Eyes in the sky help farmers dial in nitrogen applications

Janelle Atyeo
Jun 22, 2026
7 hrs ago

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This time of year, farmers are deciding whether their crops would benefit from a nutrient boost, weighing yield potential against the high cost of fertilizer.

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Crop data — A map from the Brhel farm shows the effects of nitrogen released over time from a terminated cover crop of hairy vetch.
Submitted image

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‘Round the NSHC Coffee Pot is a monthly feature special to the Midwest Messenger. It highlights the work of the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition, a nonprofit organization established in 2023 to advance producer-centered education, outreach, and the adoption of soil health principles to build resilient farms, ranches, and communities across Nebraska. Learn more at www.nesoilhealth.org.