Use of InstinctR II to Reduce N Rates and Improve Yields in the Southern U.S.

Gulf of Mexico hypoxia is a hot topic that has garnered much focus among the agricultural community over the last 10 years. The introduction of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program is one result of the awareness of the problem of hypoxia and the role that ag plays in it. The move nationally to help farmers apply nutrients at in the right place, at the right time and right rate, as well as in the right form has helped to focus the efforts of agencies, farmers, researchers and industry. The use of nitrogen (N) stabilizers is one way to ensure that nitrogen is available after application until the plant is ready to uptake the nutrient. These products are also designed with the concept of reducing surface losses and leaching of nitrate into water sources.

Instinct® II nitrogen stabilizer is a capsule suspension of nitrapyrin in which encapsulation enables use in surface applied nitrogen by protecting the nitrapyrin against volatilization until the nitrogen is moved into the soil via rain or mechanical incorporation.  Research is still being conducted on the utility of this product across the United States. The purpose of this research was to demonstrate the performance of Instinct® II when added to surface applied Urea and UAN in the southern United States. Results from three field trial years (2012-2013) will be presented. Results from 2012 and 2013 showed that across the southern U.S. 100% application of optimum N + Instinct® II in corn (Zea maize) showed no significant yield increase when applied pre or as a side dress; however, a 15 bu/ac yield increase was found when Instinct® II was added to N at an 85% optimal rate compared with N applied at an 85% optimal rate alone. Results from the 2014 growing year will be presented as well.