Market Journal (University of Nebraska–Lincoln)

Nitrogen Management | Javed Iqbal | April 10, 2026

The video addresses the recent surge in nitrogen fertilizer prices across the United States, linking the spike to higher natural‑gas costs from the Iran‑related energy shock and to supply chain bottlenecks after the Strait of Hormuz closure. Javed Iqbal explains that producers can protect margins by applying an economic optimum nitrogen rate, scaling back 20‑40 lb per acre when fertilizer costs outpace corn prices, and moving a larger share of nitrogen to the in‑season window. He cites UNL’s updated NAP guide, which recommends 50‑100 lb per acre at planting and 60 % of total nitrogen applied later via sensor‑based fertigation, drones or satellite imagery, and points to tools such as the CropWatch nitrogen calculator and extension articles. Adopting these practices not only safeguards yields and profitability in 2026 but also qualifies farms for Nebraska’s nitrogen‑use‑efficiency incentives, reducing groundwater risk while turning efficiency gains into financial returns.