Nitrogen is one of the most important parts of farming, with producers making sure their crops end up getting the perfect amount.

One program dedicated to making sure producers are aware of some best practices is the 4R method.

Thom Wier, a consultant for the Canola Council of Canada, details one upcoming presentation that'll let farmers know what the system's all about.

"This spring we planted a demonstration site at the Indian Head Research Foundation and so what it demonstrates is 4R nutrient management - right place, right source, right time, and right rate. We are having a field day on the 15th of August that will demonstrate these 4Rs and also we have some other plots that we're going to be touring."

Those other plots include new products on the market which reduce nitrogen use on crops.

Weir says that adopting 4R techniques is important for a couple of reasons.

"Anything that a grower can do to improve his nitrogen use efficiency, efficiency, which is basically crop yield per pound of nitrogen is good for his bottom line. Secondly, it's good for the environment. So that's the major thing. As I think everybody's aware the government has set a target of reducing nitrous oxide emissions from cropland by 30%. So this goes towards that using the 4Rs is our first kind of attack on reducing the emissions."

The tour will begin at 10 am CST starting at the Indian Head Research Foundation's Bear Farm, which is 4 miles straight east of Indian Head on a grid road on the north side of town.

Weir encourages farmers to pick up 4R practices as they make economic sense and help the environment.

"Either you're going to reduce your rates a little bit or you're going to produce more for the nitrogen you put on. Anytime somebody's offering you money to make money, it seems like a good deal. The other thing is it's good for the environment. So I suggest no matter what people think about the government's proposed reduction of 30% come out and listen to what we can show. Possibly, you're going to go home with some ideas that will help you farm better."