How to Determine Nitrogen Rate Adjustments for Next Year
by Steve Bridge
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posted Aug 21 2012 1:58PM
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A terribly dry season has producers facing low yields at harvest and uncertainty about nitrogen rate adjustments for the 2013 corn crop. University of Illinois Assistant Professor of Crop Sciences, Fabian Fernandez, states as a general rule corn following soybean needs less nitrogen.
The quantity and quality of soybean residue reduces the amount of immobilization and increases the amount of nitrogen mineralization from crop residue and the soil. In areas affected by the drought nitrogen take up was reduced, leaving large amounts left in the field. Fernandez says it can be difficult to estimate the amount of nitrogen left in the field. He suggests farmers measure soil nitrate levels. To do so, farmers should collect 12 soil core samples from throughout a field at a depth of two to three feet. According to Fernandez, the two foot depth should be adequate where little nitrate movement is expected, while the three-foot depth is appropriate where rain may have moved the nutrient deeper.
A Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator can be used to calculate the maximum return to nitrogen. To access the calculator visit http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/soilfertility/nrate.aspx
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Steve joined the WFMB family in 2002. He started working as a part-time host of the Press box on Wednesday's and Thursdays. Although not from farming family he took over the role of farm broadcaster for the station in 2009.
