Farmers in top corn producing states like Iowa and Illinois favor fall application of anhydrous ammonia rather than risking a wet spring and any price hikes or supply disruptions. However, patience is a virtue when it comes to fall anhydrous application. AgriGold Agronomist Sue Brakhane said there are many benefits to applying in the fall rather than the spring, but it?s important to wait until the soil is ready.
Brakhane explained what conditions we need to see before it?s safe to put ammonia in the ground.
Failure to wait until the soil is ready for anhydrous can result in nitrate conversion and runoff. Readiness includes both soil temperatures and soil moisture levels. Dry soils in particular can cause issues. If dry soils aren?t properly sealing, a farmer will be able to smell the gas. Brakhane said that means it?s a good idea to wait for some decent soil moisture- which we might have now with the recent precipitation.
Brakhane said that things like crop residue can also make it tougher to get good soil penetration.
While there are many factors to consider with fall anhydrous application, it also offers many benefits. Fall application means you won?t have to worry as much about wet fields when the spring finally comes around. Brakhane said there should be a decent window soon to get the anhydrous in the ground effectively.
Brakhane added that now could be an especially good time to apply anhydrous since we could see some supply chain issues next year.
Regardless of whether or not you plan to apply anhydrous this fall, Brakhane said now is the time to get a management plan put in place.
For more information, visit agrigold.com.
