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Featured Expert: Scott Wilburn

Scott Wilburn is a senior staff agronomist who works in MFA's Central Region.

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Q: Do I really need a nitrogen stabilizer?

A: Profitability in today’s market isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about making intentional, well-informed decisions. Protecting nitrogen with stabilizers is a proven way to preserve yield potential, nutrient value and input investment.

The cost of nitrogen fertilizers—such as anhydrous ammonia and UAN (urea ammonium nitrate)—are up 10% to 15% year-over-year, with phosphates and potash also seeing sharp increases. Meanwhile, grain markets remain flat, leaving producers squeezed between escalating costs and limited revenue potential.

Today’s high-performing fields are achieving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) levels below 0.85 pound of nitrogen per bushel—a milestone that was considered ambitious just a decade ago. Back then, hitting 1 pound per bushel was a commendable goal, especially when the benchmark hovered around 1.2 pounds per bushel. This progress reflects the power of modern hybrids and agronomic practices.

NUE is a straightforward but powerful metric: it measures how many pounds of nitrogen are applied per acre relative to the yield produced per acre. The lower the number, the more efficiently nitrogen is being used—provided yield goals are met or exceeded. Reaching NUE below 0.85 isn’t accidental. It’s the result of deliberate management and informed fertility decisions. Achieving this level of efficiency starts with protecting the nitrogen applied.

One of the most effective ways to do that is by using a nitrogen stabilizer. This is an input that shouldn’t be cut to save costs. Despite rising nitrogen prices, the nutrient remains vulnerable to loss through volatilization, leaching and denitrification. Skipping stabilizers can lead to substantial yield losses—making it a false economy.

Products such as Centuro, Anvol and SuperU are essential for protecting nitrogen investments and minimizing environmental risk. A 15% increase in N fertilizer prices creates simple math—whatever return you get out of a stabilizer will be increased by 15%. While stabilizer costs remain relatively flat, the value of the nutrient they protect is higher than ever.

Another essential nutrient, phosphorus, is also expected to rise in cost, with prices projected to exceed $1,000 per ton this fall. This increase will likely cause some growers to consider cutbacks. However, without soil test data, reducing phosphorus inputs can be detrimental. Phosphorus is critical for root development and energy transfer, and its deficiency can impair the uptake and efficiency of other nutrients like nitrogen and potassium.

Skipping phosphorus without understanding baseline fertility levels risks undermining the entire fertility program. Instead of blanket reductions, MFA producers should tailor nutrient applications based on soil test results, crop removal rates, and yield goals. Precision tools like Nutri-Track can help optimize every dollar spent. If soil test levels are below optimum for even one nutrient, achieving efficiency goals will require targeted additions. It's important to recognize that every nutrient plays a role in the fertility chain. A deficiency in one can limit the effectiveness of all others.

Talk with your MFA solutions provider for recommendations specific to your operation