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NUE-TRITION

Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) is a measurement that enables farmers to benchmark the relationship between total nitrogen inputs and total nitrogen output. Total inputs include soil mineral nitrogen plus any nitrogen from organic manures and inorganic fertiliser. Total output is the amount of nitrogen removed by the crop.
An example of the NUE calculation for a crop is:

NUE-TRITION is a range of Origin enhanced efficiency fertilisers which have been proven through independent trials and research to increase NUE, including: micro-nutrient coatings, eg molybdenum, manganese and others urease and nitrification inhibitors multi-nutrient, prescription fertilisers

WHY IS NUE IMPORTANT?

NUE can be a useful benchmark for both financial and environmental sustainability. The benefits of increasing NUE include:

  • more nitrogen is recovered by the crop
  • potentially higher yields and grain protein
  • better financial returns on fertiliser
  • less nitrogen is lost to air and water
  • reduced carbon footprint
HOW CAN WE INCREASE NUE?

There are several actions that can all help increase NUE, including:

  • maintaining optimal soil structure, pH and fertility
  • integrated nutrient management planning
  • ensuring optimal timings and rates for fertiliser applications
  • calibrating fertiliser spreaders for each fertiliser being applied
  • ensuring other nutrients – both macro and micro – are balanced
  • using enhanced efficiency fertilisers
IMPROVING NUE IN SPRING BARLEY

Applying MICRO-MATCH manganese coating to the fertiliser:

  • Increased yield by 4.7%
  • Increased nitrogen uptake by 5.4%
  • Increased NUE by 8.2%
  • Gave a return on investment of 6:1

In independent trial work by TEAGASC, Ireland's he Agriculture and Food Development Authority, SUSTAIN increased apparent fertiliser recovery in spring barley by 9% compared to nitrates.

IMPROVING NUE IN WINTER WHEAT

Applying MICRO-MATCH molybdenum coating to the standard fertiliser practice:

  • Increased yield by 1.1%
  • Increased NUE by 5.4%
  • Gave a return on investment of 2:1
IMPROVING NUE IN WINTER OILSEED RAPE

Applying MICRO-MATCH molybdenum coating to the standard fertiliser practice:

  • Increased yield by 2.3%
  • Increased nitrogen uptake by 5.4%
  • Increased NUE by 4.5%
  • Gave a return on investment of 5:1
IMPROVING LIVE WEIGHT GAIN

Applying prescription fertilisers with 15% less nitrogen and the addition of phosphorous, sulphur, sodium, molybdenum, manganese, selenium and zinc compared to ammonium nitrate:

  • Increased total weight gain by 20%
  • Increased LWG per kg N fertiliser applied by 50%
  • Gave a return on investment of 4.5:1
NEED TRIAL DATA?

PDF

To evaluate the effect of molybdenum as a fertiliser coating on yield and NUE

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PDF

To evaluate the effect of manganese as a fertiliser coating on crop responses

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PDF

To evaluate the effect of molybdenum as a fertiliser coating on yield and NUE

Download