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.