A new urea inhibitor from Timac Agro UK has been proven to cut nitrogen losses by 96%, improving nitrogen efficiency.
Excelis Maxx is now available to customers and will help them stay in line with new legislation that calls for all applications of urea fertilisers (containing more than 1% urea) after the 1st of April to be inhibited to slow the release of ammonia.
Nico Papworth, commercial director, said that the product combines the inhibitor, NBPT (N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide), with a patented microbial activator to increase nitrogen efficiency and reduce ammonia emissions.
“The NBPT in Excelis Maxx in combination with the unique Rhizovit complex inhibits urease enzyme activity to allow time for it to be utilised by the plant and the soil, while increasing the efficiency of N already in the soil.”
It can be applied as a coating to urea granules, or incorporated into liquids and will slow down the conversion of urea to ammonia. Nico added that this can also cut down on the amount of subsequent applications.
“Excelis Maxx has also been proven to increase the value of this treatment, is in its ability to penetrate the urea granule for extended protection.
“It penetrates the granule by up to 100% more than other inhibitors on the market, which means the level of protection is consistent throughout the treated urea.”
NBPT inhibitors can be sensitive to oxidation when they are exposed to air, however the addition of garlic-based phenolic extracts (antioxidants) is said to stabilise the product and extend the shelf life of the treated urea by over 2 months once opened or in a bulk environment.
“Growers need look beyond meeting immediate legislative requirements, selecting options that promote soil health, crop performance and are economically viable.”