File Photo

Nitrogen is one of the largest input costs for any farmer.

There’s been a lot of discussion in the ag sector about the use and benefits of nitrogen stabilizers.

Andrew Reese, a market development specialist with Dow AgroSciences says by using a nitrification inhibitor - growers can be assured that their nitrogen stays bonded to the soil in the positive ammonium form, right at the root zone where the crop needs it the most.

"Without using a product with the active nitrapyrin...the positive ammonium quickly converts to the negative nitrate form and begins to repel the soil. Just like two magnets that both have a negative charge. This allows it to be lost easily to the atmosphere through de-nitrification or be washed away in a process called bleaching."

He adds soil always carries a negative charge.

The warmer than usual temperatures we see is one factor that can contribute to nitrogen loss, as it loses it’s positive ammonium charge which bonds to the negatively charged soil.