Split application of ESN vs. urea: Research by Dr. Morteza Mozaffari

Dr. Morteza Mozaffari, Assistant Professor of Soil Testing/Soil Fertility at University of Arkansas Northeast Research and Extension Center in Keiser, Arkansas, has been conducting research using ESN for more than five years. His work focuses on pre-plant application and incorporation of ESN in corn and cotton. The objective is to determine yield outcomes between urea and ESN across a wide variety of soil types.

“I have done side-by-side comparisons of urea and ESN when they were pre-plant incorporated for several years,” explains Mozaffari. “When compared side-by-side at the same rate of total nitrogen, the yield with ESN appear to be better than the yield with urea in the years with high rainfall.”

This is due to less leaching of nitrogen from ESN as compared to conventional urea. ESN can provide farmers with a better and more efficient source of nitrogen (N). “The reason why I chose ESN for research is because the risk of nitrogen loss to the environment is less with ESN than conventional urea,” says Mozaffari.

Traditionally in this area, N is applied to corn in three split applications. Mozaffari’s is now working on applying the nitrogen that corn requires in two applications of ESN as compared to three application of urea.

“I’m looking at split application of ESN and comparing it with urea applied three times. If the results are positive, then I will conduct additional research to make sure that this data is reproducible across a wide range of soil and cropping conditions.”

Preliminary data from his current study will be available in three to four months.

To see more studies conducted by Dr. Morteza Mozaffari, click here.