N Shortage

Heavy rain has raised concerns about nitrogen levels. Helena National Agronomist Derek Emerine urges farmers to consider an in-season nitrogen application. “Nitrogen is one of the hardest nutrients to manage even in a normal year, with all the ways that we can lose it, so you add in the fact that we’ve had excessive rainfall, it becomes very important.” In addition to nitrogen, there can be deficiencies with boron. “Boron’s an essential nutrient. It’s a micronutrient, but not needed in very large quantities, but it’s also leechable, just like nitrogen.so thinking about a foliar application is probably the most efficient way.” Tissue sampling is recommended to get a better handle on fertility.