Nutralene, Nitroform

[lilmarvin4064]

I know these (methylene ureas) are not "organic", but would you consider these a good alternative to traditional organics due to the fact that they have a long release, contain a good amount of carbon and can increase microbial populations. I see this as a more cost-effective route than using alfalfa (etc), if the end result is the same.

Is there any reason to use something like alfalfa or cornmeal, etc, rather than chicken poo?

[mrkosar]

being able to advertise to potential customers that you are not putting down chicken poo

haven't dealt with any MU so couldn't give you any advice on that topic

[Grassmechanic]

They may not be organic, but I'll tell you what -it's hard to find a better source of N. as long as you have a decent amount of O.M. already in your soil.

[quiet]

They may not be organic, but I'll tell you what -it's hard to find a better source of N. as long as you have a decent amount of O.M. already in your soil.

. . . which is why ferts with blends of MU and an organic source (biosolids, poultry manure) produce excellent results.

[LonniesLawns]

I bought several pallets of 21-0-21 that was 50/50 nutralene/nitroform. great product! I save it and use it sparingly just as my sprign application.


It does a lot of good and does very little harm to the soil. To me iti s the best compliment to pure organics you can get!

[timturf]

I know these (methylene ureas) are not "organic", but would you consider these a good alternative to traditional organics due to the fact that they have a long release, contain a good amount of carbon and can increase microbial populations. I see this as a more cost-effective route than using alfalfa (etc), if the end result is the same.

Is there any reason to use something like alfalfa or cornmeal, etc, rather than chicken poo?


Both have a very low salt index...great products

[Naturalman]

Not to burst anybody's bubble or anything, but the Methylene Urea products are made with formaldehyde and urea, reacted together. This is not a 100% complete process, and there is residual traces of formaldehyde in the final product. I have opted to not use this product for this reason - I still use feed-grade urea (albeit not natural), carefully, in my liquid and granular formulations.

[NattyLawn]

being able to advertise to potential customers that you are not putting down chicken poo


So properly composted poultry manure is a turn off to customers? Have you used it? Does it smell like manure?

[mrkosar]

i have used a few products with it. i don't think it smells bad...a little earthy, but not like when the farmers spread manure in the country, and it smells all the way in the city. the customers won't even know you are putting down composted chicken litter unless they were to ask. i was just saying it is nice to be able to assure customers you are not putting down chicken or other animal crap on their lawn. i got a feeling most would rather have you just put chemicals on it instead of poop.

[quiet]

i got a feeling most would rather have you just put chemicals on it instead of poop.


I disagree. I think most customers understand that using any processed waste product, be it poultry manure, biosolids, whatever; is an excellent way to recycle the massive amounts of wastes we generate as a society. Most believe this is far preferable than having to pay additional taxes to build new water and sewage treatment facilities, or clean up our lakes and streams . . .

I think all fertilizer blends of any kind should contain at least some treated waste products. Just think what a better product Lesco's 24-5-11 would be with say, 50% biosolids!

Oh, wait! Then it would be their 15-2-7, wouldn't it!

[NattyLawn]

i have used a few products with it. i don't think it smells bad...a little earthy, but not like when the farmers spread manure in the country, and it smells all the way in the city. the customers won't even know you are putting down composted chicken litter unless they were to ask. i was just saying it is nice to be able to assure customers you are not putting down chicken or other animal crap on their lawn. i got a feeling most would rather have you just put chemicals on it instead of poop.


Quiet and I both disagree. All of the granular fert I put down is poultry manure based and customers have never asked for anything else when told what it is. Technically it's animal waste, but it's properly composted and will add organic matter to the soil. Remember, a lot of times with organics it's all about educating the customer. If you have problems using it, your customers will as well.

[upidstay]

MU doesn't increase microbial populations. It requires them to be activated.
But it is an excellent product.

[lilmarvin4064]

MU doesn't increase microbial populations. It requires them to be activated.
But it is an excellent product.

true, but I've seen studies that show this requirement actually increases the need and can slighty stimulate growth (since the food is there). I've even seen excellent results with a mix of composted poultry and Nutralene, no less results than just with CPM at 1/3 the price.

The smell from CPM only lasts a few days. until irrigation.

My customers would rather know I'm using turkey poo, than chemicals (even though I explain that most chemicals are nothing to be afraid of; potassium sulfate, little amounts of urea; ammonium sulfate, etc.)

Educate your customers and you will thrive!