. It makes sense to protect your fertilizer
investments - and ultimately the yield potential.
Rest at ease...
Sidedressing Anhydrous with N-Serve®
Sidedress applications provide nitrogen near the time when plants consume the most N per day. Soil temperatures are generally warm during this period, requiring a nitrogen stabilizer to protect ammonium-N from rapid nitrification.
Add N-Serve to sidedress anhydrous ammonia until 30 days postplant.
Instinct® Receives Section 24(c) Special Local Needs Registration
With strong support of local growers and university researchers, in spring of 2011, Dow AgroSciences received approval for 24(c) Special Local Needs Registration in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. The company is pursuing Section 3 registration for this application of Instinct for nationwide use by spring 2012.
The additional registration allows corn producers to stabilize their nitrogen as a postplant application prior to the V6 stage of growth. The result is less N lost to leaching and denitrification and more N available for grain production.
We’re glad that through Instinct and N-Serve, you’re able to find peace of mind, knowing that your nitrogen is protected from loss in the event of early seasonal rain. We also recognize that you’re busy doing all you can to ensure a healthy crop and high yields while doing your part to be good stewards of the environment.
Thank you for trusting in our science and products to help you farm better and more profitably.
Since 1980, the amount of N used per acre has decreased by approximately 25 percent. And while that’s a good thing from a stewardship standpoint, growers continue to demand that corn plants continue to produce higher yields. Therefore, the N that’s applied must be more efficient.
More than 37 years of testing nitrapyrin, the active ingredient in N-Serve and Instinct, yielded the following results:
Reductions in nitrate leaching and greenhouse gas emissions were reduced wherever the ammonium form of nitrogen was stabilized by nitrapyrin.
Dow AgroSciences’ nitrogen stabilizers optimize yield and corn plant health, as well as support environmentally beneficial farming practices.
“N-Serve helps our customers achieve a wider planting window… and reduces nutrient runoff.”
Mike Kessler, Crop Specialist
Two Rivers Farm Service, Rushville, Ill.
Nitrapyrin, the active ingredient in Instinct and N-Serve, only affects Nitrosomonas bacteria.
Nitrapyrin Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In heavy, textured soils, the main loss of nitrogen is from denitrification, the biological conversion of NO3- to NO, N2 or N2O.
Anaerobic microorganisms prefer elemental oxygen; under inadequate aeration they will use the combined oxygen in nitrates.
Instinct® nitrogen stabilizer keeps NH4+ in the NH4+ form longer, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
One of the benefits of stabilized nitrogen is that the conversion of ammonium-N to the nitrate form is slowed down, providing a better opportunity for corn to take up the nutrient from the soil.
As a result, research shows that fewer nitrates are lost into the groundwater or surface water through field drainage.
This is a clear example of how corn growers employ technologies that are practical, measurable and demonstrable in helping protect America’s valuable waterways.
Groundwater
Surface Water
Arise Research Inc. conducted a trial at Martinsville, Ill., in 2003 where it found the use of N-Serve with spring-applied urea reduced nitrate leaching by 30 percent, as seen in the chart to the right.
Leaching of nitrates from unprotected N reached 187 parts per million (ppm). Where N-Serve was used, leaching was reduced to 131 ppm. In addition, corn yielded 158 bu./A where N-Serve was used, compared with 150 bu./A where N-Serve was not used.
The Journal of Environmental Quality reported in 1998 on a pair of studies conducted in Minnesota - one that measured leaching of nitrates from spring-applied anhydrous ammonia (Goodhue County) and another from fall-applied anhydrous ammonia (Olmsted County).
Upon measuring nitrates in the 3- to 8-foot soil depth, researchers found that N-Serve reduced leaching by 25 percent in the spring-applied plots and 24 percent in the fall-applied trials, as seen in the chart to the right.
Nitrogen applied as anhydrous ammonia at 150 lbs./A. Average nitrate levels in the 3- to 8-foot depth, 1978-1990.
