Henry Denotter tries to get three applications of nitrogen onto his corn crop.

Debate ongoing over Y-drop systems

Moisture often critical factor in effective late-season nutrient application

Does “spoon-feeding” nitrogen via Y-drop systems make for a better corn crop? Some say yes — if there’s enough moisture to carry nutrients into the soil. Some growers, however, have […] Read more


Radish-based cover crops are becoming less common as farmers look to fix more nitrogen with legumes.

Deciding which cover crops to use

There’s more known now about what cover crops work in what soils and for what end uses

Planting cover crops following winter wheat harvest is not a new concept for Ontario producers. The ability of cover crops to add organic matter to soil, sequester weeds and reduce […] Read more


Soil nitrate results from various sample timings.

Soil nitrate tests low in wet, cool year

OMAFRA’s screening shows that soil nitrate levels are about 25 per cent lower than average

Pre side-dress nitrogen tests across Ontario have lower-than-average nitrate levels this season. Why it matters: This year’s results show that nitrate level recommendations for side-dressing and top-dressing may vary for […] Read more


Where no nitrogen response is found, it often means that a soil test could have shown that not much was needed.

Getting the most efficient nitrogen use

Soil testing is vital to identify where nitrogen is needed

A significant amount of nitrogen applied to fields is never taken up by plants. Understanding how much nitrogen (N) crops actually need can help decrease needless expenses and potential environmental […] Read more