TECHNOLOGY

→ Yes, Hi-Cote can be effectively applied in the fall, and we recommend our “Smart Fall Application” technique. This involves applying Hi-Cote in a furrow 2-3 inches below where the spring seeds will be planted. This method has shown excellent results in reducing the total nitrogen application rate while achieving as good or better yields compared to normal urea, UAN, or UAN split applications.

Fall application of Hi-Cote is particularly beneficial in areas where fall N application is acceptable based on soil type, environmental conditions, and cropping system. The advanced polymer coating of Hi-Cote protects the nitrogen through cold winter periods, reducing the risk of N loss and improving nitrogen-use efficiency. However, in regions that remain warm and wet through winter and early spring, fall application may not be suitable. In these cases, consider consulting with a Hi-Cote representative for tailored recommendations.

→ Based on our testing, Hi-Cote can be safely applied at rates up to 150% of the current urea usage without injuring the seed. Applying more than 2 times the current urea use rate did not show additional yield benefits, as the effectiveness levels off when nitrogen amounts become excessive. For optimal results, we recommend adhering to the tested safe rate to maximize efficiency and avoid unnecessary fertilizer use.

→ Using Hi-Cote according to local recommendations can reduce nitrogen loss and decrease the total amount of nitrogen needed compared to conventional applications. By aligning with the local environment’s needs, Hi-Cote can enhance nitrogen efficiency and potentially lead to cost savings.

→ For fall applications, we recommend applying Hi-Cote in the furrow, 2-3 inches deeper than where the seeds will be placed. This ensures effective nutrient release and good contact with the soil.

→ Yes, you can reduce the amount of nitrogen when using Hi-Cote if applied correctly. Research from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has shown that a one-time fall application of Hi-Cote can maintain crop yields with a lower nitrogen application rate compared to conventional nitrogen sources. This efficiency allows for a reduction in the total amount of nitrogen used, leading to cost savings and improved environmental outcomes.

→ Hi-Cote is designed for a one-time application, allowing simultaneous fertilization and seeding without burning the seeds. The coating is engineered to delay nutrient release until the seed sprouting moment. Once it starts, Hi-Cote releases nitrogen in sync with the plant’s uptake rate for up to 120 days, ensuring nutrients are available when needed most throughout the growing stage.

→ Hi-Cote granules are coated using a fluid bed technique, which ensures a more even distribution of the coating across each granule. This advanced method minimizes initial dumping and abrasion, providing consistent release rates and improved performance compared to conventional coated fertilizers. Our in-house lab continuously monitors product quality to meet our high standards.

→ Hi-Cote requires some moisture to initiate the release process by dissolving the nitrogen inside the coating. However, the release rate is primarily controlled by soil temperature, not moisture levels. In drought conditions, the release process may slow if the soil becomes extremely dry. In flood conditions, Hi-Cote continues to protect nitrogen effectively, maintaining a consistent release rate. This makes Hi-Cote more reliable than conventional fertilizers and inhibitors, which can be adversely affected by excess moisture.

→ Hi-Cote is designed to begin releasing nitrogen at the seed sprouting temperature, which is typically around 50 degrees F. Below this temperature, the release of nitrogen is very slow to protect it when crops are growing slowly. The release rate increases gradually as the temperature rises, aligning with the crop’s nitrogen demand throughout the growing season.

→ Hi-Cote is designed to delay nutrient release until the seed sprouting moment, meaning that immediate nitrogen is not available when it is first applied. This ensures that nitrogen is released in sync with the crop’s growth and nutrient uptake needs, avoiding any potential for seed burn or early nitrogen loss.

→ Hi-Cote is ideally designed for fall application. To prevent releasing nitrogen too quickly, Hi-Cote incorporates a staged release mechanism. This ensures that nitrogen release is delayed until the seed sprouting moment and continues in sync with the plant’s growth and nutrient uptake needs throughout the growing season. This controlled release mechanism makes Hi-Cote highly effective for pre-plant applications, providing optimal nitrogen availability when the crop needs it most.

→ No, Hi-Cote protects against volatilization more effectively than urease inhibitors. The controlled release mechanism ensures that only small amounts of urea are released at a time, maintaining a lower concentration and preventing the temporary rise in pH around the fertilizer granule that causes ammonia volatilization.

→ Freezing temperatures virtually stop the release from Hi-Cote. The diffusion process halts, and if some nitrogen has already begun to dissolve, its release through the coating also ceases. If Hi-Cote has not yet hydrated, the nitrogen inside will remain solid until temperatures warm enough for diffusion to resume. Hi-Cote granules do not rupture, burst, or disintegrate upon freezing, making them an excellent choice for fall applications in areas with frozen winter soils.

→ Hi-Cote is professionally manufactured in South Korea, ensuring high-quality standards and advanced production techniques.

→ Hi-Cote can be stored indefinitely if kept dry, as it does not absorb moisture from the air. It remains free-flowing even after extended storage and can improve the condition and flowability of blended fertilizers.