Finally, the University of Minnesota uses lysimeters to capture tile line water and measure the leaching of nitrates in crops. A corn-soybean rotation was maintained in this trial at Waseca, Minn.
Results showed that the nitrogen lost into the environment with fall-applied anhydrous ammonia protected by N-Serve was no worse than unprotected spring-applied anhydrous ammonia. In fact, when compared with unprotected fall-applied anhydrous ammonia, the plots treated with N-Serve reduced nitrate loss by 18 percent.
Average NO3-N leached over two years; one full rotation. Average across four cycles of the corn-soybean rotation.
Trial established in 1987 and continued through 1994. Leaching occurred from 1990 to 1994. Corn/soybean rotation 135 lbs. N as anhydrous ammonia applied for corn. Webster clay loam soil. Randall, Waseca, Minn.
Quick facts about nitrapyrin:
Does Instinct protect nitrogen (N) in the ammonium form longer than N-Serve® nitrogen stabilizer?
?How should you manage Instinct if it doesn’t rain within 10 days after application?
?Since nitrogen solutions contain lower rates of ammonium compared with anhydrous ammonia, how much can
Instinct really help?
Why should I stabilize UAN when I would be protecting only 75 percent of the applied nitrogen?
?How does Instinct compare with Agrotain®?
?I have a black layer at the top of the mini bulk. Is this a problem with Instinct?
?My retail location sells anhydrous ammonia and UAN. Which products should be used with N-Serve
and which ones with Instinct?
Product Label:
Specimen Label, D02-370-001Supplemental Labels:
24(c) Registration, OH-110003 R-370-007 Postplant Application in Corn 24(c) Registration, IL-110003 R-370-006 Postplant Application in Corn 24(c) Registration, MI-110002 R-370-009 Postplant Application in Corn 24(c) Registration, IN-110004 R-370-008 Postplant Application in Corn 2(ee) Recommendation , R370-010 Impregnation onto Urea, Granular Ammonium and Dry Fertilizer Blends (Not for Use in TX) 2(ee) Recommendation , R-370-011 Impregnation Onto Granular Ammonium and Urea (TX)Materials Safety Data Sheet:
MSDS, D03-370-001 9/15/09 Version 3.0Q. Does Instinct protect nitrogen (N) in the ammonium form longer than N-Serve® nitrogen stabilizer?
A. Research shows that once N and Instinct are incorporated, Instinct retains N in the ammonium form roughly the same amount of time N-Serve does when applied in the spring - approximately 60 days when applied mid-April.
Q. How should you manage Instinct if it doesn't rain within 10 days after application?
A. If moisture or irrigation incorporation does not take place within 10 days after applying Instinct, use shallow mechanical incorporation.
Q. Since nitrogen solutions contain lower rates of ammonium compared with anhydrous ammonia, how much can Instinct really help?
Like N-Serve, Instinct treats the soil - not the fertilizer. UAN is 75 percent ammonium and 25 percent nitrate. Instinct will protect the 75 percent of nitrogen that is ammonium from converting into the easily lost nitrate form.
Q. Why should I stabilize UAN when I would be protecting only 75 percent of the applied nitrogen?
A. Twenty-five percent of the N in UAN is already in the nitrate form, so stabilizing the remaining 75 percent is even more critical. If 25 percent is already in the nitrate form, you cannot afford to lose more if heavy rainfall occurs between application and corn plant uptake.
Q. How does Instinct work on the soil surface?
A. Instinct has no activity on the soil surface. Instead, Instinct works within the soil at the root zone, stabilizing N and keeping it available when corn needs it most.
Q. How does Instinct compare with Agrotain®?
A. Instinct and Agrotain are completely different products. Agrotain is a urease inhibitor, while Instinct is a nitrification inhibitor. As a urease inhibitor, Agrotain stops urea on the soil surface from turning into ammonia and volatilizing into the air. This allows time for the urea to move into the soil. Agrotain does not inhibit any conversions in the soil, meaning that once the urea moves into the soil, it’s susceptible to loss.
