Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

What is an advantage of using split applications of nitrogen?

1. Increase fertilizer cost

2. Enhance crop growth

3. Reduce leaching loss

4. Decrease yield

The correct answer is: Reduce leaching loss

Using split applications of nitrogen effectively reduces leaching loss, which is a significant advantage in nitrogen management. By applying nitrogen in smaller, more frequent amounts throughout the growing season rather than all at once, plants can better utilize the nutrient. This method aligns nitrogen availability with the crop's uptake needs, which helps minimize the risk of excess nitrogen being lost to water runoff or leaching into groundwater. This process is particularly important in areas with high rainfall or irrigated crops, where one large application can exceed the plant's immediate needs, leading to nitrogen being washed away into water sources. By splitting the application, the nitrogen is more consistently available in the root zone when the plants are actively growing, thus reducing the environmental impact and improving nutrient efficiency.