There has been an explosion of new technology intended to advise nitrogen (N) applications. If the last few years have taught farmers anything, it’s that efficiency and timing are increasingly important considerations before, during and after the growing season.

Farmers need to understand N transformation, loss processes and the crop demand curve in order to use N advisory products correctly. Additionally, these processes affect the various technologies in different ways. 

Several University of Minnesota research projects, led by Brad Carlson, extension educator, have investigated the performance of N advisory products including active and passive sensors, crop models and in-season soil testing. 

“It is important to remember that these products are advertised to make accurate rate and timing decisions, not to increase yield,” Carlson says. “It is unclear whether yield obtained when these products were used are a result of accurate recommendations or whether they have simply taken advantage of the natural variability of nitrogen responsiveness. Understanding existing research and data is imperative if one is to determine whether their investment in a N advisory technology paid for itself.”

During a virtual classroom session at the 2020 National Strip-Tillage Conference, Aug. 6-8, Carlson will review the research and key findings including practical take home messages with respect to how best use and evaluate the performance of N advisory tools.

The 7th annual National Strip-Tillage Conference will be held virtually and feature 3 days of strip-till education through an array of thought-provoking general sessions, strategy-packed strip-till classrooms and highly collaborative strip-till roundtable discussions. 

For more information and to register for the virtual conference for just $49, visit www.StripTillConference.com and also check out our new “Frequently Asked Questions” page designed specifically to ensure a productive, positive experience. 

Title sponsors making the learning and networking opportunities possible for strip-tillers include Agrisolutions, AgroLiquid, Claas, Copperhead Ag, Environmental Tillage Systems, Kuhn Krause, Montag Mfg., Nutrien, Orthman Mfg., Schaeffer’s Crop Enhancements, Schlagel Mfg., Vulcan Equipment and Yetter Mfg. Co.  

All 13 companies will offer exclusive opportunities to visit their virtual booths, answer one-on-one questions and share new product information throughout the duration of the 3-day educational event.