Nitrogen Management 2012

My reading of Farm Week News reminded me that early harvest may tempt some people to start Nitrogen application some time soon.  Some things to keep in mind.

• University of Illinois says no nitrogen should be applied be soil temperatures reach 50 degrees.
• No nitrogen should be fall applied south of Illinois Route 16.  I would move that up to I-72.
• There is some evidence that applying 1/4 of your nitrogen in the fall can help overcome corn on corn yield lag. 
• Reputable dealers will be monitoring soil temperature before delivering nitrogen.
• Follow me on twitter (@daver819)  as soil temperatures drop. 
• Keep in mind that environmental groups are also monitoring nitrogen applications in hopes of catching the bad players.  They want to take a fall N applications completely.
• Fall apply anhydrous ammonia only
• Use nitrification inhibitors
• Illinois Council on Best Management Practices is providing nutrient stewardship advice to producers
  
  Soil testing for better nitrogen management is progressing.  You may want to do some N testing in the spring