Fall Nitrogen Application

Some producers are starting to apply fall nitrogen.  Whether or not this is a good idea remains a big question.  Iowas State offers some advice on Determining Whether to Apply Fall N.  In Illinois, the recommendation is to use nitrification inhibitors and don't apply south of Route 16.  Also, wait till soil temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit with little chance to warm.  My advice would be no fall application south of I-72 and no fall application before Veterans Day in any case.  Illinois Soil Temperatures are cooler than I expected according to Illinois Water Survey.  Keep in mind that temperatures on your farm may vary up to 100 degrees depending on conditions.  Check at a depth of 4 inches at 10 AM.  A $5 meat thermometer works fine.  Let it in for at least a minute.