3 MIN READ
Does Snow Provide any Soil Fertility Benefits?
February 28, 2021
A late snow while often a miserable headache after a long winter, may have some benefits that will help ease the pain. Snow has often been referred to as “Poor Farmer’s Fertilizer”, and not only can it contain Nitrogen (N), but trace elements as well. There are other benefits of snow in agricultural systems
- It can provide over 60% of the annual precipitation received in Northern areas.
- Acts as an insulating blanket, as little as 2 inches of snow cover can raise the soil temperature above freezing protecting plants, such as winter wheat and alfalfa.
- A water source for winter pastured cattle.
How much N is in precipitation?1
That depends on location, generally speaking, the total annual amount of N from all precipitation is about 5 lbs/acre on the western edge of the Corn Belt and 12 lbs/acre on the Eastern Corn Belt. In a single 9-inch snow event in South Dakota, the snow contained about 2 inches of water and 0.3 lbs per acre of available N.
What forms of N are found in snow?1
There are two forms of N found in precipitation, nitrate (from nitrous oxides) and ammonium. While lightning contributes 5 to 10% of nitrous oxide, the remainder comes from human activity such as emissions from automobiles and industrial plants. The ammonium comes from soil microbial activity, manure, and volatilization from fertilizer, urea. Ammonium can make up from 25 to 75% of the total N in precipitation. Because the majority of N in precipitation is the result of human activity, this explains the higher level of N in the Eastern Corn Belt.
Can N fertilizer be applied on top of snow and will it be beneficial?2
Research from South Dakota State University found that when urea was applied to snow on top of winter wheat yields were reduced about 18% when compared to urea applied to bare ground. Similar observations have been observed in Kansas. In addition to the negative agronomic impact, when N is applied to snow or frozen soil, it increases the chance of run-off, particularly on sloping fields.
Are there other nutrients in precipitation?3
There can be trace amounts of many elements in precipitation, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sulfur are the most common, but the amount is usually so low that they would not have an impact on crop production.
Sources
12017. And then it snowed...any free N with that? University of Minnesota Extension. https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2017/04/and-then-it-snowedany-free-n-with-that.html
2Mengel, D. and Duncan, S. 2008. Surface applications of nitrogen on snow-covered fields of wheat. Kansas State University Extension. https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/documents/eupdates/eupdate011808.pdf
3Carroll, D. 1962. Rainwater as a Chemical Agent of Geologic Processes A Review. United States Department of the Interior. https://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/1535g/report.pdf
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No dicamba may be used in-crop with seed with Roundup Ready® Xtend Technology, unless and until approved or specifically permitted, and no dicamba formulations are currently registered for such use in the 2024 season. Please follow www.roundupreadyxtend.com/xtendimaxupdates for status updates
Based on Court ruling and EPA Existing Stocks Order* on XtendiMax® Herbicide registration, Bayer has stopped its sale and distribution of XtendiMax® Herbicide. Visit our XtendiMax herbicide updates page to learn the latest www.roundupreadyxtend.com/xtendimaxupdates.
*Low-volatility dicamba products subject to the ruling include XtendiMax® herbicide with VaporGrip® Technology, Engenia® herbicide and Tavium® Plus VaporGrip® Technology herbicide.
The Preceon™ Smart Corn System, including short stature corn developed through traditional breeding, is expected to be available, subject to final commercialization decisions, for planting in the 2024 growing season.
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ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. FOR SOYBEANS SEED TREATMENT PRODUCTS APPLIED DOWNSTREAM, EACH ACCELERON® SEED APPLIED SOLUTIONS OFFERING is a combination of separate individually registered products containing the active ingredients: BASIC Offering: metalaxyl, penflufen and prothioconazole. STANDARD Offering: metalaxyl, penflufen, prothioconazol and imidacloprid. FOR UPSTREAM TREATED SOYBEANS, EACH ACCELERON® SEED APPLIED SOLUTIONS OFFERINGis a combination of separate individually registered products containing the active ingredients: BASIC Offering: metalaxyl, fluxapyroxad, and pyraclostrobin. STANDARD Offering: metalaxyl, fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin and imidacloprid. The distribution, sale, or use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. Not all products are approved in all states.
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