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West Central Illinois | Joel,
My Pioneer agronomist was recommending that practice. But, he says it is very important to incorporate the nitrogen into the soil. His reasoning is that the nitrogen (he specifically says it needs to be ammonium form) will jump start microbial activity in the soil.
It is then the increased microbes which will decompose the residue and release nitrogen (and other nutrients I suppose) for next year's crop.
He says many folks are using the ams from ADM at Decatur due to the cost per unit. That would be influenced by trucking cost from Decatur since it is only about 5% N.
It sounded logical to me and he had some research to back it up.
So, to answer your final question: One test would be to compare incorporated vs. surface applied. One thing to measure would be month-by-month soil nitrate levels.
Good luck,
Greg
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impact of fall N on the decomposition of corn stover
