Fertilizer

Nitrogen Applications for the 2012 Corn Crop

Fri, 18 May 2012 21:13:00 +0000

Source: University of Illinois

While soil temperatures were warmer than normal last winter, the dry soil conditions have resulted in very little nitrogen (N) loss this spring. According to Assistant Professor of Crop Sciences Fabián Fernández, soils in the state were dry at the beginning of autumn 2011, with above-average precipitation levels only during November and December.

Tips for Nitrogen, Herbicide Application on Emerged Corn

Mon, 14 May 2012 20:37:00 +0000

By Bob Hartzler and John Sawyer, Iowa State University

The rapid pace of planting in late April followed by rain has resulted in many fields having emerged corn before pre-emergence herbicide and nitrogen applications have been completed. Of particular concern are no-till fields where planting was completed prior to killing emerged weeds.

Modern Hybrid Corn Uses Nitrogen More Efficiently

Wed, 02 May 2012 20:29:00 +0000

Source: Purdue University

Today's corn hybrids more efficiently use nitrogen (N) to create more grain, according to 72 years of public-sector research data reviewed by Purdue University researchers. Tony Vyn, a professor of agronomy, and doctoral student Ignacio Ciampitti looked at N use studies for corn from two periods: 1940-1990 and 1991-2011. They wanted to see whether increased yields were due to better N efficiency or whether new plants were simply given additional N to produce more grain.

Nitrogen Applications After Warm Winter

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 21:07:00 +0000

Source: University of Illinois

Because of the unusually warm winter, may people who applied anhydrous ammonia last fall are concerned they might have lost some of their nitrogen (N), according to University of Illinois Assistant Professor of Crop Sciences Fabian Fernandez. "Nitrogen transformations and losses depend on many variables and complex interactions," says Fernandez, "including soil temperature, time of fall-N application, use of a nitrification inhibitor, rate of biological activity, drainage, amount and frequency of rain and soil type."

Think Spring, Think Nitrogen Management for Corn

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:02:00 +0000

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

The change in weather this spring has allowed for earlier fieldwork to begin. Questions that come to mind include what kind of tillage to do and how do these condition affect a nitrogen-management program for corn.

Benefits of Banded Fertilizer Placement

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:28:00 +0000

Richard Wolkowski, Extension soil scientist at the University of Wisconsin, talks about the benefits of banding fertilizer, rather than a broadcast application. From whether or not to use a starter to response from micronutrients, Wolkowski makes a case for banding your fertilizer.

Fertilizer Banding with Seed Placement

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:24:00 +0000

Richard Wolkowski, Extension Soil Scientist at the University of Wisconsin, talks about banding fertilizer with seed placement, as well as the risks of it.

Slow Nitrate Flow | Small Check Dams Cut Nitrate Loss in Half

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:42:00 +0000

By installing small check dams within drainage ditches beside fields, research shows that growers can stop close to 30-50% of the nitrate nitrogen (N) from flowing downstream, according to Mississippi State University (MSU) studies.

Ask The Experts: How to increase P and K availability

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:51:00 +0000

This month, a Missouri farmer emailed us a burning question he had about P & K fertility, so we asked a few experts. Regarding phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) availability, how much more available is fall versus spring applied? Secondly, if you apply your soybean fertilizer with corn, and beans are planted following the corn, is that P & K more available than fall applied before bean planting?

5 Ways to Cut Nitrate Loss

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:45:00 +0000

As Corn Belt farmers face challenges to reduce nitrate loss in surface and groundwater by 40-45%, Iowa State University (ISU) research confirms what many growers fear: “The right application of nitrogen (N) is [just] the first step,” says Matt Helmers, ISU associate professor, agricultural and biosystems engineering.