Consistent and excessive rainfall can impact in-season nitrogen uptake.
Bob Weisenberger, Account Manager for DuPont Pioneer in Michigan’s East Central Region, says over time soil bacteria can convert applied nitrogen to a nitrate form that can be lost with excessive rainfall. He says sidedressing provides farmers more flexibility based on weather.
“If you are sidedressing your corn, which you typically do at the V4-V6, and that’s right now in many Michigan fields, you can adjust and increase your nitrogen rates if you’ve had wet conditions and N losses are prevalent.” Weisenberger says that is if field conditions allow for field work.
He tells Brownfield farmers can develop strategies for timing fertilizer application.
“This should be weighted heavily for soil type and topography, which can really impact the retention of any applied nitrogen and even the ability to supply additional nitrogen as needed.”
Weisenberger adds new technologies and tools can also help farmers more efficiently manage nitrogen inputs like DuPont Pioneer’s Encirca Nitrogen Management Service.
Source: www.brownfieldagnews.com