Nitrogen is an important nutrient in plant development, but ensuring the nitrogen (N) needed for a crop is available can be a tricky task, according to Brain and Darin Hefty, radio hosts of the show Ag PhD.
When planning for the spring season, the Hefty brothers believe a planting strategy can be the most effective tool. Having a plan is important so when fields are wet or weather conditions aren’t optimal farmers can be ready to plant at the appropriate time.
In addition to timing, many farmers are concerned about the three ways they can lose N: volatilization, leaching and denitrification.
About Darin Lickfeldt
Darin Lickfeldt, Ph.D., CCA, is a technical development manager for Verdesian Life Sciences. He joined the Hefty brothers in their recent discussion on nitrogen stabilizers. Lickfeldt addresses the ways N can be lost to the environment, particularly through denitrification, and the importance of N placement, timing and stabilization.