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Managing nitrogen in a wet spring

An agronomist says the soggy spring has created nitrogen issues across much of the Corn Belt.

Greg Schwab is director of agronomy for Koch Agronomic Services.

He says after the wet start to planting season farmers should see how much nitrogen remains in the field.  “They can pull a pre-sidedress nitrate soil sample,” he says.  “To try to assess that nitrogen.  A lot of them will be going back with some additional nitrogen, likely.”

He tells Brownfield farmers will need to implement strategies to prevent additional nitrogen loss – like utilizing a stabilizer with UAN or urea.  “It allows for surface applications without worrying about volatilization losses,” he says.

Schwab says the key to nitrogen application this time of year is getting across the field quickly AND getting the nitrogen applied quickly.  “Now it’s warm and the corn is growing fast,” he says.  “That window is closing on when we can add additional nitrogen.  Knifing in UAN is a very good practice, but slower than if you’re out there with a spinner/spreader with urea.”

He says once that corn has been planted – or replanted – a top-off of nitrogen should be top priority.

AUDIO: Greg Schwab, Koch Agronomic Services