Presidedress soil nitrate test
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EmailEditor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSU Crop Advisory Team Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included.
The
presidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) provides information about the
mount of nitrogen available in the soil. Guidelines for N credits
associated with the PSNT in Michigan
are based in soil samples taken to 12 inches deep. Since nitrogen
release (mineralization) from soil organic matter and plant residues in
on ongoing process, collecting PSNT soil sample as close to sidedress
time as possible gives the best information about the appropriate N
credit. However, a 7 to 10 day lead time is necessary to get the samples
to the soil testing lab and get the results back and make the decision
about how much N to apply.
The fee for the PSNT test is $9.00 per sample through the MSU Soil & Plant Nutrient Lab (582 PSSB, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI48824-1325,
ph 517-355-0218). Results are usually available within 48 hours of
receiving the sample. Results will be faxed or emailed (fee of $1.00 per
fax or email) if that information is provided.
