It increases yield: Through the use of ESN, growers can increase their yields. In a recent study we found it can increase corn yields by five to ten percent.

It maximizes N-use efficiency: The urea granule is isolated from the environment, so nitrogen-use efficiency is maximized, N loss is minimized, and nitrogen stays in the crop's root zone.

It saves time and money: Nitrogen is released when plants need nutrients, not just at application - making a one-time application of ESN convenient and economical.

It is safe for crops and the environment: Crops treated with ESN can have a higher rate of nitrogen placed at time of seeding - the unique polymer coating prevents an oversupply of nitrogen that can damage the crop and leach into water systems. We are excited by what this technology can do in developing nations where growers to not have access to the equipment and knowledge needed to implement best practices.

In 2007, the Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund awarded Agrium up to $3M over 3 years in matching funding to advance our economic and production knowledge of ESN along with some in kind contributions from Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development, and Agriculture and Agri Food Canada.

Learn more about ESN and how it works.