Maximise nitrogen use efficiency with Excelis Maxx urea inhibitor

With an increasing focus on sustainability and efficiency across the agricultural industry, new stewardship rules require all fertiliser applications containing over 1% urea to include a urease inhibitor to slow the release of ammonia and limit volatilisation losses.

One solution to help farmers meet the new guidelines is Excelis Maxx, a cutting-edge urease inhibitor from Timac Agro UK, designed to meet the challenge head-on.

Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency: The role of urease inhibitors

Urease inhibitors slow the release of ammonia, reducing volatilisation losses by ensuring more nitrogen remains in the soil for the crop to use.

As inhibitors are an extra cost on top of fertiliser bills it is important to choose one that delivers excellent nitrogen use efficiency while supporting soil health and crop growth.

Beyond compliance: The value of Excelis Maxx

David Newton, Timac Agro UK technical manager, underlines the importance of viewing urease inhibitors as a value-added investment rather than just added cost.

David Newton © Timac Agro UK

“The efficiency of treated urea translates directly into cost savings and environmental benefits,” he says.

With inhibitors offering anything from 10-80% efficacy, it is important to select a product like Excelis Maxx, which offers proven results and superior technology.

Wet weather increases value of urea inhibitors

Mr Newton points out the risk of volatilisation is increased when urea is applied to soils that have been wet but are drying, making the use of inhibitors particularly valuable this season.

“When wet soil starts to dry, the upper layers that have come into contact with urea become more porous as water evaporates,” he says.

“The increased porosity enhances the diffusion of ammonia gas from the soil surface into the atmosphere. Essentially, the drying soil acts like a wick, pulling moisture and ammonia gas to the surface, where they can then be lost to the atmosphere.”

Introducing Excelis Maxx:

The introduction of Timac Agro’s urea inhibitor, Excelis Maxx marks a significant advancement in this field.

With over eight years of making its mark in the US market, the launch of Excelis Maxx in the UK aligns perfectly to offer a solution to the latest stewardship guidelines.

Excelis Maxx distinguishes itself with a unique formulation that combines NBPT, an effective and market accepted urease inhibitor, with the Timac Rhizovit Complex, a patented microbial activator.

This combination reduces ammonia emissions and stimulates soil microbial life, enhancing the availability of vital nutrients, in particular nitrogen.

Another aspect setting Excelis Maxx apart is its ability to penetrate urea granules more effectively than other inhibitors in the market.

This enhanced penetration ensures extended protection of the nitrogen source, with efficacy lasting in excess of 3 months in an open bag.

Shorter lifespans in many inhibitors is often a linked to the common issue of oxidation sensitivity in the active ingredient.

The Excelis Maxx formula includes garlic-based phenolic extracts, which act as antioxidants to stabilise the process and extend the product’s shelf life.

Excelis Maxx delivers:

• Enhanced efficiency: By reducing the rate of volatilisation, it ensures a higher proportion of applied nitrogen is available for crop uptake
• Microbial activation: The Rhizovit component stimulates soil microbial activity, unlocking additional nutrients and improving soil health
• Robust protection: It penetrates urea granules more effectively than other inhibitors, providing consistent and extended nitrogen protection

Key advantages of Excelis Maxx:

• Superior penetration and protection: Offers up to 100% more penetration into urea granules, ensuring uniform and lasting efficacy
• Innovative formulation: The combination of NBPT with the Rhizovit complex maximises nitrogen utilisation and reduces environmental impact
• Enhanced stability: Natural, garlic-based phenolic extracts stabilise the inhibitor and extend the treated urea’s shelf life beyond two months
• Comprehensive compliance: Fully adheres to new urease inhibitor requirements, allowing farmers to stay ahead of regulatory demands.
• Application options: Can be incorporated into urea granules or liquid urea-based formulations
• Save on future fertiliser costs: The use of an inhibitor can cut down the amount of subsequent nitrogen applications required

Mr Newton adds: “Growers need to look beyond meeting immediate legislative requirements and avoid rushing to choose the cheapest product, instead selecting options with high levels of proven efficacy that promote long-term soil health, crop performance and therefore deliver economic viability.”

For more information about Excelis Maxx, please contact your local Timac Agro UK distributor or visit timacagro.com