Frequently Asked Questions

What does AGROTAIN cost?

The cost of AGROTAIN per acre will vary with the amount of nitrogen applied. In the U.S., the average cost for AGROTAIN on urea is less than $.065 per pound of urea-based nitrogen. Remember UAN is 50% urea, so the cost per pound of nitrogen is around $.04.

 AGROTAIN International does not set retail prices. Your local dealer establishes the price for our products, so check with your retailer for pricing in your area.

How does AGROTAIN work?

AGROTAIN keeps the nitrogen you pay for in the ground where you need it. The product works through an active ingredient that inhibits the enzyme urease, which is the cause of breakdown of urea that results in loss of nitrogen due to volatility. Dr. Bob Hoeft, University of Illinois, explains.

Why is AGROTAIN only effective on urea?

Urea is the world’s most popular fertilizer, but it has one significant challenge: volatility. This loss into the air can cost you as much as 30% of your applied nitrogen, on average. AGROTAIN was specifically created to solve this one weakness of urea, so that it can perform equal to other stable nitrogen sources, like ammonium nitrate, for example. Urea-based fertilizers include granular and prill urea, and liquid nitrogen (urea ammonium nitrate or UAN) sold as 28%, 30% or 32%. These urea forms of nitrogen are the largest volume nitrogen sources in the world.

Should I cut my nitrogen rate when I add AGROTAIN?

As a general rule, no. You should apply the rate of nitrogen that will supply your crop with the nutrition it needs to yield its best. If you have been purchasing and applying more than the recommended rate in the past to compensate for losses, you may want to fine-tune your rates when you add AGROTAIN. Today’s hybrids have increasing demands for nutrients in order to deliver ever-increasing yields.

If I am using urea or UAN in the seed row, is there a benefit to adding AGROTAIN?

Seedling burn and stand reduction can result from the natural breakdown process that transforms urea to ammonia gas. When fertilizer and seed are placed close together, ammonia gas damages tender, emerging seedlings. AGROTAIN controls that process, so that seedlings can grow strong and become established without injury.

Does AGROTAIN work on manure?

Yes, it does. Urea is present in manure, but the levels vary widely depending on the source and how the manure is handled. If you are interested in this application, click here. Describe the details of your application, and we’ll work to get you the information you need.

Where can I purchase AGROTAIN?

AGROTAIN is widely available through most U.S. agricultural chemical distributors. Simply ask your fertilizer retailer to include AGROTAIN as they make your blend or include it in your application. Click here to find an AGROTAIN sales representative near you.

Does AGROTAIN kill bacteria?

No, AGROTAIN is not a pesticide. It does not kill bacteria in the soil. The action of AGROTAIN is to control the enzyme urease so that the breakdown process for urea is slowed, allowing the urea to be fully incorporated into the soil by natural rainfall or irrigation, or in some cases mechanical incorporation.

Doesn't applying nitrogen in cold weather help prevent nitrogen loss?

No. Studies show that volatilization or loss into the air remains an issue in sub-freezing soil temperatures and near-freezing air temperatures.  The reason is that the enzyme urease has a unique ability to break down urea even in freezing temperatures. Lab and new field studies prove nitrogen loss is significant in cold weather.

Can I add AGROTAIN and herbicides together?

Yes, you can. AGROTAIN is compatible with all pesticides tested to date. For glyphosate mixtures, it is recommended that you apply the entire tank following mixing. It is always best to test compatibility before mixing the load.

How does handling AGROTAIN compare to other forms of nitrogen fertilizer?

AGROTAIN is safe and easy to apply. Unlike other forms of nitrogen, it requires no special training or equipment for handling. Your fertilizer dealer can add AGROTAIN when he blends your load so you don’t have any additional work to do.

How much nitrogen from urea can be lost from the soil surface?

Nitrogen loss can be as much as 30% in the first critical weeks after application.

Which specific fertilizers are not made from urea and will not be helped by AGROTAIN?

Anhydrous ammonia, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate and DAP. Ask your dealer if you are not sure.

Why is AGROTAIN recommended for use in no-till conditions?

 

AGROTAIN is ideal for use in no-till conditions because it stabilizes surface-applied urea until it can be absorbed into the soil. Want proof? No-Till Growers have voted and awarded AGROTAIN the best fertility product award five years running. Read more

Why should I use AGROTAIN?

If you are using urea or liquid nitrogen, you could be losing 30% or more of your nitrogen within days of broadcast application. AGROTAIN is the first line of defense against this loss of nitrogen, controlling the natural chemical reactions that cause this loss.

What circumstances are appropriate for use of AGROTAIN?

If you are using urea or urea-based liquid nitrogen (UAN) then you likely need AGROTAIN. If you can immediately incorporate your fertilizer or if enough rain to incorporate the urea can be guaranteed, then you may not want to use AGROTAIN.

What about products that claim they are the same as AGROTAIN?

“Let the buyer beware” is good advice. There are no products available today that contain the same active ingredient as AGROTAIN or that work in the same way as AGROTAIN. AGROTAIN is a unique, patented product that cannot be duplicated. Other products making these claims are imitators only.

What kind of returns can I expect on my investment in AGROTAIN?

Over the last several years the average return has been at least 3 to 1. There have been some significantly higher numbers in the recent past due to weather conditions that were ideal for nitrogen loss. Click here to estimate net returns for your specific operating conditions.

Why not buy more nitrogen rather than purchasing AGROTAIN?

Before AGROTAIN, many farmers purchased more nitrogen in order to compensate for the loss. But in the era of higher nitrogen prices and increasing scrutiny by society and governments, practices have changed. It is better to apply the right rate of nitrogen and use AGROTAIN to make sure that it remains where it should for the crop. More efficient nitrogen use will result in increased plant health and better yields.

Does AGROTAIN control loss by tying up my nitrogen?

While AGROTAIN controls loss during the first critical weeks after fertilizer application, it does not keep it from plants. From the time of application, nitrogen is continuously available to fuel growing seedlings.

Will my specific crop benefit from use of AGROTAIN?

Remember that AGROTAIN is specific to urea-based fertilizers, but not specific to a crop. So any crop where you apply this type of fertilizer can benefit from AGROTAIN.

AGROTAIN performance data is available for almost every crop in every condition. Click here to receive date on your specific crop.

What environmental factors contribute to nitrogen loss?

Many factors in the environment contribute to volatility or loss into the air. The factors increasing volatility that should be considered are:

  • Higher soil moisture
  • Drying conditions including low humidity, sun and wind
  • Higher air and soil temperatures
  • Higher pH soils have a higher potential for volatility
  • Lower organic matter and lower CEC soils
  • Higher amounts of crop residue that have higher levels of urease