April brings unpredictable weather, rising soil temperatures, and rapid crop growth. These conditions create the perfect environment for nitrogen losses through volatilisation and leaching. AdvaNShield technology protects nitrogen during this critical period, keeping nutrients available when crops need them most.
Why April Applications Need Protection
Spring nitrogen applications face unique challenges. Soil temperatures rise above 5°C, activating soil bacteria that convert ammonium into nitrate. Nitrate moves easily through soil profiles, particularly when April showers arrive. Up to 60% of applied nitrogen can be lost before plants use it.
Volatilisation becomes a significant risk as temperatures climb. Ammonia gas escapes to the atmosphere, taking valuable nitrogen with it. Research shows ammonia losses reach 25% within 20 days of standard applications. These losses hit farm profitability and fail to meet increasingly strict environmental regulations.
April applications occur during stem elongation and flag leaf emergence, critical growth stages when nitrogen demand peaks. Losses during this window directly impact yield potential. Protecting nitrogen during April applications delivers both agronomic and economic benefits.
How AdvaNShield Works
AdvaNShield uses NutriSphere-NL inhibitor technology, a patented dual inhibitor system combining maleic acid and itaconic acid. These long-chain organic compounds increase cation exchange capacity in soil. The result is reduced availability of metals like nickel, copper, and iron that soil bacteria need to convert nitrogen into gaseous or leachable forms.
This process slows the conversion of ammonium to nitrate. Nitrogen remains in a form that crops absorb more efficiently for longer periods. The technology works with all sulphur grades, providing flexibility in nutrient programmes. Unlike some solid urea inhibitors, AdvaNShield is fully compatible with Nitrogen + Sulphur formulations.
Field trials demonstrate substantial reductions in nitrogen losses. Volatilisation decreases by up to 54% compared to standard applications. Nitrate leaching drops by 24% over three-month periods. These improvements translate directly to more nitrogen available for crop uptake.
Meeting Regulatory Requirements
The introduction of “Option 4” regulations changed how urea-based fertilisers can be applied in the UK. AdvaNShield meets Red Tractor standards for ammonia emission reduction. This compliance allows Liquid Nitrogen and Liquid Nitrogen + Sulphur grades to be applied after 1 April while meeting regulatory requirements.
DEFRA’s Option 4 nitrogen management scheme recognises AdvaNShield as meeting government standards for nitrification inhibition and reduced nitrogen loss. For farmers operating under Nitrate Vulnerable Zone rules, this compliance provides regulatory reassurance. Sustainable Farming Incentive standards also align with AdvaNShield’s nutrient management principles.
The technology does not harm beneficial soil organisms, supporting long-term soil health. This responsible approach balances productivity with environmental stewardship. Farms can meet compliance rules while getting maximum value from nitrogen investment.
Yield Benefits and Efficiency Gains
UK trials show AdvaNShield supports yield improvements of up to 4% compared to untreated nitrogen sources. A Norfolk winter wheat trial increased harvested grain yield by 7.4%, from 13.8 t/ha to 14.9 t/ha. These gains come from better nutrient availability, reduced losses, and improved timing flexibility.
The protection AdvaNShield provides means a single nitrogen application can meet crop needs in some situations. Fewer passes reduce the number of trips required, saving time and fuel costs. During tight spring windows, this efficiency allows focus on other critical farm operations.
Higher nitrogen use efficiency means crops absorb more of the applied nutrient. This improves growth, strengthens protein potential, and delivers better return on fertiliser investment. In seasons with unpredictable rainfall, AdvaNShield provides confidence that nitrogen remains available despite weather challenges.
Planning Now for Spring Supply
AdvaNShield can be added to Liquid Nitrogen and Liquid Nitrogen + Sulphur grades at dispatch. This flexibility means farmers can buy unprotected products for early-season use before April, then switch to protected versions when regulations require. The product remains stable in storage between seasons without loss of effectiveness.
Supply security matters during peak demand periods. Farmers who plan now benefit from guaranteed access to AdvaNShield-protected grades when April arrives. Those who wait risk limited availability when supply chains face pressure from simultaneous spring applications across the country.
Working with FACTS-qualified advisers helps integrate AdvaNShield into nutrient management plans. Accurate soil testing, variable rate application, and precise timing all combine with AdvaNShield protection to maximise nitrogen use efficiency. This integrated approach delivers the best agronomic and economic outcomes.
Winter represents the final opportunity to plan spring nitrogen programmes. Securing AdvaNShield-protected supply now removes uncertainty and positions crops for optimal nutrition during critical growth stages. When April arrives and conditions demand rapid action, protected nitrogen will be ready to deliver.
Are you considering the move to liquid fertiliser? Get in contact with us today to get started.
