News

“Don’t delay planting for nitrogen”

A lot of farmers are backed up on fertilizer application because of a wet fall but a nutrient management specialist says planting and weed control should take priority over nitrogen application.

Peter Scharf with the University of Missouri says applying nitrogen after planting is likely to work just as well, “Our data shows that the timing of nitrogen on corn just isn’t that important. The important thing is that it has plenty there in June and July.”

Scharf says anhydrous ammonia, while the cheapest source of nitrogen, is the slowest to apply, “You know, even if I have some time where I can’t plant and could do anhydrous, I probably do the dry (nitrogen) just because I know I’m not going to get the anhydrous finished before it’s time to start planting.” Scharf recommends broadcasting dry nitrogen if there’s lot of residue on fields.

Peter Scharf busts Nitrogen Myths