Liquid Fertilizer for Small Research Plots: Adjusting Applied Amounts and Considering Nitrification and Yield Targets
Montana City, MT|Jan 27, 2024
I'm looking at switching over to 100% liquid fertilizer this year (for starter and broadcast) and I'm heading from some folks that I should consider lowering my applied amounts by significant amounts to account for the much lower amount of nitrification that will occur (claiming losses of 20-40% with dry urea vs 5% with liquid).
Have any of you made this switch and did you adjust your units per bushel of yield target due to the liquid being less at risk of losses?
This will be on small research plots of various crops including wheat, canola, and others.
Answers (4):
Feb 09, 2024
Let’s Talk .. low rates, no Salts,
Jan 27, 2024
I would echo the answers. I do not believe you can expect that much more efficiency with liquid.
However, adding ATS with the UAN for your soil application is a good idea as you do get some stabilization.
Jan 27, 2024
I use both systems personally would not be cutting back one form over the other. True 28 has less risk from volatilization which should equate to high production all other parameters equal
Jan 27, 2024
Volatilization of urea generally occurs within the first 7-14 days after application, the use Inhibitors and Stabilizers will extend that window. It’s very difficult to accurately put a % on nitrogen losses as every year will be different. With either urea or 28% my recommendation would be to just follow the soil sample and apply the appropriate amount of either for yield goal and not guesstimate nitrogen loss. Split application, although not always feasible mitigates some of this risk.