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Nitrogen testing available for corn

MIDDLEBURG Sidrdress nitrogen for corn: Needed or not?

The Snyder County Conservation District is offering an on-farm testing service for corn growers to determine whether sidedress nitrogen for corn fields is necessary. There is a one-time fee of $10. This testing service, along with information supplied by the farmer, can instantly estimate the nitrogen needs for individual corn fields.

Farmers utilize nitrogen from chemical fertilizers and/or animal manure. Nitrogen is either applied once before the corn is planted or split applied before and during the growing season. However, a corn plant does not utilize much nitrogen until it reaches 10 to 20 inches tall, specifically the V6 growth stage. Farmers in the past had to guess whether the nitrogen applied before planting was enough or if the corn needed extra sidedress nitrogen. Excess nitrogen can leach into groundwater or streams and is a waste of money. Not anymore. The chlorophyll meter can help change that.

Additional information is available at the Snyder County Conservation District office at 10541 Route 522, Middleburg. Contact the Conservation District Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Phone number: 570-837-3000. Webpage: www.snyderconservation.org.

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