Thinking of Using UAN? — Compare the ESN Advantage
Yields are means of three N rates, four replications, and two years. All products surface broadcast before planting at average N rate of 150 lbs N/acre. Net return calculations assume corn price of $3.50/bu, ESN price premium of $0.20/lb N over urea and $0.15/lb N over UAN. Inhibitor costs assumed as follows: Agrotain Ultra @ $105/gal ($9.23/acre) and Agrotain Plus SC for UAN @ $22.40/gal ($15.75/acre). Study conducted at Owensboro, KY.
We all know the obvious difference between ESN and UAN (urea-ammonium nitrate solution). UAN is a 28-32% liquid nitrogen source and ESN is a 44% granular nitrogen source.
There are several more differences to consider when choosing a nitrogen source:
UAN requires specialized equipment – pumps, tanks, and application.
UAN can have higher trucking costs vs dry products – transporting a lot of water.
Liquid blending options may be limited.
UAN often requires multiple application trips which adds cost.
UAN contains 25% of the N in the nitrate form, a form immediately susceptible to leaching and denitrification losses and a form not protected by inhibitors or stabilizers.
An inhibitor or stabilizer should be added to protect the urea and ammonium portions from loss, increasing cost per acre and adding time to the application process.
A Kentucky corn study demonstrates ESN’s advantages:
ESN produced 21 bu/acre more yield and $37/acre more profit than UAN.
ESN produced 12 bu/ac more yield and $35/acre more profit than UAN with both urease and nitrification inhibitors.
