In the rolling pastures of New Zealand, where lush greenery meets the challenges of modern farming, a remarkable solution emerged by plant breeding — AgritaiN®. Developed with the goal of tackling nitrogen loss from grazing systems, this innovative plantain offers a sustainable way forward for farmers seeking to balance productivity with environmental responsibility.
The problem of nitrogen leaching is particularly pronounced in grazing systems. When cows graze freely, their urine can create concentrated nitrogen “hotspots,” which easily seep into the soil and eventually into groundwater. Recognizing this, researchers in New Zealand developed AgritaiN®, a forage solution that has been shown to reduce nitrate leaching by up to 89% when used alongside other forage crops.
As AgritaiN® made its way to Europe, its role evolved to meet the unique challenges of indoor feeding systems. In these settings, its value extends beyond nitrogen management. The plant’s ability to enhance protein absorption in the cow’s intestines, lower nitrogen concentrations in urine, and inhibit nitrification makes it a valuable addition to modern dairy operations.
But how does AgritaiN® achieve these impressive results? The secret lies in its four-fold approach to nitrogen management:
- Dilution: Acting as a natural diuretic, AgritaiN® increases urine volume, dispersing nitrogen over a larger area and reducing harmful concentrations.
- Reduction: Compared to traditional ryegrass diets, it lowers the total dietary nitrogen excreted in urine.
- Delay: By slowing down the transformation of ammonium to nitrate, it gives plants more time to absorb nutrients, reducing leaching risks.
- Restriction: Perhaps most impressively, AgritaiN® appears to biologically inhibit nitrification, further curbing nitrogen loss when combined with nitrate-absorbing crops like Italian ryegrass.
Beyond its environmental benefits, AgritaiN® contributes to the farm’s bottom line. With a deep root system that enhances soil structure, improves carbon sequestration, and increases resilience to drought and flooding, it provides reliable forage even in challenging conditions. Its upright growth and seasonal adaptability extend forage availability into early spring and late autumn, ensuring a consistent supply of homegrown protein.
Farmers who embrace AgritaiN® are not only investing in sustainable agriculture but also improving livestock performance. Healthier animals mean better milk and meat yields, reduced feed costs, and lower reliance on veterinary treatments.
AgritaiN® represents more than just a forage solution — it embodies a commitment to productive, environmentally responsible farming that safeguards resources for future generations.
