Corn grown following alfalfa stands that are 2 years and older (and contained at least 50% alfalfa) require no nitrogen (N) fertilizer on many soils. Red clover N credits are less than for alfalfa.

The carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio of the cover crop determines the durability of the cover crop residue.

Nitrogen fertilizer prices are high and likely will go higher due to repercussions from the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Researchers at the University of Illinois trace the evolution of nitrogen price increases, making the case that increases up until recent months resulted from responses to the COVID pandemic, general price inflation and policies in Europe to move away from fossil fuels. 

In-crop applications of manure make the best use of the manure’s nitrogen content for crop uptake, but preplant applications of manure can work almost as well as in-crop manure application. Ohio State University offers some tips for spring manure application. 

The Post Application Coverage Endorsement (PACE) furnishes insurance against crop loss in situations where growers are prevented from applying the second half of a nitrogen regime due to weather.