By Scout Nelson
Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the largest input costs in crop production. When applied at the correct rate, nitrogen helps crops grow stronger, improves yield, and increases farm profitability. However, finding the right rate is not simple. Nitrogen needs can change from field to field and from year to year due to weather, soil type, and cropping systems.
To address this challenge, SDSU Extension is working with farmers, crop advisors, and agricultural service providers through the South Dakota Farm Nitrogen Rate Trial Program. This program supports the design, setup, and analysis of nitrogen rate trials directly on working farms.
The goal is to gather real farm data that improves understanding of how nitrogen requirements vary across geography, soil conditions, weather patterns, and management practices.
Farmers who take part in the program help generate valuable information while learning how nitrogen rates perform in their own fields. To participate, farmers need a combine equipped with a yield monitor and at least one year of past corn yield data.
This information helps guide where trials are placed within the field. Participants must also be able to apply a variable rate of nitrogen prescription, either on their own or through a preferred retailer.
Farmers are asked to provide basic cropping plan details and keep other agronomic practices consistent in the trial area. This ensures that trial results accurately reflect nitrogen rate differences. Through an industry partner, SDSU Extension supplies variable rate prescription maps and provides full data analysis and interpretation of the trial results.
The program helps farmers make better fertilizer decisions, manage input costs, and reduce potential environmental impacts from overapplication. By using farm research, producers gain practical knowledge that supports long term productivity and sustainability. Farmers interested in participating or learning more about the program are encouraged to complete the interest form to connect with the SDSU Extension team.
Photo Credit: istock-chas53
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Corn, Sustainable Agriculture