By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding farmers and commercial applicators about fall nitrogen fertilizer restrictions in certain areas. Under the MDA’s Groundwater Protection Rule, nitrogen fertilizer application is prohibited in vulnerable regions starting September 1 each year.
Areas with coarse-textured soils, fractured bedrock, or karst geology are most at risk for nitrate-nitrogen loss and groundwater contamination.
Farmers should check an online map to see if their fields fall under these restrictions before applying nitrogen fertilizer. These steps help safeguard water quality by reducing nitrogen leaching into the groundwater. More information on these rules can be found on the MDA’s website.
In areas where fall nitrogen fertilizer is allowed, the MDA advises waiting until soil temperatures reach 50°F or cooler. Research shows that delaying fertilizer application, including anhydrous ammonia, urea, and manure, prevents nitrogen loss and ensures more nutrients are available for the next growing season.
To assist farmers, the MDA provides real-time soil temperature data at 70 locations across Minnesota. Farmers can access the interactive map to check current and past week’s soil temperatures. For those applying manure in the fall, University of Minnesota Extension recommends delaying application until the soil drops below 50°F to prevent leaching losses.
By following these guidelines, Minnesota farmers can protect both their crops and the environment, ensuring effective fertilizer use while reducing groundwater contamination risks.
Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, General, Harvesting