Maximizing Yields with Effective Fall Nitrogen Strategies

Using the correct nitrogen rate without considering the source, placement or timing can reduce nitrogen effectiveness and profitability.

Fall nitrogen application is popular for many farmers and their nutrient management plans due to multiple benefits, including:

• Lower fertilizer costs compared to spring applications
• Better soil conditions for equipment operation and fertilizer incorporation
• Reduced workload during the busy spring planting season
• Increased availability of application equipment and labor

When considering fall nitrogen applications, farmers can use the 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship as a guide.

• Right Fertilizer Source: Anhydrous ammonia is the most common choice for fall fertilizer application because it contains 82% nitrogen and binds to soil particles to reduce leaching. Its high efficiency and compatibility with nitrification inhibitors make it a cost-effective and reliable option for ensuring nitrogen availability for crops in the spring.
• Right Rate: Determining the correct nitrogen application rate is crucial. Applying too much can lead to overfertilizing and loss, causing inefficiency and waste, while using too little can result in reduced crop yields. Understanding crop needs can help determine any nutrient deficiencies.
• Right Time: To determine the optimal time for fall nitrogen applications, monitoring soil and air temperatures and considering post-harvest conditions is crucial. It’s important to delay application until air and soil temperatures are 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below, with continued cooling expected. Cooler soil temperatures help stabilize nitrogen in the soil, reducing the risk of volatilization, leaching, disease and insect pressure while ensuring nutrient availability for crops when needed. Many farmers also pursue a split application in their nutrient management plans. By applying part of the nitrogen in the fall, farmers can spread out the future workload in the spring, reducing labor and time pressure during the busy planting season and improving operational efficiency. 
• Right Place: Successful applications can be enhanced by incorporating nitrogen stabilizers like ANVOL™, CENTURO™ and SUPERU™ in the right place, at the right time. These products are designed to mitigate nitrogen loss and improve nutrient uptake and yield. 

ANVOL is a urease inhibitor featuring the patented active ingredient Duromide, which protects against surface volatilization loss. CENTURO has a noncorrosive formula and works to prevent nitrate leaching by delaying nitrification. SUPERU contains both a urease and nitrification inhibitor to guard against volatilization, denitrification and leaching, offering above- and below-ground protection.  

“Using nitrogen stabilizers not only protects the nitrogen applied but also enhances crop yield and nutrient use efficiency,” said Matt Fryer, technical agronomist for Koch Agronomic Services. “Field trials and research have demonstrated these stabilizers can significantly increase yield outcomes, making them a cost-effective investment for farmers.”

To learn more about products that bring value and protect your nitrogen investment, visit https://kochagronomicservices.com/.