Knowledge Center for Agriculture Solutions | Koch Agronomic Services
Knowledge Center for Agriculture Solutions | Koch Agronomic Services
Research Report: CENTURO™ From Koch Agronomic Services
Article Categories: US, Blog Icon BLOG, Research, Corn Belt
Growers bear a lot of responsibility, not only for raising enough crops to fit the needs of a growing population, but to also be stewards of the land. One element key to overcoming these challenges is getting enough nitrogen in the field – and keeping it there.

RESEARCH PROVEN CENTURO FOR ANHYDROUS AMMONIA IS NOW AVAILABLE

By its nature, the nitrogen cycle is a natural system which means nitrogen – from soil organic matter or applied as fertilizer – can move beyond the plant’s root zone or denitrify into nitrogen gas and be lost to the atmosphere. This inefficiency can lead to lower yields and directly impact a grower’s bottom line. Koch Agronomic Services (Koch) understands these challenges. Almost 10 years ago, a team of Koch agronomists, chemists and technology specialists went to work on finding an anhydrous ammonia stabilizer solution. Now, the research is in and has proven CENTURO® nitrogen stabilizer to be that solution.

RESEARCH DEMONSTRATES NITRIFICATION INHIBITION

CENTURO is a nitrification inhibitor that growers will be able to use with anhydrous ammonia to help protect against nitrogen loss from leaching and denitrification. Nitrification inhibitors are an important tool for protecting nitrogen and keeping the valuable nutrient available in the root zone. This leads to more of the applied nitrogen being used by the plant (corn, for example). “Inhibitors provide more nitrogen to the plant by keeping it in an ammonium form,” said Dr. Kelly Nelson, professor of agronomy in the Division of Plant Sciences at the University of Missouri. “If we can keep it in the ammonium form, that leaves it less susceptible to loss mechanisms such as denitrification and leaching.”

A graph showing the reduction of leaching when using CENTURO

By better regulating or slowing the conversion of ammonium to nitrate, research has shown CENTURO will hold the nitrogen in the ammonium form three times longer than without an inhibitor. With fall-applied anhydrous ammonia, nitrogen will be more stable for a longer period of time, maximizing availability for spring. And with spring-applied anhydrous, CENTURO will help minimize potential losses to leaching and denitrification from spring rains prior to crop establishment.

RESEARCH RESULTS SHOW IMPROVED NUE

Research trials conducted by independent land grant universities found fall-applied ammonia treated with CENTURO stabilizer was more efficient than untreated spring-applied anhydrous ammonia, oftentimes a recommended best management practice by universities. Across a study from 2016-2018 in Nebraska, Illinois and Missouri, CENTURO increased the nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) of anhydrous. Additionally, the research found fall-applied CENTURO treated ammonia increased corn yield by an average of 6 bu/A compared to untreated fall-applied ammonia (Figure 1) and by an average of 6 bu/A in spring applications. “CENTURO will provide peace of mind primarily with three emphases,” said Dr. Nelson. “Risk management for one thing, flexibility and ultimately, yield. That yield increase in the presence of CENTURO is a big thing when we’re looking at an effective return on investment.”

A graph showing the fall and spring yield advantage of using CENTURO compared to untreated and Nitrapyrin

N rate for all bars is 70% recommended rate. Bars with same letter are not significantly different (p<0.10)

CENTURO PRODUCT DETAIL PAGE

Always read and follow label instructions. CENTURO is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state.


Article Categories: US, Blog Icon BLOG, Research, Corn Belt
Efficiently using resources and good crop management go hand-in-hand on any successful farming operation. This is no trade secret — you want to minimize the inputs needed to produce the highest yield possible. That’s why optimizing your nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is critical to getting the most out of your fertilizer investment and ultimately, a better bottom line.