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.

A look at the nitrogen cycle can help growers understand the advantages and disadvantages of particular nitrogen fertilizer sources.

With recent heavy rains, experts at University of Nebraska discuss nitrogen needs for crops and whether or not more starter fertilizer is needed at re-planting.