Agvise Soil Scientist John Breker says early soil samples are showing higher-than-normal amounts of nitrate carryover in northeast North Dakota. “We are trending higher than normal amounts of nitrate, nitrogen and residual nitrate. after those wheat crops were harvested. Locally, in the Grand Forks and Thief River Falls areas, we’re seeing average amounts of around 50 pounds of nitrogen, which is much higher than the usual long-term trend of about 25 to 35 pounds.” Now is the time to get ahead of preparing for next year by taking care of soil sampling. “The impetus to get out there and get soil sampling is as high as ever. Along with high nitrogen fertilizer prices going into next year, farmers should really capitalize on that opportunity to get soil samples collected now and start making fertilizer plans for next year.”
