Are crops really inefficient at absorbing nitrogen?
Actually, no, crops take up nitrogen and store it not only in the grain, but also in the stalks, stems, leaves and roots. These are sometimes overlooked in nitrogen removal calculations, leading some to believe that more nitrogen is “lost” than is actually the case. . But if crops are good at using N, how do we know how much N to apply if it is present?
In this episode of Farming Forward, Kelvin Heppner asks Dr. Mario Tenuta of the University of Manitoba about soil nitrogen storage, fertilizer application timing, and soil nitrate release to find the most economical and environmentally friendly nitrogen ratios.
Understanding how nitrogen changes from the form in which it is applied to soil is key to understanding how to minimize nitrogen loss through leaching, denitrification, or volatilization as nitrous oxide. explains Tenuta.
Farming Forward is a video series brought to you by Farmers for Climate Solutions’ Farm Resilience Mentorship Program and Farm Learning Hub. Visit our hub Learn more about events in your area and access more resources to build soil health.
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