The "Keep it for the Crop" program and the University of Illinois have launched a nitrate soil testing network, and we need the help of ag retailers and certified crop advisors for it to be successful.  Given the concerns over nitrate levels in the soil due to the drought, the ag industry is challenged to address nitrogen management and make concerted efforts to reduce the likelihood of nutrient losses. 

 

The Illinois Soil Monitoring Network is seeking volunteers to sample for soil N levels in harvested corn fields that will be going back to corn in 2013.  Knowing how much nitrate is currently present will allow our industry to also estimate how much may remain in the spring depending on the weather conditions this fall and into the spring.  Dan Schaefer, Director of Nutrient Stewardship and KIC Coordinator, has set a goal to sample at least 75 sites this fall and into the spring to look at nitrate levels.  This includes testing not only for nitrate, but for ammonium following any fall applications of nitrogen.  That way we will have the data to track both nitrates and ammonium, and respond accordingly to any potential nitrate losses may result from artifact nitrate left over from the drought, not fall applied N.  As we all know, there are critics of fall applied nitrogen and we need good science to demonstrate that fall applied nitrogen is an effective agronomic practice when applied according to stewardship guidelines.  Soil testing will provide the science we need to fine-tune nitrogen recommendations and defend good nitrogen management practices. 

 

For information on how you can help with this project, please go to the IFCA website here http://ifca.com  There is a press release on the program, and soil sampling instructions including how to order the sample collection kits from Dr. Nafziger at UI.  The IL Council on Best Management Practices, through the KIC Program, is paying the cost of the sample analysis, so we are only asking for ag retailers and CCAs to donate their time to help in this stewardship effort.  Please contact Dan Schaefer at dschaefer@illinoiscbmp.org if you want to help but need access to a soil probe.  Thank you everyone for assisting the KIC program in this important effort for our industry.