Soil Fertility

fertilizer applicator in the field — Nebraska research shows that most NE growers can reduce their normal nitrogen rate in corn following alfalfa by applying the proper N credit. (Photo by Laura Thompson)

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.

Is Nitrogen Fixation Oversold with Legume Cover Crops?

December 16, 2016

One expected benefit of using legumes as a cover crop is to provide a source of nitrogen (N) to the cropping system. However, when legumes are included in mixtures with grasses and broadleaves for a relatively short growing period, the amount of actual fixed N may be relatively low.

While yields were high, protein content in Nebraska's wheat this year was below normal in many instances, likely due to environmental and management factors. (Photos by Cody Creech) — While yields were high, protein content in Nebraska's wheat this year was below normal in many instances, likely due to environmental and management factors. (Photos by Rodrigo Werle)

Nebraska 2016 Wheat – High Yields, Low Protein

September 1, 2016

Environmental conditions, management, and genetic differences played a role in why protein content in the 2016 wheat crop was lower than normal. Wheat protein develops as the plant converts nitrogen from the soil into amino acids. See what conditions led to low protein this season and how to address it for next year's crop.

New Soils and Nutrient Management Specialist Joins Panhandle REC

August 17, 2016

Bijesh Maharjan will join the faculty at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research and Extension Center Sept. 6 as soil and nutrient management specialist. He will conduct research and extension programs focused on improved soil productivity and precision nutrient management in irrigated, limited-irrigation, and rainfed crop and forage production systems in the Panhandle.

Project SENSE Sessions to Feature High-Tech Sensors in Action

July 20, 2016

Project SENSE update sessions are planned for several locations across Nebraska. Growers will learn how to outfit and implement the project's nitrogen management strategy on their operations. Project SENSE (Sensors for Efficient Nitrogen Use and Stewardship of the Environment) focuses on improving the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer use.

Nitrogen Rescue Treatments in Corn

June 17, 2016

When corn is yellow and struggling to get nitrogen, a rescue treatment may be advisable. Research in neighboring states found a rescue treatment could increase yields by an average 34 bu/ac.

Nitrogen cycle — Figure 1. The nitrogen (N) cycle illustrates how complex this nutrient is. There are several ways this essential nutrient for corn production can be lost. (Source: Nebraska Extension guide, Nutrient Management for Agronomic Crops, EC155)

Q&As: How much N is Left? Do I Need More Starter When Replanting?

May 27, 2016

Well, it seems not much has changed since the last article I wrote on nitrogen (N) management a few weeks back: more rain, more to come, and more uncertainty with regard to N. So, what do we do now and why I am not worried about the other nutrients? Why is it always about N?

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