Hairy vetch

Influence of Cover Crop Species and Termination Time on N Release

August 1, 2023
Results of a UNL study evaluating the impact of cereal rye and hairy vetch cover crop termination times on their decomposition and nitrogen release.

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Software field imagery

Growing Results: Nitrogen Management in Corn

July 27, 2023
Learn about current on-farm research efforts by a central Nebraska producer that aim to identify the impact of nitrogen rates on net return.

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Pivot irrigation system
When irrigating fields early due to drought, the most reliable method to know when and how much to irrigate is to monitor soil moisture at multiple depths.

Early Season Irrigation During Drought

June 7, 2023
For producers who are irrigating early this year due to drought, it's critical to monitor soil moisture to balance crop needs with the risk of losing nitrogen and other valuable crop inputs, while also avoiding the expense of over-irrigating. 

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Burnt radicle

Fertilizer-nitrogen Injury to Corn

May 17, 2023
Nebraska Extension recommendations on minimizing crop injury from anhydrous ammonia applications.

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4Rs Field Day tent
Nitrogen management with sensor-based fertigation is one of many topics that will be discussed by experts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Iowa State University during the 2023 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day.

Nebraska 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day Set for July 6

April 27, 2023
This year’s 4Rs Field Day will focus on up-to-date research information and demonstrations on all three major crop nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

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Irrigation system in corn
Producers looking to take advantage of nitrate-nitrogen in groundwater to reduce nitrogen applications this growing season may want to test their wells to determine current levels. Information on testing requirements is available at all local NRD offices.

Don’t Lose Out on Free Nitrogen from Irrigation Water

April 20, 2023
Extension recommendations for calculating the amount of nitrate-nitrogen in irrigation water and optimal timing of applications to reduce the cost of nitrogen inputs in irrigated corn.

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Alfalfa and corn fields
As it aggressively scavenges nitrogen in the soil, alfalfa can greatly reduce nitrate contamination of groundwater with no negative implications for future crops if planted in rotations.

Alfalfa in Rotation with Annual Crops Reduces Nitrate Leaching Potential and Increases Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration

March 30, 2023
This UNL research study provides insights on the rotation of annual crops with alfalfa as a highly effective means of reducing nitrate-nitrogen contamination in groundwater.

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Tractor spraying soil
For producers planting corn-on-corn this growing season, Nebraska Extension encourages taking soil samples to determine accurate nitrate levels and adjusting N application rates accordingly, as there may be considerable amounts of residual nitrogen left from the previous corn crop.

Understanding Soil Residual Nitrogen and its Dollar Value for Next Crop

March 14, 2023
For producers planning corn-on-corn this growing season, there may be a substantial opportunity to reduce nitrogen fertilizer applications, as drought and reduced yields likely left higher-than-normal residual N in many fields.

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