A research study was conducted in Saskatchewan and Alberta to determine the potential for precision side band application of partially liquified anhydrous ammonia (AA) at sowing. While AA reduced plant stand over that observed with urea for both wheat and canola [rape], no effect on grain yields of wheat were observed from seven field trials. The use of AA did not adversely affect the rate of wheat establishment as measured by main stem Haun stage or plant development as measured by number of root axes and frequency of tillers produced. With canola, a reduction in seed yield was observed at only one of the five trial sites. The lower canola yield reflects the N loss when AA is applied on clay soils. Loss of AA on clay and silty clay soils, which were wet at application, resulted in reduced crop N uptake and lowered N use efficiency relative to urea at one wheat and two of the canola trial locations. It is suggested that given adequate seed-fertilizer separation, partially liquified AA can be safely applied at sowing in a precision side band application. Soil conditions that are known to cause N loss on application of AA, in particular wet clay and silty clay soils, may benefit more from an alternative N source such as granular urea or solution N.
