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1. Credibility in Soil Testing- Analytical ResultsIn Illinois, soil testing to help farmers plan line and fertilizer programs are done by cumrnercial testing services. The Agronoiny Department, University of Illinois participates in the State Soil Testing Program in research and coordinating rules. Kecognizing that sources of error in the program may occur in FIELD SAMPLING, ANALYTICAL TESTING, INTERPRETATION OF TEST RESULTS, or FORUMLATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS this paper focuses on ANALYTICAL TESTING. Two quality assurarlce programs in ANALYTlCAL... |
2. Managing Field Soil Fertility VariationsFertilizer and crop production inputs are most often applied as a single blanket application rate across an entire field. Yet variations in field conditions including soil characteristics and measured crop yield are known to exist and often in a systematic, fashion. Grid soil sampling for fertility variations, plant analyses, and color photography were found to be most useful tools for assessing manageable field variations. Increased profit and environmentally sound improvements in fertilizer use... |
3. Effect of Alfalfa Stand Density or Cutting Management on Nitrogen Supplying CapacityEconomic, energy and environmental considerations are making the efficient use of nitrogen fertilizers increasingly important for Wisconsin crop producers. Excessive nitrogen applications cannot be tolerated environmentally due to the potential for N leaching to groundwater, or economically due to the relatively high cost of N fertilizers. The potential exists for many producers, farming in legume rotation, to unknowingly over-apply N by not fully applying credits for previously grown alfalfa. A... |
4. On-Farm Nitrogen Fertilizer DemonstrationsThe Magdoff Pre-Sidedress Nitrate Test (PSNT) has been successful 1y used in the Northeast and humid parts of Midwest to improve N fertilizer recommendations. A modified version of the Magdoff PSNT was evaluated in 1989 and 1990 in Michigan. Fifty-three large scale on-farm corn N demonstrations were carried out. Two rates of N (a reduced rate and a high rate) were rep1 icated 3 to 6 times in each field. Forty-six sites showed no significant (p=.05) yield reduction due to the reduce N rate. Forty-nine... |
5. Crop Residue and Fertilizer Management Effects on Soybean, Wheat, and Grain Sorghum in Eastern KansasRemoval of crop residue is being considered for many non- agricultural uses. The agronomic consequences of these practices are not fully known, especially for different levels of fertilizer management. An experiment was begun in eastern Kansas in 1980 to determine the effects of returning different levels of crop residue on soil properties and crop yields in a soybean-wheat-grain sorghum rotation, fertilized with different amounts of N-P-K fertilizer. Crop residue treatments included residue removed,... |
6. Survey of Corn Response to Fertilizer Sulfur in MissouriAbstract Fertilizer sulfur (S) rate studies were conducted during 1991 and 1992 at 53 sites located throughout Missouri on soils that were primarily silt loam or heavier. Sites were selected on the basis of a high yield potential since a common belief among farmers and fertilizer dealers is that the greater crop S requirement of high yields exceeds the S supply from the soil and incidental sources. Either ammonium sulfate or ammonium thosulfate were applied at planting or wihn four weeks following... |
7. Variable-Rate Fertilizer Application- Update and EconomicsThe potential for application of computer-controlled, satellite-guided, variable-rate application systems for fertilizer has opened an interesting new area of research and development. While variable-rate application is not new--and does not require the com- puter or satellite systems to be useful--the technology is definitely helping to convince dealers and farmers that this concept has broader potential. Economic pressures and environmental concerns are leading them to take a closer look at how... |
8. Nitrogen Recommendations for Wheat using the Chlorophyll MeterThe use of a hand held chlorophyll meter showed good promise in helping to make N recommendations for wheat on a field basis. Using 5 site-years on well drained soils over a 2- year period, a correlation index (R2) of 0.88 was found relating the March (Feekes 5) N needed for optimum yield with a differential chlorophyll reading. Research on this method will be continued and expanded to field trials. Soils in less than a well drained class may require a separate calibration or the method may not be... |
