Prairie farmers who suffered through drought this year need to take a close look at nitrogen levels in their soil when planning for next year’s crops.
Dry soil and poor crops in parched areas of the Prairies mean the uptake of nitrogen probably was less than what it would have been in a non-drought year.
That increases the likelihood that residual nitrogen will be left in the soil that crops can use next year.
“The potential for carryover is high,” said Cindy Grant, who specializes in soil fertility management at the Agriculture Canada Brandon Research Centre.
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“If the conditions are dry, the nitrogen is probably locked in the soil fairly well.”
Soil testing is one way to gauge how much nitrogen is in the soil. For example, producers may find that they can apply less nitrogen for next year’s crops, which could save money on input costs.
“Soil testing is going to be a must,” said Saskatchewan Agriculture soil specialist Ken Panchuk, noting that testing this fall should not be done until the soil has cooled to roughly 10 C.
Where it is dry and there is no evidence of leaching, testing between zero and 30 centimetres should suffice, he said.
Where there has been more rain and a greater likelihood of nitrogen leaching into the ground, testing between zero and 30 cm, and 30 and 60 cm is appropriate.
“In the wetter areas, there will be leaching of nitrogen into the lower profiles.”
Producers applying urea or anhydrous this fall should also be aware of a challenge that dry soil may present.
While moist soil helps to band fertilizer into the ground effectively, Panchuk said the furrow may not seal properly in parched soils, creating the risk of volatility losses.
Earlier this year, the Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association encouraged producers in dry regions of the Prairies to leave as much stubble on their fields as possible this fall. Panchuk emphasized that message.
“Reduced tillage is the key. Just leave the standing stubble as is.”
The benefits of zero or low disturbance tillage were evident this year in areas where dry weather and wind created the threat of soil erosion. Panchuk said the difference between zero till fields and those with conventional tillage was “night and day.
“We should be trying to move to zero till. That is a hallmark practice if you have low precipitation levels in successive years.”
