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Nitrogen optimization program already helping farmers plan for ‘25
The State of Wisconsin is backing a nitrogen optimization pilot program, and some of the early research is helping farmers plan for 2025.
Matt Ruark with the University of Wisconsin says field experiments will continue as the second year of the study begins. He tells Brownfield his team is working with farmers around the state to test their optimum nitrogen rate relative to other practices like manure use, cover crops, and tillage. “So what we have coming in is this great data set that evaluates how much nitrogen do you need, what’s the variation in your nitrogen need as you move though your field?”
Ruark says farmers running their own test plots should use different lower and higher application rates. ‘You need really low rates, maybe even a zero to know like, what’s the real value you’re getting? How much yield increase are you really getting when you put out your nitrogen? It really helps you dial in this is how much money I’m making on my fertilizer inputs.”
Ruark spoke to Brownfield at the Wisconsin Agri-Business Classic in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
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