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As planting gets underway across Iowa, nitrogen management is front and center and Emerson Nafziger says early applications carry risk.
Nafziger, a longtime Extension agronomist, has warned that applying nitrogen too far ahead of crop uptake can lead to losses if conditions turn wet.
“If soils stay wet for extended periods, nitrogen can be lost before the crop has a chance to use it,” Nafziger said.
That loss can come through leaching or denitrification, especially in heavier soils.
Farmers across Iowa are already adjusting plans. Some are splitting applications while others are waiting to apply a portion of nitrogen closer to when the crop can use it.
Nafziger says timing is everything.
“The goal is to have nitrogen available when the plant needs it most, not weeks ahead of time,” he said.
With fertilizer costs still elevated, those decisions matter more than ever as the 2026 crop gets started.