Field-scale evaluation of fall-applied EEFs for seed yield productivity, profitability, and nitrous oxide emissions reduction in multi-year forage and turf seed production systems

Coordinating agronomist: Jo-Anne Relf-Eckstein
Organization: Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission
Practice: Nitrogen management
Trial started: Fall 2026

Barrier: Adoption of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) in multi-year forage and turfgrass crop production faces barriers of high EEF product cost, lack of region-specific evidence of economic or environmental benefit, and uncertainty about real-world performance. As a result, these producers—who have a short frost-free period and a long cold interval between fall fertilizer application and spring crop demand—are hesitant to invest in EEFs without proof of economic and environmental benefit.

Description: This project evaluates standard, fall-applied urea with enhanced-efficiency products in commercial forage and turf grass seed fields, with three randomized replicates. The four treatments used in this replicated trial are: 1) urea at 100% of the recommended rate, 2) urea at 100% of the recommended rate plus a dual inhibitor (SuperU™), 3) urea at 80% of the recommended rate plus the dual inhibitor, and 4) urea at 100% of the recommended rate plus the dual inhibitor plus a spring-applied liquid phosphorus fertilizer (PhosForce). Tissue tests and post-harvest soil nitrate tests will be conducted, and above-ground biomass, seed yield, and seed quality will be measured. Both statistical and economic analyses will also be completed. This will provide producers with valuable data on nitrogen use efficiency and offer practical guidance for those considering the adoption of these nutrient management practices.

Optimizing wheat yield and quality: Farm-scale comparison of blanket vs. variable rate nitrogen strategies across landscape positions

Coordinating agronomist: Lana Shaw
Supporting agronomists: Junaid Afzal and Salman
Organization: South East Research Farm
Practice: Nitrogen management
Trial started: Spring 2026

Barrier: While many wheat producers understand the theory of variable rate nitrogen (VRN),  adoption has been hindered by the uncertainty on the return on investment (the cost of mapping and technology compared to benefits), risk of low protein levels, and a lack of localized data that clearly quantifies the economic benefit of VRN against blanket rates.

Description: This replicated block design farm-scale trial compares the standard blanket nitrogen rate to a variable rate nitrogen (VRN) application in two topographically variable, rainfed Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat fields in the Black soil zone of southeast Saskatchewan. In addition to in-crop monitoring, yield, quality, protein, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) will be reported across low, mid, and high landscape slope positions. The economic return ($/ac) of each application rate strategy will be determined, based on site-specific performance.

Nitrogen EEFs in northeast Saskatchewan: What is the impact on nutrient management and profitability?

Coordinating agronomist: Ishita Patel
Supporting agronomist: Lauriche De Villa
Organization: Northeast Agriculture Research Foundation
Practice: Nitrogen management
Trial started: Spring 2026

Barrier: Unpredictable weather, increased input costs, and high land rental/mortgage costs are all challenges for farmers on unirrigated land in Northeast Saskatchewan, in addition to balancing production, profitability, and environmental impacts. While there is interest in using nitrogen enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs), inconsistent messaging on the economic feasibility of these products, along with uncertainty related to their performance on soils with high organic matter (6-10% OM), has hampered farmers from trying them.

Description: This field trial will be set up in a randomized complete block design that includes four replicates and five treatments: 1) dual inhibitor product (Active Stabilizer Plus), side-banded at 75% of the recommended nitrogen rate, 2) a 50:50 blend of ESN and conventional urea side-banded at 75% of recommended nitrogen rate, 3) untreated urea at 75% of recommended nitrogen rate and a humic acid product (Resurge by Helena Agri Enterprises) at label-recommended rate (both side-banded), 4) untreated urea check side-banded at 100% of the recommended nitrogen rate, and 5) an anhydrous ammonia check, mid-row banded at 100% of the recommended nitrogen rate. Spring LibertyLink canola will be seeded and tissue tests (at bolting), yield, grade, oil, and protein content will be measured, as well as post-harvest soil nitrate levels. Economic analysis for treatment will also be conducted.

Examining the impacts of reduced nitrogen rates in a cereal-based rotation with under-sown clover as a cover crop

Coordinating agronomist: Lana Shaw 
Organization: South East Research Farm Inc.
Practices: Cover crops, nitrogen management
Trial started: Spring 2026

Barrier: There is concern about the economic risk of reducing nitrogen fertilizer rates in cereals with under-sown clover.

Description: This trial evaluates reduced nitrogen rates (70% of standard) combined with under-sown clover (red clover) in a rain-fed oat production system. It will assess impacts on nitrogen use efficiency, cereal yield and quality, nitrogen credits from the red clover to the subsequent crop, and the profitability of intercropping, providing practical evidence for adopting these integrated practices.