As farmers prep for fall anhydrous application, University of Minnesota Extension specialists shared timing tips in AgWeb to help get the most out of nitrogen next spring. Their key point is that soil temperature, not the calendar, should drive fall anhydrous timing. Research points to 50°F as the sweet spot, and applying above that raises the chance nitrogen converts to nitrate, which is easier to lose. Waiting for stable, cooling soils can hold that loss to 15% or less, though results vary with soil type, moisture and weather.

University of Minnesota Extension educator Brad Carlson commented, “That (5-degree difference) doesn’t seem like it should be that big of a deal. But if you actually look at the rates of nitrification based on soil temperature, it kind of is.”

See more fall nitrogen research from the University of Minnesota in AgWeb.