PLAN AND ORDER NITROGEN, OTHER NUTRIENTS NOW

Nutrient management begins now, according to Matt Kurtz, manager at Federated’s Rush City location. “Pre-buying secures input costs [by locking in prices], and ordering now will secure the tons needed at planting,” he said. However, the first step is determining which nutrients to buy.

Nitrogen (N) is the key player when it comes to corn yields. Record rainfall in 2019 set the stage for significant leaching and volatility of the nitrogen (and other nutrients) corn crops will need in 2020. Replenishing N and keeping it accessible for plant uptake is vital.

Kurtz outlined these options for N management this year:

• * Split apply N – apply a portion at planting then follow with a top dress application at about the V5 stage.
• * Use Super U at planting; it is a fully treated urea with DCD (a nitrification inhibitor, to stop leaching) and Agrotain® (to prevent volatizing). “Even with a wet growing season, Super U stays in the root zone for up to six weeks while being fully plant available from the time of application,” said Kurtz
• * Use Super U preplant and then follow with a top dress application of urea and AMS at V5 (approx. knee high corn). Kurtz said, “This is my main recommendation.”

In anticipation of river volatility again this year (last year’s first fertilizer barges didn’t arrive until late June), Federated already has a strong supply of fertilizer for 2020 planting. Your pre-buy orders will help Federated serve you best in season. Federated Agronomists are ready to help you outline your nutrient management plan. Talk to your agronomist today!