Fertilizer

Alternative Nutrient Supply Products: Highlights of On-Farm Research Results

April 5, 2018
Are you considering using a new soil nutrient product this season? Learn what farmers learned from these nine studies of alternative nutrient supply products and practices, conducted as part of the Nebraska On-farm Research Network (NOFRN) in 2017.

Read more

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

Read more

Pie chart showing the value of manure

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.

Read more

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)
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.

Read more

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

Read more

N losses

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.

Read more

Wheat

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.

Read more

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.

Read more