AgritaiN®
Introducing The Natural Technology In Nitrogen Control
Through a leading research and development programme DLF has identified a natural and effective way to reduce nitrogen losses from livestock systems. AgritaiN® environmental plantain from DLF is the only plantain proven to significantly reduce nitrate leaching from the urine patch whilst also providing high quality forage. AgritaiN® can be utilised in a wide range of forage systems but is particularly effective under grazing management.
Up To 89% Reduction In Nitrate Leaching With Agritain®
Accurate application of nitrogen fertiliser and responsible spreading of effluent assist in reducing the amount of nitrate entering groundwater. In grazing systems, however, the majority of nitrate-leaching comes from the urine patch. High concentrations of nitrogen in urine can lead to increased loss through nitrate leaching.
AgritaiN® reduces nitrate leaching from the urine patch using four independent mechanisms. With the potential to reduce nitrate-leaching from the urine patch by up to 89% when combined with other forage crops, AgritaiN® is a game changer when it comes to managing nitrogen.
Dilute
AgritaiN® environmental plantain has diuretic properties which increases urine volume and therefore decreases urinary nitrogen concentration. Animals urinate more frequently which spreads the urine patch across a greater area. In addition AgritaiN® generally has a higher water content than ryegrass – which also increases the volume of urine the animals produce and further dilutes the nitrogen content.
Reduce
Typically, the more nitrogen contained in the feed, the more nitrogen is present in the urine and is recycled back into the soil via urine. However, AgritaiN® is different in that it reduces the total amount of dietary nitrogen being excreted in the urine, compared to ryegrass diets. Studies show that at equal nitrogen intake, AgritaiN® diets will result in less total nitrogen released in urine compared to ryegrass diets.
Restrict
The presence of AgritaiN® growing in the soil reduces nitrification*, likely through the effect of a biological nitrification inhibitor. Trials have shown that when combined with Italian ryegrass which is excellent for taking up soil nitrate, reductions in nitrate leaching of up to 89% from the urine patch have been recorded.
Nitrification is the process of ammonia being converted to nitrate.
Delay
Urine patches from animals pose the greatest risk to nitrate leaching in grazing systems. The amount of nitrogen in a typical urine patch far exceeds what plants are able to uptake. Using AgritaiN®, the nitrogen excreted in urine becomes slow release – its conversion from ammonium to nitrate is delayed, allowing plants a longer period to uptake nitrogen which therefore reduces the risk of nitrate leaching.