Soil Fertility

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?

Managing N in a Wet Spring

May 5, 2016

USDA NASS estimated 26% of Nebraska’s corn acres had been planted as of May 2, well behind last year’s pace of 45% and slightly behind the five-year average of 31%. The pace is undoubtedly being affected by the amount of precipitation across the state and the wet field conditions (Figures 1 and 2).

Project SENSE sensors in the field. — Figure 1. UNL researchers are testing the use of crop sensors and real-time N application in the field based on sensor readings. The project was started with 17 sites across the state in 2015 and will be expanded to 20 more sites in 2016.

UNL Project SENSE Expanding Research to Increase N Efficiency

May 5, 2016

When and at what rate nitrogen fertilizer should be applied are major questions for today's corn producers. Nebraska Extension is helping answer these questions through Project SENSE, which stands for Sensors for Efficient Nitrogen Use and Stewardship of the Environment.

Using Chemigation for In-Season N Application

May 4, 2016

Heavy spring rains may have leached nitrogen from some soils. In-season chemigation applications can provide nitrogen when the plant most needs it and reduce the potential for leaching. To use chemigation, users must meet two major requirements: they must be certified to use chemigation and pollution prevention equipment must be installed at each injection location and inspected and approved by the local NRD.

Nutrient Levels, Fertility, and the Price Squeeze

March 30, 2016

Current economic conditions are a challenge for crop producers to earn profits from corn, soybean, winter wheat, and milo production. Following is a discussion around how to make nutrient decisions this year. Robert Tigner is an Extension Educator focusing on agricultural economic issues.