NMI Field Trial Requirements

Examples

Nitrogen rate additional requirements

• For best results, only use N sources without additional nutrients in the formulation when applying the different rates. Applications of starter, AMS, MAP, DAP, or blends of products should not be used for the nitrogen rate difference.
• 30 lb N/acre minimum rate separation
• No manure or alfalfa history within the past two years for this trial

Examples

Preplant: Urea 60 lb N/acre vs 30 lb N/acre
Side dress: 28% UAN 20 gal (60 lb N/acre) vs 10 gal (30 lb N/acre)
Evaluate first and/or second year manure nitrogen credits

Nitrogen rate after manure additional requirements

• Use the same commercial nitrogen source applied at a different rate only following manure (30 lb N/acre minimum rate separation)
• Use the same manure source, rate and application method over the field area
• Account for manure source, analysis, application rate, and appropriate credits in the Crop Management Form
• Current manure test for nitrogen should meet current local and state permitted standards 

Examples

N-Serve, Instinct, ESN, Agrotain

Nitrogen stabilizer additional requirements

• Use the same nitrogen rate, source, timing, and placement for both treatments
• Comparisons between different stabilizer products, or blends of products, can be used as long as all other inputs are consistent
• Read and follow the stabilizer label for the recommended application rates
• Manure applications with a stabilizer are eligible. Provide manure information on Crop Management Form. Please contact NMI Representative first

Examples

Fall vs Spring
All Preplant vs Side dress/Split

Nitrogen timing additional requirements

• For best results, use the same nitrogen source applied at a different time
• Use the same equipment for both treatments applied at a different time only
• Manure applications are eligible. Provide manure information on Crop Management Form

Examples

UAN vs Anhydrous Ammonia

Nitrogen source additional requirements

• Use the same nitrogen rate, source, timing, or stabilizer applied with a different nitrogen source only
• For best results, using the same nitrogen placement is preferred
• Contact NMI Representative with other suggestions

Additional compensation is available for farmers and crop advisers participating in advanced rate trials. Participating farmers are compensated $1,500 and crop advisers are compensated $700 for each field trial.

Advanced trial additional requirements

• Must have corn-corn or corn-soybean rotation history
• No manure or alfalfa history in the last 5 years
• Install a minimum of 1 test strip at least 30 ft wide, and 1/2 mile long or multiple test strips equivalent to a 1/2 mile (2640 ft)
• Nitrogen rate test strips contain 5-6 unique N rates and each N rate replicated 3 times
• 40-50 lb difference between N rates
• Must include zero rate check strip (check strip can only include N contributions from DAP or MAP applications)
• Soil types, topography, drainage, and field history should be consistent across the trial area
• Variable rate technology (VRT) and yield monitors to aid in field trial design, installation, and harvest