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Fall nitrogen applicationsBy David G. Hallauer Meadowlark District Extension Agent, crops and soils/horticulture Kansas While temperatures have cooled, weather conditions have still permitted some field work, and that means in some cases some fall applied nitrogen on crop fields and pasture/hay ground. If you're applying anhydrous to crop fields this fall, just remember there is some potential for loss. We saw some of that last year, with some wet weather in combination with an early warm spell that resulted in some nitrogen deficiency on a few fields. These may have been 'perfect storm' types of situations, but nitrogen loss is loss just the same. While fall applications of anhydrous for corn should only be done north of I-70 (there are no general guidelines for western Kansas, though in most cases their potential nitrogen loss is low), even then it can be risky. Do not apply to sandy soils and on silt loam or heavier soils, wait until temperatures are below 50 degrees (soil temperatures are available at www.oznet.ksu.edu/wdl by clicking the soil temperature tab). Nitrification can still occur at these temperatures, but it is slowed and in many cases soil temperature will continue to drop rapidly. This has not always been the case, however, as soil temperatures were a little variable last fall. Producers should also consider the use of a nitrification inhibitor with anhydrous to help reduce nitrification rates in the fall. The 50 degree rule pertains to cool season grass applications as well, particularly since urea is the commonly applied nitrogen product in many areas now. We normally recommend a mid-November to early March window for nitrogen applications to cool season grass, so knowing that soil temperature can get you a head start on some cool season grass fertilization as well. So long as you aren't applying to totally frozen soil so as to prevent physical runoff, volatilization potential should be at a minimum, making the application safe. Urea can also be a useful product for topdressing wheat and for use in place of anhydrous if economical or necessary. Immobilization from crop residue could be of concern, but because mineralization is a microbial process, and when cooler is minimized further, this shouldn't be as much of a problem. Kansas Forest Service Conservation Tree Planting Program If a windbreak, woodlot, riparian, wildlife habitat, Christmas Tree, or other conservation related tree planting project is in your future, consider the Kansas Forest Service as your source for low-cost tree and shrub seedlings. Any of the aforementioned practices (no landscape/ornamental plantings or plantings for resale landscaping allowed) and even some others fit the bill, including planting of seedlings for educational benefits. The spring order period starts the first Monday of December (Dec. 1) through the first Monday in May. Trees come in bundles of 25 and can be shipped to your location. Some species include lilac, plums, and choke cherry on the shrub side and various oaks, mulberry, sycamore and even black walnut. Most species are bare-root with some container grown evergreens listed as well. For an outline of the program, order form, price sheet, and even planting aids, visit your District Extension Office or check them out online at www.kansasforests.org. 12/8/08 Date: 12/2/08
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