Cover crops can be used for different reasons, such as to provide soil erosion protection, alleviate compaction, control weeds, fix atmospheric nitrogen for the next crop, harvest for hay, and as a grazing resource. The reason for using a cover crop will determine which species or mixture of species you choose, as well as how you manage it.

While the soil nitrogen cycle is very complicated is it extremely hard to measure exactly the amount of nitrate that should be in the soil from fertilizer or manure N applications. However, we can get an idea if leaching has occurred by evaluating the concentrations of nitrate-N by soil depth.

Legume species-specific bacteria form a symbiotic relationship with the legume roots. The resulting nodules contain the bacteria. These bacteria can biologically fix nitrogen (N) from the air, making it available to the plant.

Here are five tips which may help you get the most out of your investment in starter fertilizer.

Substituting manure for commercial fertilizer has positive societal benefits for food security (increased yields) and for environmental protection (less nitrogen loss and lower greenhouse gas emissions).

Earlier planting usually means that temperatures are more favorable during tillering and spike formation.

The 5 most frequently asked questions about nitrogen management this time of year.

If disturbing soil is a concern in no-tillage from injecting N, then broadcast application is an advantage.

With the arrival of spring, here are a few spring cover crop management tips and reminders to consider.

By just mixing and analyzing your manure, the risk of over- or under-applying nitrogen goes down immensely.