|
You've
already heard the bad news: The price of nitrogen is going through
the roof. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to minimize
its impact on your bottom line. Here are some ideas:
- GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE. When calculating your nitrogen
needs, be sure to give proper credit for previous legume crops and
any manure you've applied.
-
USE REALISTIC EXPECTED YIELDS. Nitrogen rates are based on expected
yields. This is not the year to raise expectations. As planting
time gets closer, adjust your expectations according to subsoil
moisture and long-range weather forecasts.
-
THINK TWICE ABOUT PADDING APPLICATION RATES. If you're in the
habit of adding a little extra N as insurance against loss or to
get the most out of favorable weather, reconsider. Follow recommendations
in FO-3790-C, Fertilizing Corn in Minnesota, available from
the University of Minnesota Extension Service (612/624-4900 or 800/876-8636).
- USE THE SOIL NITRATE TEST. This may allow you to apply N as
a sidedress treatment if soybean yields were lower than average
in 2000, for corn following corn, or for corn following small grains.
For details see FO-3790-C, Fertilizing Corn in Minnesota.
-
SHIFT DOLLARS. You get more return on a dollar spent on nitrogen
than on any other nutrient. Rather than automatically cutting back
on N, consider reducing K, P, sulfur, or micronutrients instead.
If your soil is not sandy, you may be able to get by without sulfur.
Broadcast applications are not economical if soil test levels are
medium to high for P and K. Instead of broadcasting, consider dribbling
fertilizer on the seed when soil test levels are medium to high.
Fertilizer placed with the seed can substitute for the traditional
starter use.
-
CUT RATES. Don't cut rates unless you have no other option.
If you have no choice, cut 10 to 15 percent from University of Minnesota
recommendations. This will likely cut corn yields 2 to 3 percent.
-
SWITCH CROPS. This might be reasonable if you have the equipment
and can sell the crop.
However,
if it means two consecutive years of soybeans, the price you pay
later for lost yield due to soybean cyst nematode (SCN), diseases,
and so on may overshadow what you save now. Consider the consequences
before you make a change. |
