DEFRA has clarified its position on the implementation of rules for ammonia mitigation with urea fertilisers – which means that, as originally planned, farmers must use inhibitors after April 1, 2024.

The government agreed with the NFU and industry partners that a farming industry self-regulation approach will work best for the environment and food production. These guidelines will be applied through the Red Tractor Assurance Standard.

If farmers do not support this voluntary option and deliver the required reductions in emissions, Defra will revert to regulation, it said.

Omex Agriculture launched its own urease inhibitor in November, 2022, in anticipation of the ruling and to help farmers grow crops more sustainably. Its NitroShield product is claimed to reduce ammonia emissions from urea-containing fertilisers by more than 70%, as well as lift winter wheat yields by 0.3t/ha and grain protein by 0.2%.

“We wanted to be in a position where we had a tried and tested product alongside solid research and advice to offer farmers before the guidance became official,” said its head of technical, David Booty.

“Adding NitroShield to liquid nitrogen applications can help farmers meet this requirement, whilst improving efficiency, and at the most effective application rates. With less ammonia lost to the atmosphere and contained within the soil, the nitrogen applied alongside this innovative urease inhibitor is better utilised by crops.

“It gives reliable reductions of over 70% in ammonia emissions when mixed with Nitroflo or Nitroflo S grades prior to application,” he added. “The choice of whether to add it or not should be made on farm, on the day according to the date of application, the soil and weather conditions and any other mitigation factors, such as if fertiliser is incorporated within 24 hours.”

Mr Booty recommended that NitroShield be routinely used for all nitrogen applications after March 31 unless signed off as unnecessary by a FACTS qualified adviser.