Spreaders become accredited for DCn

Please find below and updated version of the press release sent last week.

Media release for immediate use

1 October 2007

Spreaders become accredited for DCn

More than 70 groundspreaders are now accredited to apply Ballance Agri-Nutrients’ granular nitrification inhibitor product, DCn, which research has demonstrated offers a simple way to reduce nitrous oxide emissions by up to 75% or more and reduce nitrate leaching by up to 32%, with the added bonus of increasing pasture growth in most situations.

It is important that nitrification inhibitors are spread accurately and that spreaders conform to recognised standards, and over the past couple of months Ballance and the New Zealand Groundspread Fertilisers’ Association (NZGFA) have been working together to set up standards for the spreading of granular nitrogen inhibitors.

To assist with accreditation, a number of Ballance-sponsored regional certification events have been held across the country, where trucks have been calibrated and certified by Lincoln Ventures to spread DCn. The events, held at Timaru, Morrinsville, Taranaki, Waipukurau, Waingawa, Feilding, Winton and Gore, have all been well supported by NZGFA members.

Ballance Head of Agro-Sciences, Warwick Catto, says that in DCn, the active ingredient is absorbed into a granule, making application simple.

‘These DCn granules can be applied directly to the soil using correctly calibrated fertiliser spreading equipment,’ says Mr Catto.

Research undertaken by Ballance has demonstrated that nitrification inhibitors are equally as effective in both liquid and granular form, and in most situations DCn increases pasture growth, ranging from around a 3% pasture response, up to 15% in favourable conditions.

‘While the key feature of DCn is its environmental benefits, nitrification inhibitors can increase pasture growth by up to 15%, although actual pasture responses achieved are dependant on the soil type, soil temperature, rainfall, soil nitrogen levels, number and timing of applications,’ says Mr Catto.

Most nitrogen leaching occurs from May to September. Research indicates that on well-drained soils, for best results, DCn should be applied in April/May and July/August to cover the high-risk leaching period over winter and retain autumn nitrogen in the system.

‘Nitrification inhibitors are an excellent way to more effectively utilise some of the naturally cycling nitrogen from urine and enhance the benefits of any nitrogen fertiliser inputs to increase overall pasture growth, and I encourage farmers to consider using DCn as part of the toolbox to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.’

ENDS

© Scoop Media