Nitrogen Loss in Saturated Soils

Nitrogen Loss in Saturated Soils

Nitrogen management Nitrogen Testing

We sometime hear that lots of rain will leach our nitrogen fertilizer.  My experience is that unless the soils are very sandy, most of the nitrogen loss will be from denitrification.  In other words, the nitrate nitrogen is converted to unavailable forms. Losses will be much less on recently applied anhydrous ammonia than on fields where nitrate forms have been applied, or where early applied nitrogen has already nitrified. This article out of Mississippi puts some numbers to it.  In warm weather we can lose up to 5% a day.  Some testing might be in order when soil have dried out.  When oxygen gets back into the system, There will be some renitification.  Cultivation can encourage that, but it will not take the place of fertilizer entirely.  You models such as Climate or Yield 360 can be useful too, but I do not trust them entirely.

Running out of Nitrogen

Running out of Nitrogen

Nitrogen management Nitrogen Testing

I made a trip to Virden today to have my truck worked on,  The most interesting thing I saw is that much of our corn appears to be out of nitrogen.  Especially in wet area.  If you want a post mortem to see how you did in supplying your corn with nitrogen, you should look into doing some stalk nitrate testing.  Combining with a soil nitrogen test is a good idea to.

Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy

Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy

manure Nitrogen management Nitrogen Testing Nutrient Management

Illinois is implementing a voluntary nutrient loss reduction strategy.  The strategy was developed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the University of Illinois, The fertilizer industry, and commodity groups active in Illinois.  The purpose of the strategy is to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous entering the hypoxia zone in the Gulf of Mexico. You can help to implement the strategy by applying phosphorous and potassium according to soil test indications.  You should consider applying nitrogen according to the Nrate calculator.  In season nitrogen tests and chlorophyll sensors are practices that might be useful to make in season corrections.

Another key to reducing nutrient loss is reducing soil loss on your farm.  High residue levels and no-till are very effective in soil loss reduction.  Sediment basins, grassed waterways, and filter strips can also be useful in keeping nutrients on the farm.  Safe manure handling is also part of the strategy.  It is time for farmers to get serious about the strategy to avoid further regulation.  A lot of environmentalists are saying it can't be done.  We all need to work together to prove them wrong.  

Nitrogen Sampling Time

Nitrogen Sampling Time

Nitrogen management Nitrogen Testing

We have been sampling for pre-sidedress nitrogen testing the last few days. This is not one of my favorite jobs, but it is the best way to find out what is going on with your nitrogen. Corn in Western Jersey County is 6 inches tall.