True or False: All organic nitrogen from manure is available for plant uptake in the year it is applied.

The statement that all organic nitrogen from manure is available for plant uptake in the year it is applied is false. Organic nitrogen, which is a form of nitrogen bound in organic matter such as manure, requires microbial decomposition to convert it into inorganic forms that plants can readily absorb. This process can take time, often spanning several months or even years, depending on various factors such as temperature, moisture, and soil conditions.

While some organic nitrogen may become available relatively quickly, a significant portion remains in an unavailable form at the time of application. Instead, an ongoing release of nitrogen occurs as the organic matter decomposes, which means that not all of the nitrogen is accessible to plants in the same growing season it is applied.

This understanding underscores the importance of managing nutrient timing and understanding the release patterns of nutrients from organic sources to optimize plant nutrient uptake and minimize environmental impacts.