The Chronicles of Coron Metra: The Original Sustainable Source of Nitrogen

For a farmer, every day is different. Each crop is a new lesson learned. For more than 20 years, Helena has worked to combat nitrogen loss and research fertilizers that will successfully lead to highly efficient foliar nutrition. Coron® Metra, a controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer, not only laid the foundation of advanced nutrient stewardship in the industry but continues to be a trailblazer for a sustainable fertilizer future.

The evolution of Coron dates to the mid-80s when adhesive manufacturers specializing in the wood and furniture business began exploring additional uses for their urea-based products. In 1984, an organic compound urea-formaldehyde became the base for most liquid, controlled-release fertilizers. Coron was developed and patented in 1986 by the Coron Corporation. Helena acted as a key distributor for 10 years until making the decision to purchase the Coron Corporation in 1997 and to continue marketing its controlled-release nitrogen under the Coron name.

A unique fact about Coron’s history is it originated with the turf and ornamental business before transitioning into commercial agriculture uses. Over time, Coron has continued to evolve through Helena’s research and development. With 1,400 protocols, 300 locations, and 150 concepts and counting, Helena continues to build on its success.

In 1998, Helena Products Group blazed the trail in its first year selling Coron. Over the years, new innovations would lead to the next generation of Coron.  In 2016, a formulation technology built from the successful nutritional Ele-Max® Nutrient Concentrate (ENC®) was incorporated into Coron to create a premier foliar fertilizer that’s more than just nitrogen. Coron Metra was officially introduced to the market in 2018 after two years of exceptional results in third party replicated trials. This advancement further enhances nutrient uptake to meet the growing nutrient demands of today’s high-performing seed hybrids and varieties.

Coron Metra’s future is pointing towards new sustainable technologies. Jason Gregory, Coron and Nutritional Brand Manager at Helena Products Group, elaborates on new developments regarding soil-applied nitrogen.

“We continue to see a push to do more with less across the country and around the world,” says Gregory. “As we see mandates for less soil-applied nitrogen, we’ve been able to use Coron Metra to not only bridge the gap, but also to enhance yield while applying less nitrogen up front.”

Coron Metra continues to make its mark by building stronger, more productive plants by providing weeks of steady nutrition.