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Think twice before anhydrous applications

A University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist says farmers should think twice before applying anhydrous this fall.

John Lory says soils are dry and temperatures aren’t cool enough in Missouri.

“Our soils cool later and don’t stay as cold during the winter, which has implications for how we retain our anhydrous ammonium nitrogen in the soil.”

Lory says it’s risky to have nitrogen losses when input costs are high and corn prices are low.

“If you put anhydrous in now, it will probably turn to nitrate before you go into winter. Anytime soil contains nitrate, it can leach out. Right now the conditions are dry, but the nitrogen has to stay there for six months,” he says. “What might be practical this fall could end up giving you challenges next spring if things get wet.”

He says if farmers decide to apply nitrogen in the fall and the spring is rainy, they should have a plan to apply a rescue application and incorporate those costs into the farm economy.