AGROTAIN International is dedicated to solving the problem of nitrogen loss for agricultural producers and turf specialists whose business results depend on efficient feeding of growing plants. There are three main causes of nitrogen loss, all of which can be controlled with one of the many products within the AGROTAIN International product portfolio. 

VOLATILIZATION – The first and potentially greatest loss is called volatilization, a process that begins on the surface immediately following application. Volatilization occurs when moisture and urease, a naturally occurring enzyme in the soil, break down urea and release it as ammonia gas into the air. As much as 30% can be lost within days of application.

DENTRIFICATION – After the nitrogen moves into the soil, it can be lost over time through denitrification, a biological process in which bacteria convert ammonium into other forms of nitrogen in a reduction reaction. The resulting loss ranges from 5-35% on average, but under high soil temperatures the loss can be far greater.

LEACHING – Nitrogen is also lost to leaching, which occurs when the nitrate form of nitrogen is washed out of the root zone and ends up beyond the reach of plants in the soil or in groundwater. Sandy soils are most susceptible to these losses as they have less ability to hold water and nutrients. Leaching losses can add up to as much as 20%.