9. Improving PSNT Based Sidedress N Recommendations for Corn with Site Specific FactorsThe pre-sidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) has been found to be a valuable tool for improving nitrogen recommendations for corn grown in humid regions of the country. The PSNT has been especially useful for nunaging N on fmls where organic sources of N, like animal manures are important. This test was proposed by Magdoff et al. in 1984 and has been studied extensively since then (Magdoff et al., 1990; Roth et al., 1992; Fox et al., 1989; Blackmer et al., 1989; Klausner et a]., 1993, and Meisinger... |
10. Effect of Subsoil Tillage on Crops Grown in No-Till and Reduced Till ManagementsThree different subsoil tillage experiments were conducted in southern Illinois on soils with root-limiting claypans that restrict crop growth. In the first experiment conducted at the SIU Belleville Research Center, subsoiling to 16 inches depth was compared to no subsoiling in a field that had been in long term, continuous no-till corn production. After 4 years of study, only small corn and soybean yield increases have observed with the tillage (2.0 bu/ac for corn and 1.0 bu/ac for soybeans) .... |
11. Phosphorus Losses in Runoff Water as Affected by Tillage and Phosphorus FertilizationPhosphorus (P) in runoff from cropland can contribute to nutrient enrichment and eutrophication of surface water bodies. Research was continued during 1996 to determine which tillage systems and which methods of applying P fertilizer will result in the least P losses in runoff water for grain sorghum production under somewhat poorly drained soil conditions in east-central Kansas. The tillage systems evaluated were a chisel-disk-field cultivate system, a ridge-till system, and a no-till system. Fertilizer... |
12. Challenges for making intensive soil sampling and VRT Pay. Ongoing Iowa Studies with PhosphorusSoil fertility evaluation and management can be greatly improved with the use of precision agriculture technologies. Differential global positioning systems @GPS), yield monitors, various forms of remote sensing, geographical information system (GIs) computer software, and variable rate technologies are available for use to producers. Intensive soil sampling, crop scouting, and other practices complete the new technological package. Soil testing is a diagnostic tool especially adapted for site-specific... |
13. Nitrate Concentrations in Drainage Water from a Continuous Corn Production System- Impacts of Tile Spacing and Precipitation EventsCharacterization of agricultural drains as point sources for nitrates in surface waters has generated keen interest in regional grab-sample monitoring programs. Grab sample tile drain monitoring programs are being explored by numerous public and private organizations interested in encouraging BMPYs for nitrogen and/or implementation of TMDL policy. Our objective was to determine if nitrate concentrations in water collected from individual tile lines could be interpreted independent of information... |
14. Field Scale Evaluation of Innovative N Management Systems for CornPrevious research has shown that N fertilizer need for corn can vary widely, both between fields and within fields. Producers, however, almost always apply the same N fertilizer rate to whole fields, and vary N fertilizer rates minimally if at all over whole farms. Matching N fertilizer rates more closely to N needs could produce both economic and environmental benefits. Our objective is to test a range of innovative N management systems for their ability to match N rate recommendations to N needs... |
15. Nitrogen Availability, Time of Release and Movement in RotationsPrevious studies have found that N is released through the decomposition of sugarbeet tops (Moraghan and Smith, 1996: Reitmeier et a]., 1999). There is also evidence that N credits may be justified following other broadleaf crops, such as potato and sunflower. This evidence follows work by Vanotti and Bundy (1995) and Bundy et al. (1 993) suggesting that N credits from annual legumes are provided not by decomposition ofthe roots or release ofN directly into the soil from the roots as some might assume,... |
16. The Total Maximum Daily Loads Process in KansasThe Clean Water Act of 1972 required states to establish Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for surface water bodies that contain one or more pollutants that exceed water quality standards. A TMDL is a written, measurable assessment of a specific stream segment and its water quality problems and contributing pollutants. This assessment outlines the amount of a pollutant that needs to be reduced to meet water quality standards. allocates control responsibilities among pollution sources in a watershed.... |
