The previous rule of thumb for crop farm operations is to use fall ammonia after soil temperatures transfer to 50 levels Fahrenheit, however that is trending downward, in line with consultants.
Long-term soil temperature evaluation over time has proven soil temperatures in December and January might not keep under 32 levels Fahrenheit, resulting in conversion of ammonium to nitrate nitrogen, mentioned Dr. John Lory, state nutrient administration specialist with University of Missouri.
To fully cease this conversion throughout winter, soil temperatures should under 32 levels to stop soil microbes from changing ammonium to nitrate.
“Currently, soil temperatures are excessive by the previous winter in order that warmth models of roughly from an October 1 ammonia utility has collected over 1,175 warmth models so all ammonia is transformed to nitrate,” states a launch from the University of Missouri Extension workplace. “Once in nitrate kind, it might transfer with soil water and topic to losses.”
Applications from October 15 have collected roughly 900 warmth models and so may also be transformed. November 1 has collected 905 warmth models which most nitrogen can also be transformed,” states the discharge.
“Critical values are 900 to 1,000 warmth models for ammonia conversion to nitrate nitrogen. If an ammonia nitrification inhibitor was added, double the warmth models. In May, even these functions with a nitrification inhibitor, will likely be transformed to nitrate nitrogen,” in line with the University of Missouri Extension.
Given this, corn coloration ought to be monitored for well being, say consultants. Losses can happen throughout moist springs, particularly in June.
For extra data, contact Wayne Flanary, area specialist in agronomy on the University of Missouri Extension, at 279-1691.