In The Field with Randy

Midseason Nitrogen Management

Randy Chlapecka is an agronomist with Farmers Supply Association, retired from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension Service where he served as a County Extension Agent for over 32 years. He is an avid ASU Red Wolves fan and has announced Newport Greyhound sporting events since 1996. He also enjoys vegetable gardening.

The rice crop is spread out in development as we enter June. There is still some seed in the bag while the earliest rice will be approaching midseason soon. True midseason (or half-inch internode) is not quite as big of a deal as it used to be. We’ve learned a lot more about midseason nitrogen management over the last several years and research has shown that we don’t necessarily have to be putting out that midseason shot between green ring and half-inch internode. Also, with a large percentage of our rice now being hybrid we know that it benefits more from a boot nitrogen shot than a midseason shot.

Back in the old days we used to recommend 2 midseason applications with one at half-inch internode and a second 10-14 days later. Then we went to one midseason shot between green ring (beginning internode elongation) and half-inch internode. I often used to get the question as to whether we needed to go ahead and put that application out by half-inch even if it hadn’t been long since the preflood application. I would tell them yes because we didn’t have the research to say otherwise.

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture now has solid research that shows it takes at least 3 weeks for the rice plants to take up that big preflood application. Because of this, there is no need and it is not beneficial to make the midseason application prior to the point that 3 weeks is up. This research shows the midseason application is most beneficial when made 4 to 5 weeks after the preflood application has been incorporated by the flood.

Research has also confirmed the benefits of the boot shot for hybrids. This recommendation calls for 30 units (65 pounds urea/acre) to be made between late boot (flag leaf collar visible) and first heads popping. Recent work showed increased yield and milling resulting in a $20/ acre net return. It has been reported that there is less lodging from delaying the final application to this late stage as well.

For more information, feel free to contact me through Farmers Supply Association at 870-318-0739, my e-mail is randychlapecka@gmail.com. N