The following are a few thoughts on nitrogen (N) management for the 2021 growing season. Many fertilizer decisions have already been made - however a quick review of N plans is in order. However, the recent increase in corn grain prices and in-season cost of nitrogen fertilizer may warrant of review of N rates.
Farmers and dealers need to check the Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator (CRNC) web site to confirm N rates for 2021 corn production (http://cnrc.agron.iastate.edu). The CRNC uses Iowa based research data, current N prices and anticipated grain prices to determine profitable N rates for Iowa corn farmers.
Some additional thoughts on N application for the spring of 2021 include ammonia application guidelines. Spring ammonia applications should be made an angle to future corn rows to avoid ammonia injury. Inject the ammonia at a depth of 6-7 inches – or more. Injury to corn from spring ammonia application does occur – and is more likely in ammonia applications occur in wet soils followed by dry conditions.
Many farm operations will use liquid N products this spring. It is recommended to incorporate the urea or UAN solutions within 24 -48 hours of application to prevent volatilization losses from these products. Rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.50 inch within 24 hours of application will essentially eliminate volatilization losses.
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on April 9, 2021. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.