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How Does DCD Work Compared With N-Serve® and Instinct® Nitrogen Stabilizers?

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Instinct® and N-Serve® nitrogen stabilizers are the most effective ways to maximize nitrogen below ground. It takes at least 15 to 20 times the rate of dicyandiamide (DCD) to be as effective as the standard rate of nitrapyrin.

N-Serve® and Instinct® nitrogen stabilizers are the most effective ways to maximize nitrogen below ground. It takes at least 15 to 20 times the rate of dicyandiamide (DCD) to be as effective as the standard rate of nitrapyrin.1 

  • Currently, most DCD manufacturers don’t always reveal how much DCD active ingredient is present in current formulations, making it difficult, if not impossible, for you to truly know how much you are applying. 
  • DCD is water-soluble and can leach away with the first significant rainfall event, in contrast to nitrapyrin, which remains in the root zone, continually protecting your nitrogen from losses.2 
  • Nitrapyrin is superior to DCD as a nitrification inhibitor, delaying nitrification longer and, once nitrification begins, maintaining a slower nitrification rate.3 

 

1Watanabe, T. 2006. Influence of 2-chloro-6 (trichloromethyl) pyridine and dicyandiamide on nitrous oxide emission under different soil conditions. Soil Sci Plant Nutr. 52: 226–232. 

2McCarty, G. W., and J. M. Bremner. 1989. Laboratory evaluation of dicyandiamide as a soil nitrification inhibitor. Comm Soil Sci Plan. 20: 2049–2065. 

3Bronson, K. F., J. T. Touchton, and R. D. Hauck. 1989. Decomposition rate of dicyandiamide and nitrification inhibition. Comm Soil Sci Plant Anal. 20: 2067–2078. 

Instinct is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Federal law does not require any person who applies or supervises the use of Instinct to be certified in accordance with EPA regulations and state, territorial and tribal laws. Some states may have additional requirements related to liquid manure and nitrogen stabilizers. Be sure to consult your state or local Extension service to understand your requirements. When applying Instinct to deep pits, appropriate manure agitation safety steps should be followed. Instinct should be applied directly to the deep pit prior to pumping the pit; a thorough agitation system must be operating in order to evenly distribute Instinct within the deep pit; applicators and handlers of Instinct and manure treated with Instinct are required to use proper protective equipment as stated on the product label; air ventilation systems must be operational inside barns. Do not fall-apply anhydrous ammonia south of Highway 16 in the state of Illinois. Always read and follow label directions. 

 

 

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