Do soil health practices like cover crops will enable us to reduce nitrogen rates to corn? What’s the optimal nitrogen rate for corn to achieve the highest ROI? Seeking answers to these questions, Jon Bakehouse of Hastings, IA, participated in the on-farm research trial “Can We Reduce N Rates and Improve ROI?” through the PFI Cooperators Program.

Jon was one of 16 farmers completing 17 randomized, replicated strip trials throughout the state. The farmer-conducted research plots compared the yield and ROI of reducing their nitrogen rate by 50 lb N/acre from their typical nitrogen rate. Filmed in 2022, watch Jon as he applies liquid nitrogen for two different treatments and hear his perspective on the value of participating in a PFI Cooperators trial.

Curious how the lower N rates went for Jon? See the results of the “Can We Reduce N Rates and Improve ROI?” trial here: https://practicalfarmers.org/research...

Interested in conducting a similar trial on your own farm? PFI is looking for corn farmers in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Eligible fields will have at least a five-year history of soil health practices (cover crops, diverse rotations, integrated grazing, reduced tillage, etc). Learn more about the trial here: https://practicalfarmers.org/wp-conte...

This project is supported by The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research. Any reference to specific products or technology does not constitute or imply an endorsement by FFAR for those products or technology.

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number NR216114XXXXG003. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition, any reference to specific brands or types of products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for those products or services. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.