UAN liquid nitrogen facts

UAN (urea ammonium nitrate) has been used globally for over 30 years, especially in England, Europe, and other agriculture-focused regions, where it replaced synthetic nitrogen to reduce environmental impact on soils and waterways.

Our original company was the first in NZ to manufacture UAN 25 years ago, and we've promoted its benefits ever since. 

Backed by extensive experience, independent trials, and consistent on-farm results, UAN's popularity continues to grow across New Zealand.

UAN is a blend of urea and ammonium nitrate, providing both fast-acting nitrogen (from nitrate) and sustained release (from urea). Blends typically contain 20–40% nitrogen, with 32% N most common in NZ for optimal climate performance.

Unlike many imported blends (mainly from China) that contain no additives, NZ-made UAN may include seaweed, humates, boron, or sulphur to enhance uptake, growth, and palatability. 

These additives influence both product cost and application rates.

Not all UAN blends are the same—check the MSD specs and recommended application rate of any product offered.

A 2012 independent Ruakura trial compared a NZ-made UAN blend (more than a basic 32% liquid) with granulated urea on a working dairy unit. 

Results showed the UAN achieved the same pasture dry matter growth using less than 20% of the nitrogen units—making it     four times more efficient than solid urea.

UAN can be used as a full or partial replacement for synthetic nitrogen, helping reduce nitrogen spend and meet nutrient cap requirements. It mixes easily with water and applies via standard spray gear—no lumps or blockages.

Best results occur when applied to pasture covers of 1800–2000 kg DM/ha during the growing season, or in cooler conditions alongside gibberellic acid.

The nitrate provides an immediate boost, while the urea ensures longevity—supporting steady growth across a 22-day round, often matching or exceeding solid nitrogen performance.

We work closely with farmers to ensure UAN is applied under the right conditions, at the right time, for best results.

 Nitrogen isn’t the enemy — it’s how we use it.
Essential to all life, nitrogen is critical for the growth and health of plants, animals, and humans — a fact backed by science.

The real problem lies in what form of nitrogen we apply and how much we use per hectare. Overuse or misuse turns nitrogen into a pollutant, harming ecosystems and the environment.

But when managed wisely, 

nitrogen is a powerful tool — not a threat.
And we have a solution.