How to better manage nitrogen in the field
Improving fertilizer management is one of the objectives of the Québec government’s Sustainable Agriculture Plan.
Its target is to redue the use of nitrogen fertilizers on crops by 15 % before 2030.
Nitrogen is one of the main components of crop nutrition and has a significant effect on yield. But it also has a major influence on the agricultural industry’s greenhouse gas emissions assessment.
Therefore, Sollio Agriculture researchers from the Saint-Hyacinthe research farm in Quebec are working to find the best farming practices and new raw materials that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Here are some ways to better manage fertilizers
Nitrogen protection
Nitrogen protection products and PurYield nitrogen controlled-release fertilizers limit nitrogen loss through volatilization. Some products reduce losses during heavy rainfall and can even help reduce the number of passes in the field.
Green manure
Pulse-based green manures reduce the use of mineral nitrogen fertilizers.
Crop rotation
Forage mixtures containing pulses increase the nitrogen supply for the following year’s crop. Including perennial forage plants in rotations also has a positive effect on organic matter and therefore on nitrogen supply.
The 4Rs of fertilization
Right source: use the most effective fertilizers for each crop.
Right rate: apply the right amount of fertilizer based on the specific needs of the crop.
Right time: ensure that nutrients are available based on the growing crop’s needs.
Right place: apply the fertilizers where they will be best absorbed.
Decision-making support tools such as AgConnexion can help you apply the right fertilizer, at the right rate, time, and place.