Nitrogen Tool

The UNL nitrogen recommendations have not changed. This web-based tool is adapted from our previous spreadsheet-based N calculator and provides a user-friendly web-based program to enter detailed field management inputs and create corn nitrogen rate recommendations.

This tool provides the optimum nitrogen rate recommendations for the most profitable corn production in Nebraska. It further allows the adjustment of nitrogen from the soil, water, manure, and previous leguminous crop to save fertilizer cost and protect environmental quality.

Yes, this tool is based on several decades of nitrogen research experiments spanning across eastern to west Nebraska. More research experiments are being conducted to improve the performance of this tool.

The extension circulator EC117, titled "Nutrient Management Suggestions for Corn", provides detailed information of each input variable used in this tool. The updated EC117 is available on our extension publications webpage at the following link: https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/.

This new web-based tool allows you to enter the last seven year’s yield and calculates yield goal for you. More information about setting realistic yield goal can be found here: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/setting-realistic-yield-goals.

Sandy soils are prone to a high risk of nitrogen loss, so application of at least 60 percent of fertilizer N in-season is recommended. This tool allows customization of a nitrogen management program with at least 60% in-season N application for sandy soils.

This tool does not provide N recommendation based on the use of inhibitors. However, we plan to include this information in this tool in the near future.

This tool does not allow adjustment of nitrogen rate during the growing season. However, crop sensors, remote imagery, or pre-sidedress nitrate test can be used to determine the sidedress N rate.

Like the previous N recommendation equation, this tool provide options for entering residual soil nitrate values to fine-tune nitrogen fertilizer recommendations to enhance profitability and minimize nitrogen losses.

This tool does not provide in-season N recommendations based on the plant tissue tests. Instead, using a pro-active approach, this tool predicts the economic optimum nitrogen rate (EONR) before the crop plantation.

Soil sampling can be performed in the fall after crop harvest or spring before crop plantation. Spring soil sampling is preferred as it gives realistic nitrogen credit values near the crop plantation. More information about soil sampling can be found here: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2019/soil-sampling-better-fertilization-decision.

This tool does not provide information about the cover crop nitrogen credits. However, the inclusion of this information is anticipated in the near future.

You can participate in the on-farm research trials to test the efficiency of this nitrogen recommendation tool. For more information, contact Laura Thompson, NE on-farm research network coordinator, 402-245-2224, laura.thompson@unl.edu.

Yes, the university provides recommendations for other nutrients for corn production. The details of these nutrient recommendation can be found in Nebraska Extension Circular EC117 and G2360.