Nitrogen: An essential input for spring wheat

University of Minnesota Extension small grains specialist Jochum Weirsma talks with the Red River Farm Network about essential nitrogen for spring wheat, even as costs might make it a tough decision for farmers.

TRANSCRIPT

Red River Farm Network: This is the Soil Fertility Minute presented by the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council. U of M Extension small grain specialist Jochum Wiersma says nitrogen remains essential for spring wheat quality even as high fertilizer costs and low commodity prices make it a tough decision for farmers.

Jochum Wiersma: That’s sometimes a bitter pill to swallow. We have options, but starting out with the right amount of nitrogen, of what you think the season is gonna be, and that’s the hardest decision probably on the farm, or one of the hardest decisions on the farm is still the best way to go.

RRFN: Proper nitrogen management can protect wheat quality and prevent costly discounts even when commodity prices are low.

JW: When we have a low yielding year and nobody can predict that, you need to have the nitrogen in the field to get to that 14%.

RRFN: AFREC is a farmer-led program advancing soil fertility research. Find out more at mnSoilFertility.com.