Using nitrogen : what is best practice?

Abstract

Feed shortages occur in spring because the rate of pasture growth is below the cow demand. Spring pasture growth rate is slow in the South Island because the soil temperature is low and the rate of nitrogen (N) supply from the soil to the plant is also slow. Until recently the only option available to increase the nitrogen supply to pasture plants during the spring was to apply nitrogen fertiliser. However, the development of eco-n nitrification inhibitor technology for pastures opens up a new avenue for increasing the nitrogen supply in spring by reducing the nitrogen losses from the soil over winter. This paper discusses best practice use of nitrogen fertilisers and the benefits of using eco-n nitrification inhibitor technology.