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.