Nitrogen Management update

Nitrogen Management update

Nitrogen management

My most frequent topic is nitrogen management.  Nitrogen management is elusive.  If you have read this blog, you probably understand that applying nitrogen based on yield goal is the least preferred method.  June Prairie Farmer did a good job of summarizing Nitrogen Management Techniques available.  Read the second page as well.

Spring Nitrogen

Spring Nitrogen

Nitrogen management

We are seeing some spring nitrogen application beginning.  There are a few concerns with applying nitrogen right now.

• Are your soils dry enough?
• Will it last until you need it?

If you are applying nitrogen to wet soils, you may be losing some because your slit is not closing well.  In addition, you may be creating compaction that will bite you if we have a dry summer. Wait until the soil is dry enough to do a good job.

Corn does not really need much nitrogen until it is nearing the reproduction stage.  Early applied nitrogen will start to nitrify as soil temperatures warm.  The process does not take long.  Once you have nitrogen in the NO3- (Nitrate) form, it can be leached or dentrified.  Both processes make it unavailable to the plant later in the season.  I think you should use nitrification inhibitors for early spring applications.  The question is, "Will it Pay?"  Maybe, maybe not, but it is a good practice environmentally and therefore pays off long term instead of short term.  This can be one of your strategies for the nutrient loss reduction program.  Keep it out of the Gulf.

Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy

Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy

Nitrogen management Nutrient Management

Today I attended a meeting on the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.  It looks like the information push is on; there was an article in FarmWeek News this week.  The meeting went over what can be done to reduce nitrogen loss and phosphorous loss.  Then  there was a discussion on programs available.  The final presentation was on drainage water management.

One of the things that caught my eye is that water testing is available so you can have your drainage water tested for nitrates.  I have always thought this was a good idea, but never got anyone to do it because I had to charge for it.  Click on the link to find out how to collect you samples and where to take them.  The testing is confidential, but gives yo an idea whether or not you need to do something about nitrogen management on your farm.

Nitrogen Management on Wheat

Nitrogen Management on Wheat

Nitrogen management Wheat

Years ago, it was common practice to apply nitrogen to wheat at this time of year on frozen soils.  For environmental and agronomic reason, that practice is no longer seen as a good one. Illinois researchers have found that mid to late March is good timing for many growers in Illinois.  This information out of Kansas discusses Top-Dressing Nitrogen on Wheat.  

Nitrogen Management in Illinois

Nitrogen Management in Illinois

Nitrogen management

Last week I attended the Illinois Crop Management Conference in Mt. Vernon.  One of the presentations was by Emerson Nafziger.  Dr. Nafziger is the senior agronomist at the University of Illinois.  He discussed his latest research on nitrogen management and use efficiency.  He was looking at the effects of such things as split applications or late applications.  He explained the value of the N-Rate calculator which I have previously discussed.

His results were sort of spotty.  In some cases, the split rate did as well as the full rate applied in spring.  In some cases, split rates did better.  His point was, that later in the season application rates can get expensive and troublesome considering extra machinery required and weather issues.  He says you should think twice before jumping in with both feet.  His results were not necessarily consistent with what others have found.

One of the flaws in his study that I caught, was that he equated dribbling UAN in the middle of the row with using Y-drops.  This misses the point of Y-drops entirely.  The Y-drops put the UAN neat the base of the plant where there is at least theoretically a little extra moisture to stabilize the UAN and maybe help with uptake.  I thought Emerson made some good points, but his research results were only from one year.

My bottom line is that you should not draw any conclusions from the U of I work at this time.  If you are using some sort of split application method, don't let these results deter you.  If you are considering a big purchase however, I would hold off on it especially in these lean times.

Nitrogen Loss from Recent Rains

Nitrogen Loss from Recent Rains

Nitrogen management

A wet fall in general , and recent rains in particular have people thinking about nitrogen loss where it was fall applied. Fall applied nitrogen that was applied late, will experience less loss than early applied nitrogen especially when soil temperature are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit since it has been applied.  There is not much that can be done at this point whether you have nitrogen loss or not.  The best time to look at it is shortly before or after planting.  A soil test is the best way to find out what is going on with your nitrogen.  Another alternative is to take advantage of chlorophyll sensor technology at sidedress time.  The sensors will help to deal with the fact that losses are expected to be higher on low areas.  No-Till Farmer has written about 5 factors that affect nitrogen loss.

Fall Nitrogen Application

Fall Nitrogen Application

Nitrogen management

Some producers are starting to apply fall nitrogen.  Whether or not this is a good idea remains a big question.  Iowas State offers some advice on Determining Whether to Apply Fall N.  In Illinois, the recommendation is to use nitrification inhibitors and don't apply south of Route 16.  Also, wait till soil temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit with little chance to warm.  My advice would be no fall application south of I-72 and no fall application before Veterans Day in any case.  Illinois Soil Temperatures are cooler than I expected according to Illinois Water Survey.  Keep in mind that temperatures on your farm may vary up to 100 degrees depending on conditions.  Check at a depth of 4 inches at 10 AM.  A $5 meat thermometer works fine.  Let it in for at least a minute.