Nitrogen fertilisers - current and emerging technologies

It’s fascinating that all ‘new’ fertilisers still owe their invention to the 1950s and ‘60s. Every new methylene urea or coated technology descends from 70‑year‑old innovations.

This class will discuss these fertilisers and then will talk about the ‘new’ coating technologies, amino acids and bio‑added products. Then we will talk about ‘emerging’ innovations, covering items such as nanofertilisers. Nitrogen fertilisers have many different forms ‑ soluble, organic, inorganic, those with inhibitors, nano‑particles ‑ the list goes on. How does one separate all the various types, and determine which might work best in your turfgrass management?

This class will untangle all the different types of N fertilisers and explain what factors affect their release of N into the soil. We will cover best products to select if one wants to grow turfgrass quickly, keep it just slightly green or to best protect a sensitive surrounding environment. We will use research data, product labels and pricing to help you pick what is best for your operation.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the different types of N release from N fertilisers
• Be able to understand the role of inhibitors in N fertilisers ‑ where might one need them?
• Become familiar with new fertiliser technologies on the market
• Understand the difference between synthetic, synthetic organic and organic fertilisers
• Be able to select best N products for a protected environment in sensitive areas