Instinct is a nitrification inhibitor that works in the soil to slow the conversion of ammonium to nitrates, which are easily lost via leaching and denitrification. Instinct remains on the soil surface for up to 10 days, but does not stop urea from converting to ammonia on the soil surface. Instead, the product’s surface stability keeps the product viable until it is incorporated into the soil.
Q. I have a black layer at the top of the mini bulk. Is this a problem with Instinct?
A. The black layer at the top of the mini bulk is an emulsifier that can be expected with Instinct. Circulation of the product in the tank should alleviate the layer.
Q. My retail location sells anhydrous ammonia and UAN. Which products should be used with N-Serve and which
ones with Instinct?
A. Add N-Serve to anhydrous ammonia and Instinct to UAN and liquid manure.
For additional questions, contact your local Dow AgroSciences sales representative.
How long does N-Serve protect nitrogen (N) at the root zone?
?Does N-Serve tie up N in the soil?
?Should I stop including N-Serve in spring anhydrous ammonia applications if they are made after April 15?
?If I use less anhydrous ammonia this year, can I also cut the rate of N-Serve?
?This spring I noticed N-Serve crystals at the bottom of a shuttle. Can I get this back into solution?
?Can I place a heat lamp on the shuttle to heat it up?
Product Label:
Specimen Label, D02-011-017Materials Safety Data Sheet:
MSDS, 11/17/2008 / Version: 4.0 product code 56098; CA product code 81074Q. How long does N-Serve protect nitrogen (N) at the root zone?
A. Historically, N-Serve applied in the fall has provided approximately 90 days of effectiveness, with that effectiveness declining over time. N-Serve is designed to slow the conversion of anhydrous ammonia into the nitrate form when soil temperatures rise above 40°F. This soil temperature is significant because the soil bacteria that break down anhydrous ammonia into nitrates become active at this temperature. If soil temperatures are below 40°F, the soil bacteria become inactive and the anhydrous ammonia is not converted into nitrates.
If you’ve applied anhydrous ammonia with N-Serve in the fall, simple counting can help you determine roughly how long N-Serve will protect your N the following spring. Just count the number of days from application until the soil temperature reaches 40°F and then stop counting. Start counting days again when the soil warms back up to 40°F.
Q. Does N-Serve tie up N in the soil?
A. N-Serve doesn’t tie up N. Instead, N-Serve slows down the soil bacteria that convert ammonium nitrogen into the nitrate form, which can be easily lost to leaching or denitrification. By doing this, N-Serve keeps N available in the root zone during key stages of corn growth.
Q. Should I stop including N-Serve in spring anhydrous ammonia applications if they are made after April 15?
A. The right conditions for N loss can occur regardless of what the calendar says, so adding N-Serve with all spring N applications is a smart decision. All it takes is a period of moist soil and warm temperatures before corn has entered its maximum nitrogen uptake period to lose significant yield potential due to N loss.
Q. If I use less anhydrous ammonia this year, can I also cut the rate of N-Serve?
A. N-Serve does not treat N - it treats the soil. Once in the soil, N-Serve suppresses soil bacteria that convert anhydrous ammonia into the easily lost nitrate form. Therefore, no matter what N rate you apply, always use the labeled rate of N-Serve for optimum results. N-Serve is designed to allow growers to apply the right amount of N and protect that N from loss.
Q. This spring I noticed N-Serve crystals at the bottom of a shuttle. Can I get this back into solution?
A. Simply put the shuttle in warm storage, add additional N-Serve if necessary and it should go back into solution within a few days. Circulation also helps.
Q. Can I place a heat lamp on the shuttle to heat it up?
A. Do not place direct heat near any storage of N-Serve. N-Serve has a low flash point, meaning it is very flammable.
©™Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow
Privacy Statement Terms of Use HelpInstinct is not registered for sale 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.
