Jul 22, 2021
University of Nebraska-Lincoln to trial Bion’s new, manure-derived fertilizer
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) will study the agronomic performance of a new, biobased ammonium bicarbonate fertilizer, AD Nitrogen, on field corn, according to a news release from AD Nitrogen manufacturer Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc.
According to a news release from Bion, UNL’s Department of Agronomy and Horticulture will establish a research station trial with the following objectives:
- Determine the effect of ammonium bicarbonate (AB) on corn yield in comparison to current organic and conventional fertilizers (AB, composted manure, urea, AB + composted manure).
- Measure differences in nitrogen mineralization and plant uptake among different nitrogen fertilizers and application rates.
Planning, design, and preparation for the study will start in fall 2021, according to the news release. Planting will coincide with the normal corn growing season in spring 2022. Bion’s AD Nitrogen will be applied as a mid- to late-season nitrogen fertilizer, following an initial fertilizer application of manure, as is customary practice.
Ammonium bicarbonate has a long history of use as commercial synthetic fertilizer, although its use was phased out years ago in favor of cheaper alternatives, such as urea, according to a news release from Bion. Bion’s initial fertilizer product, a liquid ammonium bicarbonate solution, was approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) in May 2020 for an OMRI Listing, allowing for its use in organic production. In May 2021, Bion submitted a new application to OMRI, seeking an OMRI Listing for AD Nitrogen, a crystallized (solid) ammonium bicarbonate/ ammonium carbonate, recovered in its 3G platform.
AD Nitrogen is recovered from livestock waste in Bion’s patented third-generation (3G) livestock waste treatment technology platform, which captures and stabilizes the ammonia that volatilizes from animal waste, according to the news release.
For more information, see Bion’s website, www.bionenviro.com.
