Urease inhibitors technologies as strategy to mitigate agricultural ammonia emissions and enhance the use efficiency
Adrianne Braga da Fonseca1, César Santos1, Ana Paula Pereira Nunes1
1Laboratory of Fertilizers Technologies-INNOVA FERT, Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras-UFLA, P.O. Box 3037, Lavras, MG, 37203-202, Brazil.
Scientific Reports
|December 20, 2023
Summary
Urease inhibitors like NBPT reduce ammonia loss from urea fertilizers, but their stability is affected by mixing with phosphates. Different formulations offer varying protection, with some extending NBPT half-life for improved field performance.
Area of Science:
- Agronomy
- Soil Science
- Fertilizer Technology
Background:
- Urease inhibitors are crucial for mitigating nitrogen loss from urea fertilizers.
- N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) is a common urease inhibitor, but its stability and efficacy can be compromised.
- Interactions between NBPT, phosphorus sources, and nitrogen technologies require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the stability and degradation of NBPT under various storage conditions.
- To quantify urease activity, ammonia volatilization, and agronomic efficiency of urea treated with different urease inhibitors.
- To assess the compatibility of NBPT-treated urea with different phosphorus sources and nitrogen technologies.
Main Methods:
- Experiments involved storing urea treated with NBPT (UNBPT) with six phosphorus sources at two concentrations.
- Four nitrogen technologies (SoILC, Limus, Nitrain, Anvol) were monitored.
- Field trials were conducted in three maize fields using conventional urea (UGRAN) or NBPT-treated urea with varying N rates.
Main Results:
- Mixing NBPT-treated urea with phosphate fertilizers reduced NBPT concentration by up to 53.7%, indicating incompatibility.
- Coated monoammonium phosphate (P-Agrocote) showed moderate NBPT degradation (approx. 400 mg kg⁻¹).
- Limus and SoILC technologies extended NBPT half-life to 4.7 and 3.7 months, respectively, under storage.
- Field application reduced urease activity and ammonia emissions by 50-62% compared to UGRAN.
- NBPT formulations showed variable field efficacy in reducing N volatilization (15-19% for inhibitors vs. 39% for urea).
- Nitrogen application rates influenced agronomic variables, with site-specific responses observed.
Conclusions:
- The mixture of NBPT-treated urea and phosphate fertilizers is generally incompatible, reducing inhibitor efficacy.
- Specific solvent technologies (Limus, SoILC) significantly enhance NBPT stability during storage.
- NBPT-treated urea effectively reduces ammonia volatilization and improves nitrogen use efficiency in maize cultivation.
- Optimal nitrogen management strategies are essential for maximizing crop yield and nitrogen uptake, with site-specific considerations.
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