Excessive Nitrogen
From SCIANS
Contents |
Put an End to Excessive N
soil nitrate testing, plant available nitrogen, recommended nitrogen rate, fertilizer needs, pre-plant soil nitrogen testing, pre-sidedress soil nitrogen testing
Nitrogen
Nitrogen (N) is essential for producing a high yielding crop. It can be provided to the crop in the form of nitrogen fertilizer and manure. Too much nitrate can cause health and environmental problems such as:
- The release of nitrous oxide (a major greenhouse gas)
- The leaching of nitrate into groundwater
In Nova Scotia N fertilizer recommendations are made based on an estimate of how much the plant needs. However in many parts of the world a soil nitrate test is used to match fertilizer application with plant needs. This method:
- lowers costs
- Reduces amount of nitrous oxide released into the environment.
Soil Nitrate Testing
The Soil & Crop Improvement Association of Nova Scotia (SCIANS) has a Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Program (GHGMP) that has given producers the opportunity to examine soil nitrate testing as a way of determining fertilizer needs. To use this method you just need to follow these easy steps:
- 1. Sample soil 1 week before seeding (for grain) or 1 week before 6th leaf side-dress (for corn).
- 2. Submit the sample for analysis to determine amount of plant available N.
- 3. Use the results to determine actual rate of N fertilizer needed:
Recommended N rate (for corn or grain) -N value of manure applied over last year -Plant available N (determined from test) Actual rate N fertilizer needed
The GHGMP has been involved in demonstrating these tests on farms in Nova Scotia. Both corn and grain crops were examined for yield results and greenhouse gas emissions. Check out the results of these demonstrations.
Soil nitrate testing will help you avoid over applying fertilizer. This will improve your farm profitability by using lower fertilizer amounts, and will also help protect the environment.
Further Reading:
- For more information on this topic check out the pdf.
