Using Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer (EEF) including use of Nitrification and Urease Inhibitors
IMPORTANT PROGRAM UPDATE APRIL 1ST, 2024
The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) includes Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Support for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF). OFCAF is an initiative designed to assist producers address climate change. The PWCP is helping producers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan deploy real, measurable, and practical climate solutions for agriculture in the Canadian Prairies through the management of nitrogen fertilizer use. For example, the use of polymer-coated urea fertilizer, and nitrification and urease inhibitors have been effective in lowering the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Source: BMP: NITROGEN MANAGEMENT FACT SHEET - SASKATCHEWAN.
The Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) is the lead organization managing the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) – which is an up-to $64 million AAFC OFCAF project in Manitoba and Saskatchewan from February 7, 2022 – March 31, 2025. PWCP will offer producers resources to support BMP implementation. The PWCP Program is subject to change without notice.
The PWCP for Saskatchewan is delivered by the Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds (SAW). For more information about accessing program funding in Saskatchewan visit the Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds website https://saskwatersheds.ca/praire-watershed-climate-program/ or contact by email Email: pwcp@saskwatersheds.ca or phone 1-306-541-9902.
What activities are eligible?
Use of combined urease and nitrification inhibitors - 85% of the cost of the inhibitors, up to a maximum of $75,000. Dual inhibitor products include Active Stabilizer Plus, ArmU Advanced, SylLock Plus, Tribune, Excellis Maxx, NEON Soil, NEON Surface, NEON Air, Lynx, NLock Advanced, Trident V, Nitrolizer Duo, N-Forced Dry Duo, Secure, Vault 15/15.
Use of Polymer Coated Urea (PCU) fertilizer - 85% of the increased cost of PCU fertilizer compared to regular nitrogen fertilizer, up to a maximum of $75,000. Fertilizer products include Triple Kick (38% actual N) and Super U (46% actual N).
Agronomic Support for Nitrogen Management Plans - 50% of total cost, up to a maximum of $10,000.
Soil Testing - 85% of total cost, up to a maximum of $2,500
Soil Mapping - 50% of total cost, up to a maximum of $10,000
Adding Legumes to crop rotation - up to $35/acre for seeds and seeding costs, up to a maximum of $75,000.
Upgrading seeder equipment to allow for banding, side dressing and injection of fertilizer - up to $200 per foot of seeding equipment, up to a maximum of $30,000.
Split Application of Fertilizer to improve nitrogen use - 85% of total cost of a second pass of fertilization, up to a maximum of $75,000. [split application of fertilizer funds the costs associated with a second pass of fertilization such as labour, fuel, and equipment.] This activity does not fund fertilizer costs that are covered under other eligible nitrogen management activities.
Examples of ineligible activities:
Landlords and tenants both cannot apply for funding on the same piece of land.
Biological and microbial fertilizer options.
Costs related to the management of nutrients other than nitrogen.
Fall fertilizer application is ineligible under the Split Application of Fertilizer activity.
Variable rate technology/sectional control.
Single nitrification inhibitors when not combined with urease inhibitors (as of April 1st, 2023).
Single urease inhibitors when not combined with nitrification inhibitors (as of April 1st, 2023).
For more information about eligible and ineligible activities refer to BMP: NITROGEN MANAGEMENT FACT SHEET - SASKATCHEWAN
THINGS TO NOTE:
A funded project/activity must:
Be new practices for an operation, or,
Be expanded practices on new land/acres from what has been practiced in previous years.
Be recommended by a licensed agrology professional (with demonstrated competency in the agronomy practice area that may include the CCA designation). To verify a licensed agrology professional (PAg or TechAg) in your area please refer to https://sia.sk.ca/ To find a qualified Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) in your area please refer to: Prairie Certified Crop Advisor https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/certifications/professional-search/
All activities must have commenced on or after January 1, 2023, and be completed on or before June 30, 2025.
Producers must contribute at least 15% of the total project cost as an in-kind contribution to the project.
SuperU Dual Inhibitors are funded based on the cost difference between the SuperU product and regular nitrogen fertilizer (same funding method as PCU).
For more information about how some of these products work, check out Manitoba Agriculture’s resource by John Heard, Enhanced Efficiency Additives for Nitrogen - How they Work available at: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/soil-fertility/enhanced-efficiency-additives-for-nitrogen.html