Author: Incitec Pivot’s Technical Agronomist, David McRae


Nitrogen (N) remains one of the largest nutrient inputs in grain production, making optimisation of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) a continued focus for growers and agronomists. While urea remains a widely used N source, EASY N can support improved NUE through flexible application timing and placement, along with reduced volatilisation losses. 

EASY N offers flexibility, allowing N to be placed in the right position in the soil or applied evenly as an in-crop topdress. This supports more targeted application timing by helping align N supply with crop demand. In turn, this can improve fertiliser and logistical efficiency across the season, while reducing the potential for N loss and maximising availability for plant uptake. 

EASY N contains 42.5% w/v N as urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), with N present in three forms: ammonium, nitrate and urea. As a liquid fertiliser, it can be transferred and applied using pumps, hoses, tubing and nozzles/metering orifices, with application rates easily controlled using rate controllers. 

This allows EASY N to be readily integrated into a range of planting and spraying equipment.  Using liquid delivery systems such as hoses and friction tubing, many planters and seeders can be configured to apply EASY N during pre-plant or planting operations. This provides a practical alternative to applying granular fertiliser in some systems.  

Most boomsprays can efficiently apply EASY N using conventional spray nozzles or streambar/streaming nozzles. It can be injected in the soil or used as a carrier for herbicide application.  

Reduced N loss  

N losses due to volatilisation from EASY N (UAN) and urea have been studied over a number of years. In recent 2024-25 Incitec Pivot trials, across 8 sites in southern NSW, Victoria and South Australia, EASY N delivered an average 39% reduction in volatilisation losses compared to urea (Figure 1). 

Earlier work also supports these findings. Turner et al. (2012) found losses from EASY N were 57% less than urea for two wheat paddocks in the Horsham region.  

Figure 1: Relative N losses measured as ammonia from urea or EASY N. Source: Incitec Pivot trial data (2024-2025).

Pre-plant application  

EASY N can be applied across a range of timings, including pre-plant, at planting and in-crop, allowing N programs to be adjusted to align with crop demand and seasonal conditions. 

Pre-plant application provides an opportunity to establish N supply ahead of sowing. In these situations, the addition of eNpower® can help reduce the risk of N loss by slowing the conversion of ammonium to nitrate.  

EASY N can also be used as a carrier for herbicide applications, allowing fertiliser and weed control operations to be combined. With all tank mixes, compatibility should be confirmed prior to use, particularly where lower water volumes are used.  

To minimise the potential for volatilisation loss from surface-applied EASY N, rainfall of approximately 16-25mm (on loam to clay soils), irrigation or incorporation through cultivation is generally required within three days of applications.  

Placement at planting  

EASY N can be applied at planting/seeding. If applied in the seed furrow, seed safety guidelines must be followed, as excessive rates of N can affect crop establishment. Safe rates of N can be found at: Maximum rates of fertiliser applied with the seed in winter crops. 

Liquid delivery systems enable greater flexibility in positioning N relative to the seed. Compared to many granular setups, they can make it easier to separate N from the seed furrow while still maintaining access for early crop growth.  

Where non-seeding rows are available, there is also greater flexibility around placement without the same constraints on application rates.  

Even and accurate in-crop application   

Applying N fertiliser evenly across responsive fields produces higher yields, more consistent protein levels and improved harvest efficiency. 

As growers adopt wider spreader widths and place greater emphasis on minimising N losses, there is increasing focus on timing fertiliser applications close to rainfall events. These conditions, however, can make it more difficult to maintain an even spread pattern.  

Wind conditions often become stronger and more variable ahead of rainfall events. Under these conditions, spreading urea evenly becomes increasingly difficult, as the lower bulk density of urea granules makes them more susceptible to movement which can result in striping where crops are N responsive.   

Uneven application can also have a compounding effect in permanent wheel track systems. Areas receiving lower rates can become progressively more N responsive while areas receiving higher rates may produce rank growth and, in some cases, be more prone to lodging.  

An acceptable coefficient of variation for spreaders is around 15%, compared to approximately 3% for boomsprays. If a spreader is targeting 100 kg/ha of urea, around 68% of the field will receive between 85 and 115 kg/ha, with the remainder 35% receiving either less or more than this range.  

The production benefits associated with more even application of EASY N through a boomspray are often overlooked when considering product price alone. Table 1 compares the yield difference required for EASY N and urea to achieve the same Net Income (gross income less N fertiliser cost). In the situation highlighted, a yield loss of 41 kg/ha would produce an equal outcome from both urea and EASY N. 

If N fertiliser is not applied in sprayer wheel tracks (assuming 3% of area) and the rate adjusted to 105 l/ha, a yield loss of 27 kg/ha would produce an equal outcome from both urea and EASY N. 

In 2014, Fertilizer Australia estimated that the cost of unevenly spread N fertilisers in wheat crops typically ranged from $25-40/ha. Yield variations of 100 kg/ha are very difficult to assess infield. 

 Table 1: Grain yield analysis focusing on net income for EASY N and urea. 

 Target Nitrogen rate – 46 kg/ha 
Product EASY N Urea 
Application method Streambar / SJ3 nozzle Broadcast / spread 
Nitrogen content 42.5% w/v 46% w/w 
Application rate 108 l/ha 100 kg/ha 
Approximate delivered price $1.52 / l $1500 / t 
Fertiliser cost $164.50 / ha $150 / ha 
Application cost $12 / ha $12 / ha 
Applied Fertiliser cost $176.50 / ha $162 / ha 
Grain Yield  4.5 t/ha 
Wheat Grain Price $350 / t 
Yield difference required for net income (gross income less N fertiliser cost) to be equal 41 kg/ha 

Source: Data from Incitec Pivot Technical Agronomist, David McRae (2026). 

Supporting more efficient N programs   

EASY N continues to offer a flexible approach to N management across the season. 

Its liquid formulation supports improved placement, more even in-crop application, and the ability to better align nutrient timing with crop demand.  

Together, these advantages can improve nitrogen efficiency, reduce the impact of N losses, and support more consistent production outcomes.  

If you are considering incorporating EASY N or EASY Liquids products into your fertiliser program this season, contact your local reseller for pricing and supply information. 

For situations or crop programs that require more than N, Incitec Pivot’s EASY Liquids range has products that can supply sulphur and zinc with N products.  

The full product range is available at: EASY Liquids Product Guide. 

Further information  

For further information, please feel free to contact: 

More information about EASY N can be found on the website and product brochure or from your local Incitec Pivot Regional Business Manager or Incitec Pivot Technical Agronomist (Team). 

If you require information on tank mixing EASY N or EASY Liquids, application rates, agricultural chemical compatibilities, or streambars, contact the EASY Liquids Team: 

  • Bob Moorfield, EASY Liquids Whitton (p: 0488 067 736), or 
  • Matt Urquhart, EASY Liquids Moree (p: 0429 789 298). 

References  

Turner DA, Edis RE, Chen D, Freney JR, Denmead OT (2012) Ammonia volatilisation from nitrogen fertilisers applied to cereals in two cropping areas of southern Australia. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 93(2), 113-126.