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Oct. 27, 2016
2016 Logan County Fall Farm Outlook Magazine
Lincoln Daily News
Optimal N rate-yield points are calculated based on the N
price ($ per lb N) to corn price ($ per bushel) ratio of 0.1.
An added note from Managing Nitrogen, Illinois Agronomy
Handbook, “...modern hybrids may be better both at
extracting N from the soil and at using this N efficiently to
produce grain. The latter is true in part because the grain
protein content of newer hybrids tends to be lower than
that of older hybrids, so the removal of N with the grain is
lower on a per-bushel basis.
Now the big question you must answer for yourself, “Do
you want the bragging rights of the highest yield or the
most profit when it comes to applying nitrogen?
You may have noted nothing has been said here concerning
phosphorous control. While, yes, over application would
lead to further losses of P that would cost you to replenish
and add contaminant to waterways. However, most
phosphorous could be controlled by adoptions proposed for
nitrogen management that include reduced tillage and other
conservation methods that build soils; healthy soils with
built up organic matter hold phosphorous well.
Nitrogen-use calculators can help you to estimate your best
yield with maximum return to nitrogen (MRTN) with more
accuracy.
This on-line map (zoom in and click on your location) sets
up a free calculator where you just enter your data.
https://mygeohub.org/groups/u2u/splitnA downloadable Android app from UoI that is free also:
https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=7104
Resources:
nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/NRCS_RCA/reports/cp_
il.html#ncpd
In short-short summary: split fall/spring applications,
additives to fall N that prevent microbial action over
the winter, and timeliness to plant development are
all showing stronger leads to higher yields with less
amount N and higher profits.