Defra ruling fuels demand for ‘cleaner’ fertiliser

Farmers are being encouraged to take steps to reduce ammonia pollution from urea fertiliser after Defra clarified its position on the issue.

Rules to mitigate emmissions from urea fertilisers mean farmers must use inhibitors – or other permitted forms of mitigation – after 1 April 2024. The guidelines will be applied through Red Tractor Assurance.

Government ministers agreed with the NFU and industry partners that a voluntary approach will work best for the environment and food production. But regulation could be introduced if farmers fail to deliver the required reductions in emissions.

Tried and tested

Fertiliser companies have been working hard to introduce urease inhibitors. Omex Agriculture launched its own inhibitor in November 2022, in anticipation ofthe Defra ruling.

NitroShield can reduce ammonia emissions from urea containing fertilisers by more than 70%, as well as lift winter wheat yields by 0.3t/ha and grain protein by 0.2%.

“We wanted to be in a position where we had a tried and tested product alongside solid research and advice to offer farmers before the guidance became official,” said Omex technical lead David Booty.

“Adding NitroShield to liquid nitrogen applications can help farmers meet this requirement, while improving efficiency at the most effective application rates.

“With less ammonia lost to the atmosphere and contained within the soil, the nitrogen applied alongside this innovative urease inhibitor is better utilised by crops.

“NitroShield gives reliable reductions of over 70% in ammonia emissions when mixed with Nitroflo or Nitroflo S grades prior to application,” added Mr Booty.

“The choice of whether to add it or not should be made on farm, on the day according to the date of application, the soil and weather conditions and any other mitigation factors, such as if fertiliser is incorporated within 24 hours.”

Mr Booty recommends that NitroShield should be routinely used for all nitrogen applications after 31 March unless signed off as unnecessary by a FACTS qualified adviser.