CNC facilitators play a key role in helping farmers test new technologies and explore innovative solutions for crop management. One such trial is currently underway with Robert Madigan, a CNC farmer from the Kilkenny group, who has switched from using solid nitrogen fertiliser (CAN) to Liquid N supplied by Breens Agri in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.
Why Trial Liquid Nitrogen?
Breens Agri provides both foliar and soil-applied nitrogen products, with their liquid nitrogen being acidified to reduce volatilisation. Robert wanted to compare the performance of Liquid N versus traditional solid CAN fertiliser, so a trial was designed to evaluate their effectiveness.
The Trial Setup
To ensure meaningful comparisons, a uniform field was selected. Several containers were placed over the growing crop before fertiliser application, ensuring these areas remained untreated. By collecting grain and straw samples from:
- Untreated areas (to estimate soil nitrogen mineralisation and soil N supply)
- Liquid N-treated sections
- Solid CAN-treated sections
The trial will provide insights into Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) for each fertiliser type.
What Can Be Learned?
While this isn’t a formal scientific experiment, it offers practical insights for farmers into how different fertilisers perform in real-world conditions. Understanding NUE can help improve fertiliser efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability—a core focus for CNC farmers and TEAGASC’s NUTRI-CHECK NET initiative.
This kind of on-farm experimentation highlights the importance of farmers having input into the trials that impact their business while exploring ways to reduce environmental impact and optimize nutrient use.
