What to know about the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) approach to corn N rate guidelines

Minnesota — along with Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio — uses the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) approach to corn N rate guidelines.

In this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast, we discuss the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) approach to corn N rate guidelines.

• What is the MRTN and why was this system implemented? 
• What are the pros and cons of the MRTN approach and how is it performing? 
• What should corn growers know about alternative approaches to the MRTN? 
• Will there be any changes made to the MRTN approach in the future?

Listen to the podcast

View the podcast transcript

Guests:

• Dan Kaiser, Extension soil fertility specialist
• Fabian Fernandez, Extension soil fertility specialist
• Jeff Vetsch, U of M SROC researcher
• Brad Carlson, Extension educator 

Additional resources:

• Corn nitrogen rate calculator
• High nitrogen fertilizer costs: What should corn growers be thinking about?
• Corn fertilizer guidelines
• Nutrient Management Conference (Feb. 8, 2022)
• Nitrogen Conference (Feb. 15, 2022)
• Nitrogen Smart educational program
• Minnesota Nutrient Management Initiative

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Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC).