Nitrogen Fertilizer

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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Farmers discuss ag tech
Taylor Cross (right), a graduate student in mechanized systems management, speaks with Nebraska ag producers Doug Jones (left) and Tony Jones about the sensor-based fertigation management technology that’s been shown to increase nitrogen-use efficiency and profitability in on-farm research. (Photo courtesy Nebraska Today | Hannah Gaebel Dorn, HG Images)

Sensor-based Fertigation Management Research Boosts Efficiency, Profitability

March 9, 2023
Tested on cornfields in eastern Nebraska, the study's sensor-based fertigation produced about 44 pounds more grain per pound of nitrogen than traditional methods, with an increase in profitability ranging from $28-$40 per acre.

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Jinliang Yang in sorghum field
Jinliang Yang, assistant professor of agronomy and horticulture, is leading an effort to better understand sorghum’s genetic makeup to improve the crop’s nitrogen use efficiency. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication)

Husker Research Hones in on Sorghum’s Genetic Makeup to Improve Nitrogen Efficiency

October 6, 2022
This new research will focus on increasing sorghum’s fertilizer use efficiency, as well as other aspects of sorghum’s fertilizer use, including nitrogen sensing, signaling and downstream regulatory pathways.

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Departure from normal precip 2022
Figure 1. Departure from normal precipitation during 2022 growing season in Nebraska.

Another Dry Year: What to Know About Leftover Nitrogen in Soil Following Dry Conditions

September 28, 2022
In irrigated or dryland areas with normal production, management practices may continue as normal, but for dryland areas with drastic yield reductions, there is potential for nitrogen fertilizer adjustment for the 2023 crop.

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Kudera in field
Photo courtesy Kevin Kudera

Farmer Focus: Nebraska Growers Put Pivot Bio to the Test Via On-Farm Research Studies

April 7, 2022
This first installment of Nebraska On-Farm Research's new series highlights research done by two Nebraska farm families and a crop consultant on Pivot Bio products.

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Considerations for In-season Nitrogen Management in Corn

March 30, 2022
Most areas in Nebraska likely haven't had significant nitrogen losses to already applied nitrogen, but unfavorable soil conditions during nitrogen application and precipitation in April could lead to additional losses.

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Tractor in field
USDA/Flickr

A Perfect Storm in Fertilizer Markets

December 2, 2021
Ag industry professionals review the elements at the root of steep increases in phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers prices this year.

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display screen in a combine

Optimize your Nitrogen Investment with Precision Agriculture Technologies

October 28, 2021
In a growing season with high fertilizer prices like the upcoming 2022, varying the amount of N within the field could result in cost savings and yield increase, boosting your overall field profit.

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