A warmer-than-expected winter with overall mild weather leading into spring has some framers itching to start fieldwork. Midwestern growers are considering their fertilizer strategy at a time when soils are typically still frozen. Nutrient management specialists at the University of Minnesota advised farmers on key decision-making during this time.

Warmer conditions allow farmers to test their soils to see if and how much fertilizer is truly needed. If a farmer applies fertilizer much earlier than usual in relatively dry conditions, the specialists recommend anhydrous ammonia as the preferred choice, followed by urea. A nitrogen inhibitor could also be applied with the nitrogen fertilizer to protect it longer.

Read more on fertilizer best practices for early application here.