Excessive rainfall in the Midwest last year caused nitrogen to be lost in the soil of cornfields, prompting Dow AgroSciences to stress the importance of nitrogen protection in the soil.
The timing of nitrogen application is top priority for the rest of the growing season. It also is important to remember to use a nitrogen stabilizer so the crop receives the maximum amount of nutrients possible. Eric Scherder, field scientist for Dow AgroSciences, suggests using the "4R Program" – the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, at the right time and with the right placement.
“For healthy growth, nitrogen should be applied as close as possible to the point when the crop needs it most,” Scherder said. “Corn takes up a significant amount of nutrients between the V5 and V8 growth stages or up to 75 days after emergence.”
Growers need to look at previous growing seasons to determine what may have caused the nitrogen loss.
“If a grower has experienced nitrogen loss and didn’t stabilize a given application, the grower may have applied the right rate, at the right time and at the right place," Scherder said. "Yet without stabilization, nitrogen was subjected to leaching, and yield and nitrogen loss occurred."
Tiffany Dean, Dow AgroSciences’ nitrogen stabilizers product manager, suggests N-Serve and Instinct II nitrogen stabilizers.
“Pick a proven product," Dean said. "With a cluttered market of fertilizer efficiency products, be sure to research which products are proven to work."
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