The warm weather recently will have meant many farmers have been able to get a second cut of silage. That is great news for their supplies. However, it will mean it is now time to think about applying fertiliser to get more out of the growing season. Protected urea can be a really great option here.

What is it?

A lot of people will be familiar with urea fertilisers. Protected urea is a little different because it has a urease inhibitor, a compound that slows the breakdown. This has a massive impact because it reduces conversion into ammonia and loss into the atmosphere, by up to 78%. It is even more important to do this when the weather is hot and dry. Most importantly, it retains the nitrogen, making it more available for plants.

Benefits

Studies show that using the right fertiliser can have a big impact on grass growth. One of the most notable is by Teagasc. They have been doing trials for 8 years, comparing grass growth with standard urea, protected urea, and CAN (calcium ammonium nitrate). Of the three, protected had the biggest impact, producing a higher yield of grass in 7 of the trial growth years.

As well as helping increase the yield of grass, using protected urea can reduce harmful emissions. Crucially, it can lower greenhouse gases and ammonia. It is therefore much better for the environment.

There is a benefit for farmers too; protected urea is generally more cost effective than CAN fertilisers. This is important to think about, especially as prices can have a massive impact on profits.

Application tips

If you do decide to use protected urea fertiliser, you need to ensure you apply it correctly. There are a couple of crucial things to keep in mind. Firstly, products with larger granules tend to be higher quality. But, it can cause trouble for spreaders. Make sure you check the vanes to ensure there won’t be issues.

A second crucial thing to keep in mind is you need a narrow spreading channel. This will ensure you get an even distribution. Make sure you calibrate your spreader properly.

Finally, always remember that protected urea has higher nitrogen content. You will need to keep the application rate low to ensure good crop yields, keep costs down, and ensure you don’t harm the environment.

Talk to us if you need fertiliser

JS Hubbuck Ltd has been dealing in fertilisers for generations. It has been one of the core parts of our business since our founding. Today we work hard to ensure we can give clients details about products and help them choose which to use for different needs. Then, we’ll organise delivery.

So, if you need fertiliser, please contact us. Keep in mind these are controlled products and need careful storage, handling, and application.