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Agronomy specialist: Adjust nitrogen rate strategies as input costs rise

An agronomy specialist says choosing the right nitrogen application strategy could help farmers better manage rising input costs.

Rachel Henry with Ohio State University Extension says the timing of fertilizer should match the crop’s needs.

“Most of our nitrogen in the fall can actually be lost,” she says. “We need to make sure that we’re putting it on when the crop needs it. Maybe even doing a split application as well to frontload a little bit of nitrogen at planting and putting a bulk of that on at side dress.”

She tells Brownfield farmers should also account for organic matter in the soil.

“Our general rule of thumb is about twenty pounds of mineralizable nitrogen per one percent of organic matter,” she says. “It’s important to calculate what that rate is and look at what you already have on your farm.”

Henry says as input costs rise, focusing on improving yields can help farmers navigate lower commodity prices. 

AUDIO: Rachel Henry, Ohio State University Extension