Reduce The Unknowns: New Nitrogen Stabilizer Protects 95% of Input Above and Below Ground

CHS Agronomy expands its portfolio of nitrogen stabilizers with N-Edge Pro.

N-Edge Pro is a fertilizer additive for urea and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) to minimize nitrogen losses by reducing ammonia volatilization, leaching and denitrification.

The company says this is powerful agronomic tool to fine-tune fertility programs, protect against nitrogen loss to the environment, and grow higher yields for every pound of fertilizer. 

The product introduction comes at a time of high interest in nitrogen stabilizers says Tim Swanson, product manager for CHS Agronomy. 

“It doesn’t matter the season or the product, we have the solution in our nitrogen stabilizer lineup,” Swanson says. “Just pick the application you are using and the outcome you are looking for. So much of what we do in agriculture is anticipating, and this steers the unknowns back in our favor.” 

N Edge Pro provides three types of protection against nitrogen loss above and below ground—providing up to 95% of the nitrogen applied not at risk for environmental loss. Its dual modes of action prevent volatilization and denitrification above ground and lessen the risk from leaching below.

“This product has two time-tested ingredients in NBPT (N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide) and DCD (Dicyandiamide),” Swanson says. 

Application rates include: 

• 3 qt/ton use rate for Urea 
• 1.5 qt/ton use rate for UAN
• 8-32 oz/acre for liquid manure

Product benefits of the new N Edge Pro formulation include faster drying, easier handling, and easy cleanout with water. 

The product had a limited launch in 2021, with full roll out in 2022. 

“When farmers first look at using nitrogen stabilizers, there’s some skepticism in the beginning,” Swanson shares. “But once they see the benefits, and they do a yield check to see the gains they were looking for, it shows what the products can do. Also, when they experience the product didn’t slow them down and it gave them piece of mind during the growing season, it’s an additional ROI.” 

Swanson says new product innovations, such as the development of the four-product N Edge portfolio, as helping elevate awareness, conversations and adoption of nitrogen stabilizers. 

“Compared to 10 years ago, this segment of the market is up—significantly. With new technologies, new products and the understanding of crop fertility issues, it’s all added up. It’s about first understanding your fertilizer choices and understanding the products you are using to make the right decisions.” 

He encourages retailers to weave in the opportunity of nitrogen stabilizers as a tool providing high return on investment—particularly in a year when every dollar spent is being scrutinized. 

“Starting last summer, there started to be much more interest in nitrogen stabilizers,” he says. “It was partly due to the drought, and since then the increase in input prices as well as high grain markets have elevated the conversation as growers are looking to maximize the opportunities.” 

Other forces behind the increased adoption of nitrogen stabilizers have been farmers’ interest in stewardship as well as the governmental regulations and increased public scrutiny.