GROUND TEMPERATURE WILL ALLOW FALL N APPLICATION, BUT CONSIDER SPRING INSTEAD

Tricia Braid

Nov 09, 2018  |  Today's News |  Conservation

Given the most recent soil temperatures from the Illinois State Water Survey and the outlook for ongoing colder weather, it appears that farmers now have the “green light” for fall anhydrous application with a nitrification inhibitor, roughly north of the corridor created by State Route 16. Fall N should not be applied south of this line.

 

 

“Protecting water quality by reducing nutrient loss really needs to be top of mind for Illinois corn farmers,” say Illinois Corn Growers Association President Aron Carlson. “Managing your nitrogen applications by the methods outlined in the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy make good economic sense, too.”

 

IL Corn recommends proper timing of fall N as a component of a suite of best management practices that should be tailored to each farm’s unique situation. A nitrification inhibitor should also be used at the recommended rate. We recommend you implement a split-application regimen with at least 30% of your spring applied nitrogen be timed post-plant. Of course, the 4 R’s; Right place, Right rate, Right time, and Right source are the backbone of your nitrogen application strategy.