Your farm’s productivity depends on nitrogen, whether it comes from organic or mineral sources. But the nitrogen cycle is leaky by nature, and some nitrogen is always lost. Nitrate-based fertilizers and precision farming are your best weapons against nitrogen loss and lack of efficiency.
Why you need to control leaching
Leaching occurs when mobile nitrate from the mineral nitrogen pool is washed out of the root zone by heavy rainfall. This is both inefficient and harmful to the environment. High concentrations of nitrates contribute to the eutrophication of watercourses, which can cause algae blooms to develop and deplete oxygen levels in the water.
What causes nitrate leaching?
Large amounts of unused nitrogen in the soil, well-drained soil and heavy rainfall are the main causes of leaching. Reducing the amount of fertilizer alone won’t necessarily reduce residual nitrogen, but it could drastically diminish your yield. The only solution is to ensure your nitrogen application is tailored to the needs of your crop.
Get the tools you need to control leaching
- Digital precision farming tools, such as the YaraIrix and N-Sensor, measure a crop’s nitrogen demand so that you can feed exactly the right amount in the right place.
- Your local Yara agronomist will help you establish fertilization strategies that minimize leaching while optimizing yield on your farm.
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