|
 |
|
|
|||
 |
 
  
|
 |
|
Oct. 8, 2012 Source: Illinois Soil Monitoring Network news release The "Keep it for the Crop" program and the University of Illinois have launched a nitrate soil testing network, and we need the help of ag retailers and certified crop advisors for it to be successful. Given the concerns over nitrate levels in the soil due to the drought, the ag industry is challenged to address nitrogen management and make concerted efforts to reduce the likelihood of nutrient losses. The Illinois Soil Monitoring Network is seeking volunteers to sample for soil N levels in harvested corn fields that will be going back to corn in 2013. Knowing how much nitrate is currently present will allow our industry to also estimate how much may remain in the spring depending on the weather conditions this fall and into the spring. Dan Schaefer, Director of Nutrient Stewardship and KIC Coordinator, has set a goal to sample at least 75 sites this fall and into the spring to look at nitrate levels. This includes testing not only for nitrate, but for ammonium following any fall applications of nitrogen. That way we will have the data to track both nitrates and ammonium, and respond accordingly to any potential nitrate losses may result from artifact nitrate left over from the drought, not fall applied N. As we all know, there are critics of fall applied nitrogen and we need good science to demonstrate that fall applied nitrogen is an effective agronomic practice when applied according to stewardship guidelines. Soil testing will provide the science we need to fine-tune nitrogen recommendations and defend good nitrogen management practices. For information on how you can help with this project, please go to the IFCA website here http://ifca.com There is a press release on the program, and soil sampling instructions including how to order the sample collection kits from Dr. Nafziger at UI. The IL Council on Best Management Practices, through the KIC Program, is paying the cost of the sample analysis, so we are only asking for ag retailers and CCAs to donate their time to help in this stewardship effort. Please contact Dan Schaefer at dschaefer@illinoiscbmp.org if you want to help but need access to a soil probe. Thank you everyone for assisting the KIC program in this important effort for our industry. Fall Nitrogen Stewardship It's that time of year again. Temperatures are dropping, harvest is wrapping up and thoughts are turning to fall fertilization. The scrutiny on our industry with regard to fall applied ammonia is intense. On the IFCA website we have posted a link to daily soil temperatures and a poster that outlines fall nitrogen guidelines. We ask our members to please work with your farmer customers to adhere to these guidelines, meaning waiting until the maximum daily 4 inch soil temperature remains at 50 degrees, and using nitrogen stabilizers. The drought makes this issue all the more important, as we have tremendous pressure on our industry to reduce nutrient losses. IFCA is committed to preserving the ability of our industry to apply nutrients based on the individual needs of each of our customers, using the 4R system: right source, right rate, right time, right place. The Illinois Agronomy Handbook is the basis for the 4R program and the fall N guidelines on the poster are derived from the Handbook. You can view the poster by clicking here http://ifca.com/media/Fall%20N%20Poster.jpg If you would like to order these posters for your office, please contact IFCA at 309.827.2774. Thank you all for promoting nutrient stewardship. Tweet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