17. Adjusting N Recommendations Based on a Previously Grown CropNitrogen recommendations in North Dakota are based on a yield goal multiplied from some empirically derived factor in a linear formula. There are a three adjustments to the N recommendations that result form these formulas (Franzen and Cihacek, 1996). They are the soil test nitrate-N to some depth, a sampling date adjustment ifthe sampling was conducted in the fall prior to September 15, and a previous crop credit. Two of these three adjustments are based on some knowledge regarding mineralization... |
18. Do Phosphorus TMDLs Interfere with Crop Nutrient RecommendationsHistorically, phosphorus (P) fertilizer recommendations for crops have been based on the crop grown, soil P test levels, locally correlated and calibrated yield responses, efficient use of P fertilizer, and fertilizer and crop price ratios. With the implementation of TMDLs and the need for reduced P loading in surface waters, P fertilizer applications must also safeguard water quality. In order to understand the challenges that this presents and the possible changes in P fertilizer recommendations... |
19. How Does Your Garden Grow? Fertilizer- Friend or FoeGeo-spatial technologies are becoming common place in commercial agriculture and hands-on exercises using these concepts and technologies klfill many state K-12 education standards. The activity topics covered crop nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIs), types of agricultural field equipment, soil types and crop identification. Students developed and implemented plant growth experiments to test nutrient application hypotheses.... |
20. Use of Fly Ash as as Alternative Liming Source for Irrigated Corn ProductionFly ash from the Gerald Gentleman Power Station in west central Nebraska can potentially serve as an alternative liming source without reducing corn grain yields. A study was conducted to assess the use of fly ash as an alternative liming source on three acid sandy soils of west central Nebraska where conventional limmg sources can be uneconomical due to transportation costs. Corn grain yield, and soil pH change over time were assessed. Lime sources failed to raise the soil pH in the upper 8 inches... |
21. Illinois Nitrogen Soil Test for Sugar Beets and Corn in MichiganIn Michigan the presidedress nitrate test (PSNT) (Magdoff et al.. 1984) is used to adjust nitrogen (N) recommendations for corn and sometimes sugar beet. Many growers do not use the PSNT because the presidedress soil sampling time does not conveniently fit into their operation. Preplant nitrate tests do not provide a good estimate of plant available N because of the relatively wet weather conditions during Michigan springs. .Another drawback to the PSNT is that it tends to recommend N on soils which... |
22. Making Urea Work in No TillNo-till and reduced tillage production systen~s are widely used today in the United States as well as around the world due to their capacity for reducing soil erosion and topsoil loss, reducing phosphorus movement to surface water, and reducing labor, fuel, and equipment requirements. In no-till systems, an average of 25% of the N applied as broadcast urea can be lost via ammonia volatilization. Therefore, N losses due to ammonia volatilization will decrease corn and wheat yields. independently of... |
23. In-Season Nitrogen Management for Sub-Surface Drip Irrigated CornIrrigation water and nitrogen @I) management for subsurface drip irrigated (SDI) corn was evaluated from 2004 through 2006 at the South Central Agricultural Laboratory of the University of Nebraska. SDI irrigation and N management strategies to increase both water and N use efficiency were compared to preplant N application for hrrow irrigation, commonly used in the area. Irrigation water levels of 100, 75 and 50% of measured evapotranspiration (ET) were applied with SDI, and N was applied in treatments... |
24. Manure Source and Rate Effects on Soil Test Levels and Corn GrowthNutrient management planning has become an important tool in an effort to improve water quality. In Wisconsin, nutrient management regulations are in the process of moving to a phosphorus (P) based standard. As such, P budgeting and the P index will greatly influence manure applications. Thus, there is a need to better understand how soil test P changes with respect to a P based manure application. In Wisconsin, only 60 % of the total P applied in manure is considered to be available to the crop... |
25. Utilizing Existing Sensor Technology to Develop a Late-Season Critical Value for Spring Wheat ProteinA premium is paid to producers for spring wheat with a protein content greater than or equal to 14%. Obtaining that protein content can be problematic without proper nitrogen (N) fertilizer management. Sensor-based technologies have been used for predicting yield. The question is whether ths technology can be used to determine the protein content in-season for spring wheat. Field studies were conducted in South Dakota in 2003 and 2005. Five N treatments (0, 34, 65, 102, 136 kg N ha-') were applied... |
