As uncertainty continues around the supply and pricing of nitrogen (N) fertilisers such as urea, now is an important time to help clients focus on improving N use efficiency across their farming systems.

Fertiliser Australia program manager Jeff Kraak says strengthening N management not only supports productivity but also reduces exposure to supply constraints and market volatility.

Jeff says adopting the Fertcare approach of using soil and plant testing, along with N budgeting, provides a sound basis for nutrient decision making.

These tools guide considerations such as:

Product selection

With elevated N fertiliser cost, enhanced‑efficiency fertiliser technologies may offer a valuable return on investment.

Products incorporating urease inhibitors, nitrification inhibitors, or coating technologies may contribute to reduced N losses and greater uptake by crops.

Biostimulants with demonstrated capacity to enhance N uptake could also be part of the fertiliser strategy.

Nitrogen application rate

Crop response to N follows the principle of diminishing marginal returns.

When fertiliser N supply is constrained, it may be appropriate to target application rates within the highly responsive portion of the yield response curve, rather than applying rates designed to achieve maximum yield.

Fertiliser placement

Placement methods which optimize N uptake is highly beneficial to improving NUE.

For example, banding urea into the soil, as opposed to surface application, can significantly reduce volatilisation losses.

Timing of application

N applications should be timed to coincide with periods of optimum crop uptake.

Prioritising plant demand over logistical convenience enhances the likelihood that applied N will be utilised effectively.

Each farm business will have unique constraints and opportunities.

Maintaining a constructive, solutions‑focused dialogue, emphasising the factors within a grower’s control, will assist farmers in managing the current supply challenges.