N Losses May Affect Growers

Melissa SandfortGeneral

Poplar Grove, IL 2 NDVI.bmp The issue: Nitrogen deficiency stress in corn due to heavy rainfall and other factors in the Midwest this spring which may soon become more apparent in the next few weeks to put the corn crop at risk and reduce yields.

What does that mean?
1. N losses always exist.
2. Mineralization always exists. This year will probably more erratic than usual.
3. The heaviest N use begins at row closure. Imagery allows you to asses the nitrogen situation. If necessary corrective action can still be taken this year.

The solution? The OptiGro system from John Deere Agri-Services that allows growers and fertilizer dealers to assess and adjust mid-season nitrogen management.