Does Extra Nitrogen Pay? Researchers Find “When” And “Where” May Be More Important Than “How Much” need to consider the environment. Where a crop grows makes a difference in its nitrogen requirements. A specific field may hold a larger nitrogen stockpile than you suspect. The amount of available N also is influenced by the soil type, recent weather, the field’s cropping history and even your regional location. For example, researchers are finding that crop rotation with soybeans has a different effect on the N requirements of midwestern and southern com. In the South’s sandy Coastal Plains soil, beans fix enough at mospheric N to leave 15 to 50 pounds per acre for other crops. By contrast, Midwest soybeans often consume more soil nitrogen than they fix. “Compared to more northerly states, we have far less N in our soils, and that forces beans to fix their own supply,” explains Dr. Patrick Hunt, a USDA soil scientist based in Florence, S.C. “In the Midwest, where there’s generally more N in the root zone, plants rely on the soil for up to 70 percent of the requirement. They still fix some nitrogen, but not enough to make up for what’s hauled off with seed. “Southern farmers can’t count on all that N staying with them because some of it leaches. But enough remains especially after a healthy bean crop to make a contribution.” If a southern farmer follows soybeans with a winter gram crop, the fixed nitrogen might take the place of a fall N application, says Florida researchers. ' “Corn planted the next spring, however, still may need a plahting-time nitrogen application,” reports Dr. RACINE, Wise. - Without nitrogen, life would not exist. In the atmosphere, the odorless gas neutralizes oxygen’s flam mability. In fact, nitrogen ac counts for 78 percent of each breath you take. It also is an essential building block of protein. Every cell in your body contains nitrogen. In agriculture, researchers long ago recognized nitrogen’s im portance. They also learned that extra nitrogen boosts com yields in particular. Today, corn farmers aren’t the only producers relying on more nitrogen. Gram, cotton and rice growers all find they can increase yields with more N. However, much of this nitrogen never hits its target. In corn, more than half of applied N is generally lost through leaching, erosion, denitrification or volatilisation. At least part of this loss, researchers suspect, can be avoided. Farmers can do more to maximize nitrogen efficiency. And in many instances, they can get by with smaller doses. Midwestern researchers often agree with that assessment. Says Dr. Jim Schepers, a USDA soil scientist in Lincoln, Neb., “Farm ers are too optimistic about production, and that leads to over fertilization. Even with irrigation, they over-estimate production by 20 to 25 percent.” It pays to use only enough of any nutrient to guarantee an economic return, say Schepers and other scientists. There’s no such thing, they add, as a universal nitrogen recommendation for a particular crop. Nitrogen needs To determine the best rate, you INCOME TAX PREPARATION FARM, PERSONAL, AND BUSINESS RETURNS PAUL I. SHEAFFER INSURANCE AGENCY Intercourse, PA Appointment Required - CALL 717-768-8236 Maximizing the efficient use of nitrogen means paying close attention to the timing of application, placement of N and crop rotation. David Wright, a Florida Extension agronomist. Timing is a key When you apply nitrogen can be as critical as how much you apply. Crops require larger nitrogen portions during certain key periods. By splitting applications, leaching or volatilization also is reduced. In shooting for high wheat yields, farmers and crop scientists find best results when they apply imperial PAINTED STEEL ROOFING & SIDING • High tensile galvanized steel panels • Five major ribs ( 3 /«” height) • 36” coverage • Anti-siphon feature • Warranted Ceramic Siliconized Polyester Paint System • 12 colors in galvalume, plain or painted Imperial Rib is custom-cut to the inch to fill your needs in lengths up to 45 feet F e or eliminating end laps. You get a tighter, stronger, more attractive building. SPECIAL NOTI Now Stocking Overhead Doors - All Types - All Sizes IN STOCK 24 Ga 8x7,9x7,10x9,10x10,10x12, 12x7,12x9,12x12,12x14,16x7 Fiberglass 9x7,9x8,16x7,16x9 Wood With A Row Of Glass 8x8,10x8,10x9,10x10,12x9 NAPCO VINYL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS Complete Pole And Other Buildings spring nitrogen in two or more trips. Ed Oplinger, University of Wisconsin agronomist, schedules three applications in his plan for 100-bushel wheat yields. At planting, he puts down 25 to 33 percent of his total nitrogen. Then at the tillering and grain-filling stages, he top-dresses another 25 to 50 pounds. Again, regional differences can influence timing. In Florida, mn Strength, Durability and Beauty! :e Steel Non Insulai Door 9x7,16x7 /mm ' / / l!' !• / 1 / / Green, Royal Blue, Navy Blue, White, Gray, Bronze, Brown & Black. Please Call Us For Prices On Your Pole Shed Needs. We Can Supply You With All Materials Needed For Pole Shed Con struction At Very Competitive Prices. SQUARE BARN POLES Pressure Treated 8.25 4”x6” 11.25 6”x6” 18.50 2x6 CENTER MATCH TREATED BOARDS 4.17 Wi RD 2, Box 267, East Earl, PA 17519 Callus for low prices (717) 354-7561 shorter growing seasons crowd wheat’s nitrogen requirements into a briefer period. As Florida wheat yields move into the 90- bushel range, Wright needs only two applications 25 pounds at planting with 75 to 100 pounds to follow in late January or early February. On the other hand, corn has a longer growing cycle and requires three N treatments. Wright (Turn to Page 012) COLORS ‘ \ \ AVAILABLE \ Red, Tan, \ Harvest Gold, > Sherwood r ; A n NOTE 15.95 13.12 19.20 22.50 20.95 25.15 34.71 29.93 12’ 4.99 6.15 IP SALES 44.75 39.90 7.25
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