Limus^®

We have rigorously tested the efficacy of Limus^® in both laboratory conditions and in the field. Across 93 BASF trials, up to 98% reduction was achieved with an average reduction of 70%. Whilst in the laboratory, we have assessed its performance on a range of different soil types. Reductions of up to 98% were also achieved with an average reduction of 83%.

Urea based fertilisers should be applied shortly before rainfall in order to reduce ammonia losses from volatilisation. Traditionally, higher rates are used, or additional applications are made, to compensate for the losses that can often occur. Limus^® protected urea fertilisers can be applied independent of weather conditions as they effectively prevent these losses. This not only simplifies fertilisation programmes considerably, it also allows for greater flexibility and a more efficient use of resources.

We have been extensively testing the yield performance of Limus^® in the field for a number of years, across a range of crops. Across 107 BASF trials, Limus^® protected urea/UAN improved yield by an average of 5%, demonstrating that the reduction in losses achieved with Limus^® ensured greater availability of nitrogen for uptake, resulting in higher yields.

As part of the comprehensive DEFRA funded NT26 project, the performance of the urease inhibitor, NBPT (one of the active ingredients in Limus^®) was evaluated as an alternative to ammonium nitrate. The project concluded that granular urea plus NBPT matched ammonium nitrate for performance in winter cereals, according to average figures taken from 10 locations.

This result was mirrored across 74 BASF trials where Limus^® raised the yield performance of granular urea to the level of ammonium nitrate and calcium ammonium nitrate. These equivalent yields highlight that provided ammonia losses are minimised, urea is as reliable a source of nitrogen as ammonium nitrate.

Limus^® is the only urease inhibitor available with two active ingredients (NBPT and NPPT). NBPT and NPPT target different urease enzymes in the soil, thus more effectively protecting the urea from ammonia volatilisation, compared to a urease inhibitor with only one active ingredient. Across 107 BASF trials, Limus^® protected urea/UAN delivered 2.2% higher yield than urea/UAN protected with NBPT alone.

The stability of urease inhibitors when added to urea can be limited. Limus^® is a liquid formulation and contains our BASF patented polymer technology, providing longer a.i. stability on urea granules compared to generic NBPT and 2-NPT formulations. Even at 20^°C Limus^® is stable for more than 12 months, giving confidence that even if purchased a year in advance, Limus^® protected urea will still work effectively.

The innovative, liquid formulation negates the need to apply additional active ingredient during the production process to compensate for potential losses during storage. It also enhances the movement of the actives into the granule, further helping to prevent losses during application. During abrasion tests 97% of the actives remained on the granule.