Soil Fertility

Figure 1. Liquid fertilizer manifold used on a planter for applying starter fertilizer. (Photo by Charles Shapiro)

Starter Fertilizer: When is it Warranted? April 12, 2017

As you evaluate the cost of inputs, consider this: Only focusing on expenses without subsequent income changes is misleading. The most profitable plan uses the most profitable inputs. Is a starter fertilizer one of those inputs? The authors look at university and grower research under various conditions to see when a starter fertilizer offers economic benefits.

Cover of Nitrogen Exenders and Additives for Field Crops

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.

New NebGuide: Soil Management for Increased Soil Organic Matter March 2, 2017

A new Nebraska Extension NebGuide discusses the steady state level of soil organic matter and how some management practices can reduce soil organic matter loss or increase soil organic matter.

You Can Postpone Phosphorus, Potassium, and Zinc Fertilizer Applications When…. February 28, 2017

Soil testing and applying only the soil nutrients needed to produce your yield goal can provide a significant savings in fertilizer costs. Nebraska research shows growers can save as much as $52.12/acre for postponing phosphorus, potassium and zinc applications.

Pie charts showing two manure fertility scenarios — Figure 1. Value of the individual nutrients in surface-applied beef manure for the lower and higher value assumptions made in Table 1.

Finding Win-Win Opportunities for Manure February 27, 2017

Land application of manure can create a win-win scenario for your farm by providing valuable crop nutrients while helping build soil organic matter. Learn more about the benefits of replacing commercial fertilizer with manure and how to get the most value when integrating an application into your soil nutrient plan.

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.