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43 trials prove nitrogen stabilizers help maximize profit
In 2025, Corteva Agriscience conducted 43 trials across nine states to evaluate the value of nitrogen stabilizers under varying weather conditions and application timings, including spring, fall and sidedress.
With tight profit margins, it pays to invest in nitrogen applications that stay where they’re needed most: the corn root zone. In 2025, Corteva Agriscience conducted trials across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Ohio to evaluate nitrogen stabilizer performance. These trials provide updated insights for growers.
How do nitrogen stabilizers work?
N-Serve® and Instinct NXTGEN® nitrogen stabilizers can strengthen nitrogen management programs and help extend nitrogen availability in the root zone, whether nitrogen is applied preplant or through multiple applications during the season.
Crops use nitrogen in two forms: ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3–). Plants prefer ammonium because it is easier for the plant to absorb and less susceptible to loss. The active ingredient found in N-Serve and Instinct NXTGEN nitrogen stabilizers — nitrapyrin — keeps nitrogen in the ammonium form longer, reducing loss and increasing soil nitrogen retention.
Corteva supports this approach with trials conducted across a range of weather conditions and application timings.
9 fall-applied nitrogen trials add up to $72/A†
Over a six-month period, and under higher-than-average rainfall in some areas, N-Serve maintained more nitrogen in the ammonium form than competing products under similar conditions. Fall-applied stabilization protects nitrogen through the fall and into the spring, supporting availability when crops need it.
Across the nine trials, an average of 12% more nitrogen remained in the ammonium form in the second half of May in soils where fall-applied nitrogen was stabilized with N-Serve. That adds up to an 18-bushel-per-acre yield advantage compared with unstabilized acres.
12 trials show sidedress ROI
Growers applying sidedress nitrogen as UAN, urea and liquid manure can rely on Instinct NXTGEN nitrogen stabilizer to help improve nitrogen retention. Trials show that, on average at six weeks, nitrapyrin held nitrogen in the ammonium form 12% more effectively than unstabilized applications — returning up to $20/A over unstabilized acres in the trials.**†
22 spring-applied nitrogen add up to $32/A†
Spring rains and warm soil temperatures can increase nitrogen loss through leaching and denitrification. Nitrogen stabilizers can improve confidence that nitrogen remains available when crops need it.
Across 22 spring-applied trials, nitrogen stabilizers using Optinyte® technology (Instinct NXTGEN or N-Serve) resulted in up to 8 bushels per acre more yield than unstabilized acres.
Adding sustainability
Reducing nitrogen loss through leaching and denitrification can also support environmental stewardship. This helps maximize input efficiency while supporting yield potential and helping ensure sustainability.
**Instinct NXTGEN applied at a rate of 12-24 oz/A.
† Based on $4.00/bu corn prices.
Optinyte® is a registered active ingredient. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Do not fall-apply anhydrous ammonia south of Highway 16 in the state of Illinois. Always read and follow label directions.
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