Nitrogen Management

Alfalfa and corn fields — As it aggressively scavenges nitrogen in the soil, alfalfa can greatly reduce nitrate contamination of groundwater with no negative implications for future crops if planted in rotations.

Alfalfa in Rotation with Annual Crops Reduces Nitrate Leaching Potential and Increases Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration

March 30, 2023

This UNL research study provides insights on the rotation of annual crops with alfalfa as a highly effective means of reducing nitrate-nitrogen contamination in groundwater.

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.

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.

Software screen — A variable rate nitrogen prescription is applied on Monte Murkel’s Nebraska farm as part of a Nebraska On-Farm Research study to evaluate how optimum nitrogen rate varied in his field.

Farmer Focus: Wheat Producer Explores NinjaAg’s Performance in Nitrogen Management

October 12, 2022

Results of Nebraska farmer Monte Murkle's on-farm research study to determine whether a variable rate nitrogen prescription is an improvement to his traditional flat-rate nitrogen management.

Using a Cornstalk Nitrate Test to Evaluate Nitrogen Management Decisions

September 29, 2022

At the end of the season, a nitrate test can help determine whether the crop was under-, adequately or over-fertilized with nitrogen, resulting in the potential to significantly reduce input costs.

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.

4R field day attendees — Javed Iqbal, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture assistant professor and Extension soil nutrient management and water quality specialist, presents updated research on nitrogen source management, and nitrogen rate using publicly available nitrogen recommendation tools at the 2022 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day.

4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day Featured Nutrient Management and Water Quality Research

August 2, 2022

The annual 4R Nutrient Stewardship Field Day featured research and tools on improving nutrient management, sulfur management, nitrogen use efficiency and more.

2022 Bazile Groundwater Management Field Day on June 30

June 17, 2022

Northeast Nebraska farmers and ag professionals will learn about tools they can implement to mitigate nitrogen loss at this free event.

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