The First Pass Matters: Water and Nitrogen Strategy for Planting 2026

The Missouri River is not only a natural border, but growing conditions and management of corn changes as one moves from the Hawkeye state to Cornhusker country.  During planting season 2026 there’s certainly a contrast between Nebraska and Iowa.

Experiencing almost drought conditions, Nebraska is rated at 82% Short or Very Short as of April 19, 2026.  While this has allowed 19% of the estimated corn crop to be planted in the state, those seeds are often going into dusty conditions that may not be conducive to immediate germination.

Moving east, however, the scene changes.  As of the same April 19, 2026 USDA report, 16% of Iowa’s corn crop has been estimated to have been planted.  However, estimated moisture conditions are quite different than Nebraska’s, with 90% of the soil moisture at Adequate or Surplus.  An informal poll taken by Pioneer Research Agronomists within Iowa showed the prior week the estimated % of corn planted across the state was around 0-1%; the same poll in 2025 ranged from 19 to 51% corn planted.

While modern equipment used by farmers today can allow many acres to be planted in a short period time and that these percentages will jump as the season progresses, the crucial question is “what environment is the seed being placed into?”.  Not only does this affect emergence, but it also influences our nitrogen and water management.

Under these dry conditions in Nebraska, perhaps more than a few farmers are considering some supplemental irrigation to aid in germination if available.  Depending on soil moisture levels, germination may initiate but then be hampered by dry conditions; adding a little water to the profile may be useful.

Over irrigating at this point is not useful; not only does it put the seed at risk for drowning but also may cause roots to become lazy in seeking water later in the growing season.  Maintain a moist environment if possible but one that still allows the roots to seek more moisture deeper.

Surface applied nitrogen during planting season in the form of urea or UAN, should have a urease inhibitor included.  While sitting on dry soil, little volatilization may take place; however, if a small shower, say, less than a quarter inch, may materialize, volatilization losses increase tremendously.  Adding an urease inhibitor to urea or UAN makes sense when fertilizer is applied when little chances of rain are in sight.

East of the Missouri River the story has been too wet of conditions, and with that, a different set of management.  Farmers need to make sure they are not planting into muddy conditions that cause sidewall compaction and emergence issues.  Likewise, there is wisdom in planting the planter 12 hours or more before an expected rainstorm, especially on poorly drained fields.

While more nitrogen is applied prior to planting in the form of anhydrous ammonia in Iowa, we still should consider what may happen to it as the growing season progresses.  Fall ammonia without a nitrification inhibitor is just asking for trouble through denitrification and leaching losses.  The Iowa farmer has gotten away with not completely benefiting from fall nitrification inhibitors the last three years due to generally drier spring conditions, but now that spring 2026 is shaping up to be wetter, losses are likely to be higher.

Supplemental in-season nitrogen may be needed, and that’s where Sentinel Ag’s All-N service can help.  Understanding how much nitrogen may have been lost and how much to apply is important in rain-fed conditions where greater-than-usual spring rainfall has occurred.

Wherever you are located, Spring 2026 is likely to throw more curveballs at you.  Having a partner like Sentinel Ag to provide both water and nitrogen guidance is money well spent, regardless of what side of the Mighty Mo you are on.