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Interested individuals may attend in person or learn online.

January 9, 2019

2 Min Read
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MINIMIZE N LOSS: Learn how to maximize economic returns on nitrogen fertilizer and how to minimize N losses through the University of Minnesota Extension’s Nitrogen Smart program.

The University of Minnesota Extension is again offering its popular Nitrogen Smart program, which is designed to help producers maximize their economic return on nitrogen and minimize N losses.

Several classes are scheduled toward the end of January.

Nitrogen Smart is a training program for producers that presents the fundamentals for maximizing economic return on nitrogen investments while minimizing nitrogen losses.

The first session on the fundamentals offers research-based presentation and discussion on research-based education, so producers can learn:

• sources of nitrogen (N) for crops

• how nitrogen is lost from soil and how to reduce losses

• how to manage nitrogen in drainage systems

• what the Nutrient Reduction Strategy and Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan mean for Minnesota producers

• practices to refine nitrogen management, including split applications, alternative N fertilizers, soil and tissue testing, and N models

According to a U-M Extension survey of past participants, three out of four of attendees changed at least one practice as a result of attending the meeting.

The survey data also estimated the value of the program for attendees to be at least $3,243 for each past participant when calculating acreage, rate reduction and potential increased yield in timing of application.

Attendees who complete the Nitrogen Smart fundamentals session receive a three-year certificate.

New this year is an Advanced Nitrogen Smart session, which focuses on manure management. This session is available in the afternoon to returning participants or to new participants who attend the morning fundamentals course.

Here are the upcoming meetings, dates and locations:

• Nitrogen Smart, Rochester. Jan. 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., RCTC Heintz Center

• Advanced Nitrogen Smart, Rochester. Jan 28, 1-4 p.m., RCTC Heintz Center

• Nitrogen Smart, Waseca. Jan. 29. 9 a.m.-noon, FarmAmerica

• Advanced Nitrogen Smart, Waseca. Jan. 29, 1-4 p.m., FarmAmerica

• Nitrogen Smart, St. Cloud. Jan. 30, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Holiday Inn St. Cloud

• Advanced Nitrogen Smart, St. Cloud. Jan. 30, 1-4 p.m., Holiday Inn St. Cloud

• Nitrogen Smart, Lamberton. Jan. 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Southwestern Research and Outreach Center

• Advanced Nitrogen Smart, Lamberton. Jan. 31, 1-4 p.m., Southwestern Research and Outreach Center

Complete the course online
Nitrogen Smart is also available as an online course. This new and interactive training program creates a unique experience for farmers based on their own operation and region.  

The Nitrogen Smart training sessions are presented by University of Minnesota Extension, funded by Minnesota Corn Growers and hosted by the Minnesota Agriculture Water Resource Center at several locations throughout Minnesota. Preregistration is not required, and there is no registration fee.

Source: U-M Extension, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

 

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