Fall tillage gives you a quick burst of nitrogen mineralization, but over time it costs you organic matter. Strip-till and no-till take more work up front, and they let residue break down slowly so it releases nitrogen in-season, when corn needs it most. Either way you pay, now or later.

Read October's Founder's Note from Jackson Stansell, "Harvest is on and it’s time to review the season."

Drought years leave nitrogen behind. After the 2012 drought, Iowa State found fields holding an average of 122 lb of nitrate-N per acre, about double the usual 40 to 60 lb. Here's why deep soil nitrate sampling after harvest matters in dry years, and how to credit that leftover N when you plan next season.