In a grower research trial in Bancroft, Wisc., and a study conducted at the University of Georgia (UGA), Nitamin?/SUP>Steady-Delivery?liquid fertilizer from Georgia-Pacific increased marketable carrot yield and improved harvest efficiency when compared to the local grower standard programs of fertilizing with UAN or ammonium nitrate, respectively. The carrots that were fertilized with Nitamin liquid fertilizer also produced fewer splits and culls, resulting in increased crop quality.

Nitamin, developed by scientists at Georgia-Pacific, is a slowly-available nitrogen source that delivers the Optimal Nitrogen Diet?to crops. Unlike commonly used quick-release fertilizers that convert most of their nitrogen to useable forms within the first few weeks, the patented NitaminSteady-Delivery fertilizers deliver nitrogen to crops at a rate that they can effectively utilize throughout the growing cycle, while minimizing nitrogen loss through leaching and volatilization.

In the Wisconsin grower study conducted on Patrykus Farms, owned by Mr. Dave Beggs in Bancroft, Wisc., with assistance fromTH Agri-Chemicals and Royster-Clark, a mid-season application of Nitamin liquid resulted in a yield increase of three tons per acre and a higher percentage of marketable carrots, compared to the standard UAN application. On August 3, 2005, Nitamin liquid was applied to a total of 90 acres through the pivot irrigation system at a rate of 67 lb. of N/acre. An adjacent field received 32% UAN solution applied at an equivalent rate. Prior to the August application, both plots received a total of 80 lb. N/acre from various quick-release N sources. No additional nitrogen was applied after the final sidedress application. Differences between treatments were observed within the first few weeks after the initial application. The carrots in the Nitamin treated fields had greener foliage and larger top growth (photo 1). By early September, the canopy in the Nitamin field had completely filled in the rows (photo 2) and the carrot roots were visibly thicker (photo 3). Because the carrots in the Nitamin field were healthier, fewer fungicide applications were required.