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 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.
Making Data-Driven Decisions on Soybean Inoculation
April 6, 2017
Farmers, agronomists, and researchers provide three steps to deciding whether to inoculate soybeans this spring.
Kansas University Research: ‘Weather Whiplash’ Triggered by Changing Climate will Degrade Midwest’s Drinking Water
April 3, 2017
One consequence of global climate change is the likelihood of more extreme seesawing between drought and flood, a phenomenon dubbed “weather whiplash.” In a peer-reviewed study researchers at the University of Kansas discuss how weather whiplash in the American Midwest's agricultural regions may after water quality, forcing municipalities to seek costly remedies to provide safe drinking water to residents.
Recommended Resource: Nitrogen Extenders and Additives for Field Crops
March 9, 2017
A recently revised publication, Nitrogen Extenders and Additives for Field Crops, discusses their attributes, performance, and crop yield response in various trials, and reviews related research findings from land grant universities in the North Central Region.
Finding Win-Wins for Manure: Maximizing Soil Quality Benefits
March 6, 2017
Manure offers crop production wins by providing valuable nutrients and helping build soil organic matter and an active soil microbial community. Soils with organic matter levels on the low end of their typical range can benefit the most from manure applications that do not exceed the crop’s nitrogen requirements. Organic matter also improves soil aggregates which in turn helps increase infiltration of precipitation and irrigation water, improves water-holding capacity of the soil, and reduces runoff and erosion. Soils with these characteristics experience greater drought tolerance.
Cutting Costs Without Hurting Yields? Check Fertilizer N Rates in Corn after Alfalfa
February 22, 2017
With tight crop margins for the 2017 growing season, many farmers are looking for ways to cut input costs without hurting yields. One way to do this is by giving the appropriate nitrogen credit when calculating how much N to apply to corn grown after a prior alfalfa crop.
The Long View of Nitrogen Recommendations from Nebraska Extension
January 6, 2017
At the 2017 Crop Production Clinics, the Nebraska Extension Soils Team is presenting a historical overview of how nitrogen recommendations for corn have developed and changed since the 1950s. We are also discussing what may lay ahead for nitrogen management.