TEGNIES
EFFICACY OF LAN COMPARED TO
UREA UNDER DRY CONDITIONS FOR MAIZE
Numerous research studies have shown higher
yields (5% to 25%) for ammonium nitrate based
products compared to urea over years and over
many different localities.
Most efficacy comparisons between these
sources were done under high rainfall
conditions conducive to volatilisation and
leaching losses of nitrogen. Under relatively dry
conditions toxicity and volatilisation effects of
urea are expected when concentrated and when
the soil is only moist.
Research that was done previously at the
ARC-GCI was revisited to investigate efficacy
differences between Limestone Ammonium
Nitrate (LAN) and urea for a specific season
when particularly dry conditions occurred after
planting. These N-sources were band placed at
a depth of 10 cm, 10 to 15 cm from the rows, 3