In-season Update: Nitrogen Management

This planting season brought weather variability, which caused concerns about nitrogen management across the board. Chris Kluemke, Corteva Agriscience nitrogen stabilizers market development specialist, provided an in-season update and nutrient management tips to Brownfield Ag Network.

“Once again, this planting season proved to be a year like no other,” Kluemke said. “We’ve had conditions where nitrogen loss has occurred, so more farmers are utilizing split nitrogen applications this year.”

Kluemke emphasized with Brownfield Ag Network that whenever farmers are applying nitrogen, they should protect it with a proven nitrogen stabilizer.  

“Last year we conducted a variety of on-farm trials, and we saw 11% more nitrogen in the ammonium form after sidedress applications with nitrogen stabilizers versus acres that were not stabilized,” Kluemke said. “At the end of the year, we saw a 5-bu./A increase with those trials, so it’s very beneficial to use N-Serve or Instinct NXTGEN nitrogen stabilizers with sidedress applications this year.”

The full 2024 trial data summary can be viewed here.

Customers who have experienced heavy rainfall or drought-like conditions are still at risk of future rainfall leaching events. Kluemke would recommend considering a stabilized sidedress application to ensure corn has the right amount of nitrogen when it needs it most. To get additional insights about nitrogen stabilizers and learn how they can protect the environment, watch Kleumke’s interview with Brownfield Ag Network.

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.