Calculate your economic nitrogen loss without stabilizers.
Nitrogen Loss Mechanisms
Volatilization
Surface applied nitrogen is susceptible to volatilization, which can cause as much as 25-50% nitrogen loss.
Factors that increase volatilization:
- warm temperatures
- moist soil
- wind
- no-till (increased surface residue)
Note - both Urea and UAN are subject to volatilization when surface applied.
Leaching
Nitrogen loss from (NO3-) leaching can be a major nitrogen loss mechanism ranging from 10-40%.
Factors that enhance leaching:
- heavy rainfall/poorly scheduled irrigation
- inefficient nitrogen management (large one-time nitrogen application)
- sandy soils
Denitrification
In saturated soils, nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen can be reduced to a gaseous form and lost to the atmosphere. In a wet spring, this loss can be from 25-50% of applied nitrogen
Favored by:
- low oxygen (O2)
- poorly drained fields leading to flooding or ponding of water
- heavy textured soils
Potential Loss %
When selecting your percentage of potential loss, consider the above loss mechanisms and how they relate to your nitrogen application practices. For example, if you surface apply Urea in one large application early spring your nitrogen could experience loss via all three mechanisms.
This calculator does not consider the potential yield and environmental benefits of using a nitrogen stabilizer. A primary reason to use a nitrogen stabilizer is to protect your nitrogen investment from undesirable loss. Increased yield may be achieved using a nitrogen stabilizer when nitrogen deficiency was the limiting yield factor for the plant.
Check out the MicroSource Minute tab for more in-depth information on nitrogen loss mechanisms.