November 5, 2012

Soil temperatures across much of the state this week dropped below 50°F, the recommended threshold for fall nitrogen applications. Following are links to Extension information related to fall fertilizer management.

• An article on Extension Educator Jenny Rees' blog, JenREESources's, looks at how growers can evaluate their nitrogen program by starting an on-farm research trial. It discusses how to establish a study, links to example studies and guides, and includes a list of educators and specialists who can help you design a trial. Rees writes "On-farm research may sound daunting, but today's equipment makes it easier than ever.  It does take a little extra time, but our farmers conducting on-farm research feel the value of knowing the results of a study on their own piece of ground make the effort worthwhile."
   
• Factors to Consider with Fall Fertilization in a Dry Year. Agrnomic factors to consider when deciding whether to apply fertilizer this fall.
   
• Soil Testing is Critical after a Drought Year to verify actual nutrient levels. Residual nitrate levels are expected to be high in very low-yielding dryland fields due tounused N fertilizer.  Levels may be higher than normal in sprinkler-irrigated fields, but lower than normal in furrow-irrigated fields.  Learn why soil testing will be so important this year before you plan your fertilizer purchase.
   
• Guidelines for Soil Sampling (G1740). This NebGuide provides step-by-step information on for how to collect and submit representative soil samples.
   
• Commercial Soil and Plant Analytical Laboratories in Nebraska