With nitrogen applications taking place across the state this spring, it is good to evaluate where you are in implementing a Nitrogen Management System. There is still time to implement a system for the 2014 corn crop and apply the principles of M.O.M. — which stands for minimizing environmental impact, optim­izing harvest yield and maximizing input utilization.

A Nitrogen Management System is a "systems approach" to applying and utilizing nitrogen. It is more than an application a farmer makes once or...