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| Hello folks!
A week or two ago, I posted a message seeking farmers or ag professionals that would be willing to communicate with my students about a wide range of soil fertility topics.
Thanks to all who responded.
I would like to add an additional interview topic - Anhydrous ammonia.
Assuming that enough students are interested, we are going to spend a little time this semester exploring why farmers choose to or not to use anhydrous ammonia.
Some of the questions we will consider are:
What does it really cost to use anhydrous when you consider the horsepower/fuel to pull an anhydrous bar, the cost of the technology needed to achieve uniform application, inevitable losses when fall applied, the cost of inhibitors (e.g., N -Serve), the risks associated with accidents? risks associated with theft?
Is there evidence that anhydrous causes harm to soil biology? and/or soil structure? I'm searching but haven't found any evidence in the scientific literature yet.
How are farmers that don't fall apply anhydrous able to get N applied to large acreages of corn ground?
Are there other issues (e.g., regulations) that influence farmers decisions about using anhydrous?
Looking forward to reading your thoughts.
Joel
WIU Ag Dept. | |
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Why do you choose to or not to use anhydrous?
