AMES - As fall fieldwork begins, managing proper nutrient application timing is critical for both yield potential and environmental stewardship.

Iowa State University Extension & Outreach’s September blog has several excellent reminders and tips for producers planning ahead for fall nitrogen fertilizer and manure management - “Fifty and Falling: What The Super El Niño Means For Anhydrous Ammonia and Manure Timing This Fall.”

Key takeaways:

• Monitor soil temperatures rather than calendar dates.
• Use nitrification inhibitors with ammonia and manure nitrogen sources.
• Consider planting a cover crop, particularly on fields going to soybeans.
• If manure is applied early, it should be on a field with a cover crop that can reduce nitrate losses to waterways.
• Warm soils can increase nitrogen mineralization. Use precision tools, like fall N soil sampling and N-FACT, to inform and optimize application rates.

Make the most of your fall field pass with these best practices. For more information, visit iowadnr.gov/afo.

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