The “Don’t Be That Guy” Fall Nitrogen Checklist

The “Don’t Be That Guy” Fall Nitrogen Checklist

(Because nobody likes wasting money, even if we act like we don’t care)

1.Take your soil temp seriously.

• Don’t guess. Pull up a local soil temp map (ISU, NASS, or your co-op’s tool).
• Target: 50°F and trending down.
• If it’s bouncing between 55–60°F, you’re gambling with your own wallet.
• Remember: warm soil = active bugs = nitrogen loss.

Translation: If you’re sweating in a hoodie, your nitrogen’s probably sweating too.

2. Look at the 7-day forecast.

• Rain coming? Wait.
• A warm-up after you apply? Double loss risk.
• Cold and stable? That’s your sweet spot.

Translation: Don’t bet on Mother Nature being kind. She loves proving farmers wrong.

3. Use something to “babysit” your nitrogen.

• Cover crops (rye, oats, radishes) or stabilizers
• If you’re spreading money on the field, at least give it a chaperone.

Translation: A $10 cover crop can save $50 in nitrogen. Do the math.

4. Just because the bar’s open doesn’t mean you have to drink.

• Every neighbor’s going be out running tanks as soon as the field’s dry.
• Let ‘em. Don’t race them.
• You don’t win anything for being first. You can lose nitrogen, yield, and cash.

Translation: Peer pressure isn’t just for teenagers.

5. Think about next spring before you hit the field.

• Will you have to run a rescue N pass because you lost too much?
• What’s your cost-per-acre if you have to redo it?
• Is saving two days now worth redoing 200 acres later?

Translation: Karen tried to “get ahead” and ended up redoing half her plan. Don’t be a Karen.

6. Write it down, even if you hate paperwork.

• Record temp, date, and weather when you apply.
• Next year, compare yield to your “later” applied fields.
• You’ll start seeing the proof on your own ground, not someone else’s spreadsheet.

Translation: You don’t need to believe the experts, believe your own field.

7. Be a good steward. Your kids (and soil) are watching.

• Every pound of nitrogen that stays put helps your bottom line and keeps nutrients out of waterways.
• Taking time to do it right isn’t just smart, it’s responsible.

Translation: Good stewardship means your land will be worth farming when your family takes it over.

Bottom line:

• Every pound of nitrogen lost is your money leaving the field.
• Waiting a week can save you hundreds.
• If you’re going to apply this fall, fine, just do it smart, not fast.