By Scout Nelson
Rising fertilizer prices are pushing growers to focus on getting the most value from every pound of nitrogen. Experts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) recommend improving nitrogen management precision rather than simply reducing application rates.
One of the best ways to manage costs is by reassessing nitrogen needs each season. UNL's economic optimum nitrogen rate (EONR) approach helps producers determine the most profitable nitrogen rate based on current fertilizer and corn prices.
The UNL Nitrogen Tool can help growers make more accurate decisions by considering factors such as expected yield, soil organic matter, irrigation practices, residual soil nitrate, and other nitrogen sources. This allows producers to avoid unnecessary fertilizer purchases.
Farmers should also account for all available nitrogen sources before buying additional fertilizer. Residual soil nitrate, manure, irrigation water, and previous legume crops can contribute significant amounts of nitrogen and help reduce input costs.
Timing nitrogen applications correctly can improve efficiency and reduce losses. Instead of applying all nitrogen before planting, growers can split applications and apply a larger portion during the growing season when corn demand increases.
This strategy is especially beneficial on sandy soils, where nitrate leaching is more likely. Applying nitrogen closer to peak crop uptake also allows producers to adjust rates based on weather conditions and crop performance.
Precision agriculture technologies offer additional opportunities to improve nitrogen management. Tools such as fertigation systems, crop sensors, satellite imagery, drones, and variable-rate applications help identify where and when nitrogen is needed most.
Research from Nebraska On-Farm Research programs found that sensor-based nitrogen management reduced fertilizer use while maintaining similar yields and improving profitability. These results demonstrate the value of data-driven nitrogen decisions.
Before adopting new technologies across an entire farm, producers are encouraged to test them through side-by-side comparisons or field trials. Small-scale evaluations can help determine whether a practice improves nitrogen use efficiency and returns on investment.
As fertilizer costs remain high, both overapplying and underapplying nitrogen can hurt profitability. A more effective approach is to use accurate recommendations, credit existing nitrogen sources, optimize application timing, and leverage precision technologies to make every pound of nitrogen work harder.
FAQ:
1. Why should growers recalculate nitrogen rates every season?
Because changing fertilizer and corn prices can affect the most profitable nitrogen application rate.
2. What is the benefit of using the UNL Nitrogen Tool?
It helps producers develop accurate nitrogen recommendations based on field-specific conditions and available nitrogen sources.
3. Which nitrogen sources should be credited before purchasing fertilizer?
Residual soil nitrate, manure, irrigation water, and nitrogen from previous legume crops should all be included in nitrogen calculations.
4. Why are split nitrogen applications recommended?
They improve nitrogen-use efficiency by matching fertilizer applications more closely with crop demand.
5. How can precision agriculture technologies improve nitrogen management?
Tools such as sensors, drones, satellite imagery, and variable-rate applications help target nitrogen where and when it is needed most.
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Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Equipment & Machinery