U-MAXX AND U-FLEXX
Long-lasting Nitrogen Performance Benefits Turf, Helps Bottom Line
Pressured to make the most of their maintenance budgets, golf course
superintendents looking for creative, cost-effective ways to maximize
nitrogen efficiency appreciate the many benefits of stabilized nitrogen
technology. With two products to choose from UMAXX or UFLEXX,
superintendents can easily indentify the stabilized nitrogen product best
suited for their unique needs and environmental conditions, ensuring a
tailored approach that fits their preferred fertility program.
Presidio Golf Club, San Francisco CA
In a premium nitrogen category all its own, stabilized nitrogen products provide superintendents with maximum
nitrogen control. The products are specially formulated with inhibitors that minimize nitrogen loss through
volatilization, leaching or denitrification. As a result, stabilized nitrogen products deliver a long-lasting, consistent
source of nitrogen to plants, regardless of soil temperature or moisture with minimal escape into the air or
groundwater.
Very simply, stabilized nitrogen products ensure more nitrogen gets to the plant where it is intended to go.
Because more nitrogen stays in the soil, superintendents can expect consistent nitrogen feeding, resulting in
maximum turf color and vigor without growth surge or burn. In addition, by providing the means for improved
nitrogen management, superintendents can also realize time, labor- and cost-savings while protecting the
environment.
With two distinct products to choose from - UMAXX, UFLEXX and HYDREXX - there is a stabilized nitrogen
option that satisfies the unique fertility and management needs of every golf course. Read more to learn which
stabilized nitrogen product is best for you or contact us to assist.
Benefits of UMAXX:
Benefits of UFLEXX:

Intended for turf uses where repeat applications may not be feasible or
desired.

Produces long - lasting emerald green color for up to 12-16 weeks without
causing excess growth or burn.

Performs consistently regardless of soil temperature or weather. UMAXX
melts into the soil profile during heavy rain, instead of floating away.

Performs as a granular nitrogen component in blends, or as a soluble
nitrogen source in typical tank mixes.

Melts into the soil below mowing height to eliminate nitrogen loss due to
mower pick-up.

Protects the environment from leaching, denitrification and volatilization.

Intended for turf uses where repeat application is desirable.

Produces consistent emerald green color for up to 6-8 weeks without
causing excess growth or burn.

Performs consistently regardless of soil temperature or weather. UFLEXX
can be applied any time of the year.

Performs as a granular nitrogen component in blends, or as a soluble
nitrogen source in typical tank mixes.

Protects the environment from leaching, denitrification and volatilization.
Nitrogen Management Experts
The Stabilized Nitrogen Cycle
Stabilized Nitrogen products like UMAXX and UFLEXX take control of the nitrogen cycle and inhibit the loss of
nitrogen by delaying volatilization and slowing nitrification. This stabilization extends the life of each fertilizer
application, improving nitrogen efficiency and protecting the environment.
Above the soil, AGROTAIN International's proprietary Stabilized Nitrogen Technology inhibits urease, the
enzyme that converts urea nitrogen into volatile ammonia and carbon dioxide. Volatilization is minimized and
allows more time for rainfall and irrigation to move the fertilizer into the soil.
In the soil, the second proprietary inhibitor slows nitrification by blocking the ammonium mono-oxygenase (AMO),
the enzyme responsible for converting ammonium into nitrite. Leaching and denitrification are minimized.
Effectively inhibiting only these enzymes, Stabilized Nitrogen technology has been proven to allow soils to
maintain healthy populations of beneficial soil organisms.
Why is Nitrogen Important?
Like carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, NITROGEN is an essential, key nutrient for overall plant health. It is a key
component of chlorophyll, proteins and amino acids, as well as many of the enzymes necessary to activate
biochemical reactions inside the plant.
Nitrogen exists naturally in the soil profile, but quantities deplete quickly due to plant usage, and irrigation and
rainfall. Therefore, regular nitrogen fertilizer applications - carefully tailored to the specific needs of the plants are essential to turf health and proper growth.
The Nitrogen Cycle
In a typical cycle, much-needed nitrogen moves from the external environment to the soil, usually through
fertilizer applications. Although essential to plant health, not all nitrogen is absorbed by plants. In fact, nitrogen is
often:

Utilized by plants

Lost to the atmosphere by ammonia volatilization

Absorbed onto soil particles

Lost to groundwater via leaching

Lost to the atmosphere through denitrification in saturated soil events

Immobilized by soil microorganisms
The most widely used nitrogen fertilizer is urea, which begins to break down as soon as it is applied. In the
presence of moisture and the enzyme urease, the nitrogen in urea is rapidly converted back to ammonia and
carbon dioxide — the base compounds used to manufacture urea. Ammonia can be readily lost to the
atmosphere in a process is called volatilization. Nitrogen volatility begins within hours of application, and up to
30% of ammonium nitrogen is lost through volatilization within days of fertilizer application, unless it is moved into
the soil by sufficient rainfall or irrigation.
Once nitrogen is moved into the soil profile, urea is rapidly converted to ammonium, which plants can easily and
efficiently utilize. The nitrogen that isn't utilized, however, continues to be converted to nitrite and then nitrate
nitrogen, which can be lost to leaching. The transformation from ammonium to nitrite and then nitrate nitrogen is
called nitrification. An enzyme produced by nitrifying bacteria called ammonia mono oxygenase (AMO) catalyzes
this chemical change. Excessive rain or irrigation also can affect the nitrogen cycle.
Deprived of oxygen through soil saturation, bacteria will strip oxygen molecules from nitrates for respiration.
Called denitrification, this converts the nitrates into nitrous oxide or nitrogen gas, both of which are quickly lost to
the atmosphere.
Types of Nitrogen
For practical purposes of application, nitrogen fertilizers are usually distinguished by their release rates, of which
there are three basic types:
Quick-release:
Provides fast green-up but don't last long and often result in growth surges; also pose greater environmental
risks.
Slow-release (Controlled-release):
Provides longer lasting performance and reduced application frequency, but offer minimal control for turf
managers because effectiveness is dependent on moisture, temperature and microbial activity factors. These
products include methylene urea, urea formaldehyde, and coated nitrogen like sulfur- or polymer-coated urea.
Stabilized Nitrogen™:
Provide long-lasting, consistent delivery of nitrogen to plants, regardless of unpredictable environmental
conditions, while minimizing the escape of nitrogen into the air or groundwater. Because nitrogen is held in the
soil, in a plant usable form, over a longer period of time, Stabilized Nitrogen products provide consistent feeding,
minimal growth surge, and exceptional color and vigor.