Illinois
Fertilizer Conference Proceedings
January 21-23, 2002
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George F. Czapar and Jean Trobec1
Although many producers apply nitrogen fertilizer in the fall, water quality issues and the importance of optimizing economic benefits continue to be concerns. The need to follow sound agronomic principles when applying nitrogen has never been greater. It has been demonstrated that as soil temperatures cool in the fall, the conversion of ammonium to nitrate slows. As a result, proper timing of fertilizer application can reduce the risk of nitrogen loss.
The goal of this project was to provide information directly to producers and supply them with a soil thermometer to track soil temperatures in their fields. It was a cooperative effort of the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices (C-BMP). The council is a coalition of agribusiness, agricultural organizations, and University of Illinois Extension. Its mission is to assist and encourage the adoption of BMPs to protect and improve water quality in Illinois. Current members include the Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Soybean Operating Board, and Syngenta Crop Protection.
A brochure outlining the importance of best management practices regarding fall-applied ammonia fertilizer was developed. This information focused on soil temperature guidelines, recommended procedures, the role of nitrogen stabilizers, and an overall discussion of research supporting these practices.
In cooperation with Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), producer mailing lists from the Lake Springfield, Lake Bloomington, and Lake Taylorville watersheds were prepared. On September 21, 2001, soil thermometers and brochures were mailed directly to every producer on the list. In the Lake Decatur watershed, two fertilizer retailers distributed the soil thermometers to their customers.
Soil thermometers and brochures were also sent to producers in ongoing watershed projects in Knox, Vermillion, Logan, and Greene Counties. A total of approximately 1,100 soil thermometers and brochures were distributed. In addition, several fertilizer dealerships requested copies of the brochures to distribute to their customers.
Information about the program and a copy of the brochure were posted on the C-BMP and IFCA websites. A website featuring soil temperatures from a volunteer reporting network was also referenced in all materials.
Finally, FarmWeek reported soil temperatures from September through November. This information, provided by their network of crop watchers, was printed on the front page, along with recommendations for fall nitrogen fertilizer applications.
It is difficult to measure the impact of this specific program on changing application practices. In 2001, most producers delayed application until soils had cooled, but several factors may have affected their decisions. A survey will be sent to all producers that received a soil thermometer to collect background information and ask their opinions of this approach.
Proper timing of nitrogen application is a critical component of protecting water quality and assuring optimum utilization of nitrogen. The use of a soil thermometer to accurately schedule fall nitrogen applications is a best management practice. It will become increasingly important as nutrient issues continue to focus on proper stewardship of nitrogen inputs by the agricultural community.
1 George Czapar is an Extension Educator, University of Illinois, and Jean Trobec is Government Relations Director for the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Dealers Association.
Illinois Agronomy Handbook Online
http://web.aces.uiuc.edu/aim/IAH
Illinois Council on Best Management Practices (C-BMP)
http://www.cbmp.uiuc.edu
Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association
http://www.ifca.com
