Breakthrough Nitrogen Inhibitor Available

Media statement

28 April 2004

Breakthrough Nitrogen Inhibitor Available At Prime Application Time For Farmers

From today, farmers throughout New Zealand will be able to purchase and apply an environmentally friendly fertiliser, n-care, that reduces nitrogen leaching from soil by up to as much as 50%, and reduces the release of the greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide, into the atmosphere by a similar amount.

However, the first New Zealand granulated nitrogen inhibitor, based around DCD* formulation, is being welcomed not just by farmers. Nitrate leaching into the country’s waterways and into the atmosphere is an environmental issue being tackled by farmers, the Government and regional councils.

N-care is the first granular product of its type to be launched in New Zealand, and Ballance Agri-Nutrients, the company marketing the product, has had intense interest in it from all quarters.

“Now is the ideal time for farmers to get their first application of n-care on to reap the added benefits it offers over standard urea applications, with follow up spreading recommended during early Spring,” says Ballance Chief Executive, Larry Bilodeau.

“There is a high level of interest in n-care from farmers around the country who are focused on improving farm profitability and productivity while intent on farming in an environmentally sustainable way.

“Government and local government bodies are also interested in the breakthrough,” he says.

The product has been independently evaluated by AgResearch, the country’s leading agricultural research and science institution. AgResearch is continuing trials of the product to further validate its impressive qualities.

“This is a win-win for farmers, the environment and the Government,” says Ballance Chairman, David Graham.

“For farmers it means late Autumn and Spring applications of nitrogen will be a lot more effective, because more nitrogen will be made available to plants, improving the returns farmers will get from their investment. For the environment it means less leaching of nitrogen; and for the Government and regional councils, it means better care of the environment, as well as contributing to the country’s obligations under the Kyoto protocols.

“Every farmer in New Zealand now has a practical means of reducing nitrogen losses from their farms,” says Ballance Chief Executive, Larry Bilodeau.

“n-care is the most practically effective product of its kind on the market. Being in granular form, farmers can simply apply it as they would any other fertiliser.

“The price of the new product is $750 per tonne. While this is significantly higher than straight urea, farmers can achieve a far greater overall uptake of nitrogen fertiliser by plants, and subsequent pasture production increases” says Mr Bilodeau.

N-care also reduces the risk of nitrate poisoning in stock, which can be a potential animal health issue in some locations during autumn.

Continuing AgResearch trials are taking place at sites throughout the country in Southland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty to further validate the effectiveness of n-care.

The product is available from all leading farming merchants throughout New Zealand.

ENDS.

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