The FS STAR Energy/GROWMARK tent was the place to be at Farm Progress Show to learn more about nitrogen management.

I discussed that topic with GROWMARK western region agronomy marketing manager Nate Pierce, senior field sales agronomist John Grandin, and Chuck Webb with AGRILAND FS in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Pierce says FS started introducing nitrogen management as a system several years ago. “What it revolves around is multiple applications of nitrogen, different forms of nitrogen,” said Pierce of the concept that a system should be based on the four Rs concept (right source, right rate, at the right time and in the right place) as well as the M.O.M. approach. “And that is Minimize environmental impact, Optimize harvest yield and Maximize input utilization – if we hit all of those, everybody wins.”

Grandin talked about the N-Watch system, which was developed a couple of years ago by Dr. Howard Brown when he was GROWMARK Agronomy Services Manager. “We use it to inventory, track, verify and find available nitrogen,” said Grandin. “It’s a way to bring the nitrogen cycle to life…we’re able to take that and make better management decisions.”

Working with farmers in his area, which is southeast of Des Moines, Webb says he has seen good results using nitrogen management systems. “Our goal is to put enough nutrient out there so the farmer can maximize his yield opportunity, but we want the crop to take the excess nutrient out of the field and at the end of the year we want to be as close to drinking water safe as we can,” he said. “I don’t know any farmers out here that don’t want to be proactive, that are not concerned about the environment … but they need guidance and that’s what we’re here for.”

Listen to my interview with these guys from FPS and learn more: Interview with Nate Pierce, John Grandin, and Chuck Webb, GROWMARK FS

2014 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

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