Some producers are taking advantage of frozen ground conditions to apply nitrogen to
wheat fields or manure to corn fields. While this practice reduces the risk of compaction or
rutting of fields, there are other factors to consider. When applications are made to frozen
ground one must consider what happens if it rains and the ground is still frozen or
saturated. When the soil is frozen or saturated, water is not able to infiltrate into the soil
profile and the water and nutrients can runoff to adjoining properties or waterways. NRCS
Code 590 prohibits the application of manure to frozen ground for this reason (document
attached). Yesterday (January 30th) the depth of frozen soil was measured at Princeton on
a Zanesville silt loam soil and a Pembroke silt loam soil. Soil was frozen to a depth of 6 to 9
inches and no “thawed ground” was observed even though air temperatures were above 32
degrees Fahrenheit. With rain forecasted in the next 24 to 48 hours, little infiltration will
occur and added nutrients will move with the water, often offsite. Although the ability to
traffic a field may be the primary consideration for a producer, they should also think about
what happens if a significant rainfall event occurs (off-site movement of nutrients). In
addition to the environmental consequences, the loss of nutrients is an economic loss.
Although it is tempting to “get over the ground” while it is frozen, be aware of the potential
agronomic, economic, and environmental consequences associated with this decision.
Please make your producers aware of the potential losses that can occur when making
nutrient applications to frozen ground. Be patient and wait to apply nutrients when soil and
environmental conditions are more favorable.
Thank you,
Edwin
Edwin Ritchey, Ph.D., CPSS
Extension Soils Specialist
University of Kentucky
Plant and Soil Sciences
Research and Education Center
Office: 270-365-7541 ext. 301
Mobile: 270-625-8825
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