With developments in sensor technologies and fertilizer application systems over the past 10 years, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has updated its guidance documents to recommend that irrigated corn growers adopt sensor-based in-season nitrogen management. This approach offers clear advantages in profitability and nitrogen use efficiency compared to traditional management approaches. 

A new NebGuide from Nebraska Extension, “In-Season Nitrogen Management for Irrigated Corn” (G2365), publication briefly reviews the history of nitrogen management research and fertilizer recommendations for corn in Nebraska, and the need for improved approaches for nitrogen management to increase profitability and reduce environmental impacts of fertilizer use. Based on research over the past 20 years in Nebraska, it describes approaches for using crop canopy sensor information to manage nitrogen during the growing season, rather than pre-season application, for irrigated corn production.

Nebraska has been working to improve nitrogen fertilizer use for decades. While there have been improvements, some areas still have high nitrate levels in the groundwater. By adopting these updated strategies, farmers can continue to improve their practices and protect Nebraska’s precious water resources.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has developed a tool to help farmers determine the right amount of nitrogen to apply, considering factors like yield potential and soil conditions. Sensor-based systems allow for precise nitrogen application based on the corn’s real-time needs. NebGuide G2365 is available at https://www.upperbigblue.org/G2365.