Iowa
Iowa Corn: Is It Time for Fall Nitrogen Yet?
The time for fall utility of anhydrous ammonia and manure is approaching, however we will not be there but. This weblog has a couple of issues to remember this fall and hyperlinks to some good references.
Whereas soybean harvest appears to be winding down, we must be fastidiously monitoring the soil temperature and climate forecast earlier than making use of nitrogen-containing fertilizers this fall. Nitrogen costs stay extremely excessive, making it particularly important that we retain all of the nitrogen we will for the crop this coming yr.
Ready till soil temperatures are 50 F and cooling is an easy approach to retain the total worth of nitrogen in our fall-applied fertilizers. The extra nitrogen we maintain within the ammonium type this fall means much less shall be within the nitrate type topic to loss with water when soils should not frozen.
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The soil temperature dropped under 50 F for the day by day common on October 17, however we have to additionally look ahead to a continued cooling forecast to maximise the worth of our fall-applied nitrogen. With forecasted low temperatures within the 40s and 50s and highs within the 70s this coming weekend, we anticipate the soil temperature to rebound again up earlier than making a extra long-term drop as we strategy winter.
Proceed to observe each the soil temperature and the climate forecast to decide on the most effective time to start making use of anhydrous ammonia or manure.
What about anhydrous ammonia in dry soils?
Dry soils generally is a important concern for anhydrous ammonia utility because of the potential for loss at time of utility. It could be attainable to knife the ammonia in barely deeper, maybe 8” depth as a substitute of 6” depth, to seek out moisture and keep away from losses. Ensuring your gear is about as much as seal the injection observe and entice ammonia is essential to cut back losses as nicely.
If soils are very dry and/or cloddy, it might be inconceivable to use anhydrous ammonia and maintain it retained by the soil. In that state of affairs, ready till rainfall replenishes topsoil moisture is the most suitable choice, though there may be threat this gained’t occur earlier than soils freeze and purposes might must happen within the spring. Learn extra about anhydrous ammonia utility and dry soils right here.
Security is essential!
Maintaining security in thoughts and being ready whereas dealing with anhydrous ammonia can imply the distinction between life and demise. A number of assets can be found with ideas for dealing with this product and ensuring gear is in its finest working order to forestall accidents.