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A University of Illinois project funded by the Nutrient Research and Education Council through fertilizer check-off funds is looking to update grain removal rates of N, P and K. This project, undertaken by state Cropping Systems Agronomy Specialist Emerson Nafziger, is looking for 6 to 8 oz grain samples from fields across the state.

An estimate of the average yield and location of the field from which the sample originated will be required information. Samples from all counties in the state are essential to estimate regional nutrient removal rates. Although personnel from ag retailers and grain elevators are participating and an average of 20 samples are needed from each county, larger counties require more samples than others. Farmers interested in helping to fulfill their county's quota for this study can email NPKremoval@gmail.com to obtain a sampling kit, detailed instructions and a prepaid shipping box.