Fertilizer

Figure 1. Uncontrolled blue mustard in a thin stand of winter wheat. (Photos by Robert Klein)

Controlling Weeds in and Fertilizing Winter Wheat, Particularly Late-Seeded Fields March 15, 2018

With many wheat fields planted later than normal due to rain, stands are not as competitive with weeds and younger plants may be susceptible to herbicide injury, making a good weed management plan even more important this year.

What is the Economic Value of Manure December 6, 2017

Manure has value. That value may result from improvements in soil quality, increases in yield, and replacement of commercial nutrient required for crop production. This article focuses on the economic benefits of manure.

Figure 1. Data collected by the multispectral sensor on this drone will be used to direct in-season nitrogen fertilizer applications, part of a producer research project funded by the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. (Photos by Laura Thompson)

SARE Grant Aids Farmer in Using Drones to Test N Applications October 2, 2017

Dean Stevens well knows the value of getting a bird’s-eye view of his crops to assess plant health, wind damage, and pest threats. Now, with the support of an NCR SARE grant, this southeast Nebraska farmer is using a drone outfitted with crop sensors to assess corn nitrogen needs and respond with variable rate in-season applications.

Figure 1. Researchers Nicolás Cafaro La Menza (left) and Patricio Grassini examining progress of soybean in the field.

Study Unearths Benefits, Limits of Fertilizing Soybeans September 29, 2017

Soybean crops in highly productive fields demand more nitrogen than natural sources alone can supply, says a new study from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Argentine researchers. In fields with the potential to produce 80-90 bushels per acre, researchers found fertilizer increased yields by up to 10 bushels per acre.

Managing Nitrogen to Reduce Losses as Nitrous Oxide September 18, 2017

Nitrogen is a key factor in farm management and economics. One of the most expensive inputs for corn production, it can be easily lost to the environment. One avenue for losing N, as nitrous oxide, has an impact on our climate as a greenhouse gas. Successful strategies for reducing N losses, especially as nitrous oxide, benefit both farmers and the environment.

Fertilizer Management for Winter Wheat August 29, 2017

With winter wheat planting drawing near, it's time to collect soil samples and determine fertilizer needs. Use the nitrogen and phosphorus information to guide your strategy.

Chart of potential for nitrate-N leaching in spring 2017

Risk of Nitrate Leaching Across Nebraska as of May 21, 2017 May 25, 2017

Following heavy spring rains UNL soil scientists model potential loss of nitrate-N to soil leaching, finding an average 14% loss from mid-April levels, with three sites with much higher losses.

fertilizer applicator in the field — Figure 1. Fertilizer is one of a farmer's largest inputs and also the one that often varies the most in price from year to year. (Photo by Bob Klein)

Fertilizer Price Changes from 1994-2017 April 25, 2017

Fertilizer, one of the major costs in crop production, changes more in price each year than many other input costs. This articles addresses how farmers can reduce their fertilizer costs by selecting the most economical source for the fertilizer they need.