Updated N Recommendations Research Update

Using the updated N recommendations at ENREEC Facilities

Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension & Education Center near Mead, NE

At the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC), over 400 acres were utilized in 2025 for implementing bulk nitrogen management changes and conducting research to enhance nitrogen management.

In incorporating the updated recommendations at ENREEC, standard anhydrous application rates were reduced to half. The remaining nitrogen needs were managed throughout the season using sensor-based fertigation. On rainfed fields, half the usual anhydrous rate was applied and a sensor-driven prescription was utilized for side-dressing at the V10 growth stage in corn. 

With livestock onsite at ENREEC, research includes incorporating manure into field studies. The manure application rate was reduced on some fields. This strategy kept the nitrogen component low enough leaving room for any additional nitrogen requirements to be managed effectively. 

ENREEC partnered with Sentinel Ag to develop prescriptions for sensor-based fertigation. Sensors and imagery detected crop health/needs to avoid overapplying nitrogen.

ENREEC research manager Tyler Smith noted that the nitrogen reductions have been impressive so far. Like anything in farming, there are challenges when trying something new.  Smith noted. “The biggest challenge is in the unknown, such as determining how much fertilizer is needed for the year. And with rainfed, the challenge is knowing when the application needs to take place.”

Haskell Ag Lab near Concord, NE

At the Haskell Agricultural Laboratory near Concord, Nebraska, Nitrogen management research using the updated University recommendations was conducted across 175 acres in 2025. Nitrogen application techniques utilized to assess their effectiveness included: late fall anhydrous application with 12.5 acres at a rate of 160 pounds per acre applied in late fall. Spring application included 12.5 acres at a rate of 160 pounds per acre, as well. A preplant application of 20 gallons with liquid 32 per acre (equating to 71 pounds of Nitrogen) was combined with herbicide application.

The University encounters some of the very same challenges that farmers face, not everything always goes as planned. Logan Dana, Haskell Ag Lab Operations Manager noted, "The plan was to apply the remaining Nitrogen with a variable rate sprayer with drop nozzles sometime between V8 and V10 growth stages of the corn. However, because of the rain, the corn grew too fast, and we missed our window of application and were forced to hire a highboy to put a blanket application of urea on 100 acres." 

For the remaining acres: 35 acres were fertilized with chemigation and 40 acres were fertilized with a sprayer with drop nozzles.

Watch for further updates on results from 2025 implementation.

South Central Ag Lab near Clay Center, NE

Guillermo Balboa is leading nutrient management research on irrigated corn at the South Central Agricultural Laboratory (SCAL) near Clay Center. Balboa is a research assistant professor with UNL’s Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. He specializes in nutrient management and digital agriculture. Balboa is heavily involved in studying and developing decision support tools that can help farmers in their decision-making process. Balboa is part of the University of Nebraska team that developed updated in-season nitrogen management recommendations for irrigated corn. 

In 2025 at SCAL, UNL continued implementing updated N recommendations for irrigated corn.  Traditional nitrogen management at the SCAL involved a full N rate applied at 75 lbs/ac in early spring as anhydrous ammonia and 32% liquid urea. As part of the University's efforts to improve NUE of around 75 lbs/ac, following UNL recommendations, the research station across 260 acres of all bulk production areas and followed up with an in-season side-dress application of N to meet the N requirements (side dress average rate 100 lbs N/ac). Preplant N application was reduced to 100 lbs/ac on old corn ground and 80 lbs/ac on old soybean ground. 

In partnership with the Digital Farming Lab led by Dr. Balboa, recommendations were made based on multispectral imagery collected by the Farm team. The farm was equipped this year with a new multispectral drone and has trained pilots to collect imagery. These imagery-based recommendations were performed in three fields, totaling 120 acres. In these fields, N ramp plots were established to determine timing and amount of fertilizer needed. After harvest, the Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rate is determined, which is critical for assessing how efficient the N management program is. 

At one of the center pivot fields, SCAL continues evaluating fertigation strategies in partnership with Sentinel Ag. This technology has consistently increased efficiency and profits in previous years by reducing the total N rate applied. In seasons where commodity prices are low and inputs price rises, increasing efficiency via the implementation of technology can help farmers navigate the complex scenario. 

Dr. Balboa is the PI of the Precision Nitrogen Management Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG-USDA). The Precision N CIG project started in 2021 and conducted +120 On Farm Research studies evaluating precision N practices with Nebraska Farmers.  This project is possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Technologies evaluated were sensor-based approaches (for dryland and irrigated corn), crop models, biologicals and inhibitors. Dr. Balboa, among other researchers, continues conducting N-related research at SCAL to produce better recommendations for farmers in the area and Nebraska. 

Watch for more detailed information on 2025 implementation and results.