Agrium Introduces New Controlled Release Nitrogen
for Use on Corn

Research shows yield increases of over 10 bushels per acre

November 14, 2003 - The world's largest manufacturer of nitrogen is introducing a new controlled release nitrogen product into the Midwest corn market. The product will be sold under the brand name ESN, the Smart Nitrogen.

The major benefits to growers include higher yields through increased efficiency, reduced environmental impact and more convenience. "Growers are excited about the major benefits of the product especially maximizing the yield potential of hybrid corn varieties," stated Murray Hasinoff - Agrium's Marketing Manager, Diversified Products. "They also like the convenience of getting extended fertility without multiple applications."

Research results are encouraging with the ESN treatments averaging increased yields of over 10 bushels per acre when compared to the same rates of conventional N sources. Over the past three years research trials have been conducted at major land grant universities in the Midwest including Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota.

ESN is produced by applying a patented polymer coating to urea granules. Once in the soil, this polymer coating allows water to diffuse into the urea granule. The urea dissolves filling the capsule with a liquid nitrogen solution. The solution is then released in controlled amounts to meet the corn's ongoing nutritional requirements.

Research has demonstrated that ESN's polymer coating makes it less susceptible to nitrate leaching, keeping nitrogen in the crop's root zone where it is needed and out of water sources.

Agrium Inc. is a leading global producer and marketer of crop nutrients and a major retail supplier of agricultural products and services in both North America and Argentina. Agrium produces and markets three primary groups of nutrients: nitrogen, phosphate and potash. Agrium's strategy is to grow through incremental expansion of its existing operations and acquisitions as well as the development, commercialization and marketing of new products and international opportunities.

For more information contact:
Murray Hasinoff
Marketing Manager, Diversified Products
(403) 225-7179
mhasinof@agrium.com