How to Adjust Your Nitrogen Application for a Wet Fall
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If wet weather has been delaying your fall nitrogen application, you’re not alone. Too much rain can put your nitrogen input at risk for leaching and denitrification; both losses happen below ground.
Wet weather can complicate fall nitrogen applications by increasing the chance of losing nitrogen from leaching, volatilization and denitrification.
When fields receive too much rain, the nitrogen provided by the fertilizer converts to nitrate. Rain moves nitrate deeper into the soil, which makes it more difficult for corn roots to intercept the nitrogen. And if soils remain wet, the nitrate can convert to nitrogen gases like nitrous oxide. These gases escape from the soil quickly — resulting in a nitrogen loss of 5% for each day the soil remains wet.
Rainy fall? Flex to a spring application
When a wet fall happens, consider shifting your nitrogen application to the spring to optimize your investment.
By shifting to a spring application, you can conserve nitrogen by incorporating it into the soil in a timely manner. Adding a nitrogen stabilizer can help ensure there will be greater quantities of nitrogen later in the season as the crop enters its reproductive phases of growth.
No matter your application timing or nitrogen source Corteva Agriscience™ Nitrogen Stabilizers can help you protect your investment no matter the application timing:
- N-Serve® nitrogen stabilizer provides proven protection of anhydrous ammonia from nitrogen loss below ground through leaching and denitrification.
- Instinct NXTGEN® nitrogen stabilizer provides unrivaled protection of urea, UAN and liquid manure from nitrogen loss below ground through leaching and denitrification.
N-Serve and Instinct NXTGEN nitrogen stabilizers are proven to increase yields. Initial 2024 yield data comparing nitrogen applications made with N-Serve or Instinct NXTGEN to untreated samples show an 8 bu./A yield advantage in spring pre-plant applications and a 5 bu./A yield advantage in spring sidedress applications.
Consult your local retailer or Corteva Agriscience representative to develop a nitrogen management plan that meets the needs of your fields this season.
Instinct NXTGEN® is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Do not fall-apply anhydrous ammonia south of Highway 16 in the state of Illinois. Always read and follow label directions.
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