ProCrop

Small Grain Seeding After Anhydrous Ammonia Application

Farmers have been applying spring NH₃ shallower in order to conserve soil moisture. With this in mind, a common concern is the timing of small grain seeding after NH₃ application to prevent seed injury.

When NH₃ is applied deep and small grain is seeded shallow, the seeding operation can begin immediately after NH₃ application. In general, if a minimum of 1" of soil separates the seed from the NH₃ saturation zone, this should provide adequate seed protection.

If the NH₃ saturated zone is located in the immediate area where small grain seed will be placed, wait 7-10 days before seeding. Since most producers will not wait this interval out, and because the interval may not prevent some stand loss under some conditions, it is recommended that pre-plant NH₃ applications be made at an angle to planting. Then if some plants are injured and germination reduced, it does not follow a row a long distance and neighboring plants can compensate. The NH₃ saturated zone is normally 2-3" in diameter. Conversely, high NH₃ rates, wide applicator shank spacing and dry or sandy soil expand the NH₃ saturated zone diameter.

As a general recommendation, a farmer will need to monitor NH₃ and seeding depths during field work to provide an acceptable buffer zone for seed protection.

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