Wetness and Nitrogen Loss

At this point, Midwest soils are beyond saturated.  When soil temperatures reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit, dentrification can begin.  Bacteria begin to use the oxygen in the nitrate (NO3- ) molecule as an oxygen source when soils are saturated.  Nitrite, nitrous oxide and nitrogen are all bi-products of the reaction and none of those forms are plant available.  When ground dries out it would be a good idea to do some nitrogen testing to see if you still have enough nitrogen to raise a decent corn crop.  We know that dentrification was an issue in reduced yields last year.  Avoid that issue this year if possible.