26. Skip-Row Configuration and Plant Density Effects on Sorghum Grain Yield and Yield Component in Southern NebraskaEqual spacing of sorghum rows typically results in the highest grain yield when soil water is adequate throughout the season, but skip-row plan ting may be a means to reduce water deficits during reproductive growth stages. We evaluated the effect of skip-row planting configuration and plant population density on grain yield, yield components and water use efficiency at five locations in a transect across southern Nebras ka where annual mean precipitation ranges from 300 to 900 mm yr -1. Three row... |
27. Manure Application Technology and Impact on Nitrogen DynamicsA field study was carried out ne ar Elora, Ontario to assess the impact of manure application timing and method on ammonia volatilization a nd nitrogen availability to the crop. A novel method was developed and calibrated for quan tifying ammonia volatilization using passive dosimeter tubes, which promises to provide an economical alternative to other methods. Ammonia loss was negligible from injected manure treatments, and when manure was incorporated immediately it had smaller losses th an when... |
28. Assessment Of Enhanced Efficiency Urea Products On Maize In MissouriUrea is the most commonly used N fertilizer worldwide, but can be easily lost to the environment through ammonia volatilization. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEF) have been developed to help prevent these losses. Field studies were conducted from 2009 to 2011 on a Mexico silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic, Vertic Epiaqualf) to determine the efficacy of five EEF urea products compare to untreated urea when surface applied to no-till maize (Zea mays L.). Treatments included untreated urea, Agrotain,... |
29. Use of Enhanced Efficiency Nitrogen Fertilizers To Reduce Leaching And Volatilization LossA laboratory study was conducted to explore interactions of N source and treatment with precipitation events on a coarse-textured soil. Nitrogen sources included urea-ammonium nitrate solution (UAN), UAN with additives of either nitrapyrin (Instinct �) or a carboxylated polymer (Nutrisphere-N�), or a polymer-coated dry urea (PCU) (ESN�). These products were applied to soil chambers which allowed measurement of ammonia (NH 3-N) volatilization or nitrate leaching over 31 days. Precipitation events... |
30. Consequences Of Shallow NH3 Placement And Timing On N Use Efficiencies In Corn ProductionA field study in west-central Indiana was conducted to investigate the effects of shallow anhydrous ammonia (NH 3) placement and timing on N use efficiencies in a conventionally tilled corn production system following soybean crop. The spring NH 3 was applied either pre-plant (6- inches offset from future corn row) or side-dress (at mid-row position) at different rates (0, 80, 130 or 180 lbs N acre -1). Aboveground biomass harvest and combine harvested yield were used to determine N recovery, N internal... |
31. What Do Recent Plant Tissue Analysis Surveys In Soybean And Alfalfa Tell Us?Plant tissue analysis surveys were conducted for soybean in 2011 and 2012 and alfalfa in 2010 and 2011. Seventy-three random alfalfa fields throughout Wisconsin were sampled at bud to first flower prior to first or second cutting. For alfalfa, 49% of samples were low in potassium (K) based on sufficiency levels, and results were related to soil test K level and amount of K applied. Sulfur (S) was low in 62% of all alfalfa samples. This result was surprising, as only 18% of the fields were considered... |
32. Soil pH and Crop Response to Lime Source and TillageAg lime recommendations are based on soil pH, buffer pH, and neutralizing index or effective calcium carbonate equivalent (ECCE) of the lime to be used (Laboski and Peters, 2012). Determination of neutralizing index may vary by state and is often codified in state regulations related to the sale of ag lime. In Wisconsin, the neutralizing index of a lime is a function of purity (calcium carbonate equivalent) and fineness (particle size) (Schulte et al., 2005). Pelletized lime is typically calcitic... |
33. Soybean Production Research: A National ApproachU.S. soybean growers are looking for alternative methods to increase soybean yields and recent increases in commodity prices have given producers more freedom to invest in additional crop inputs or products. Unfortunately, quality data from studies addressing multiple contemporary inputs is scarce. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of combined soybean inputs on seed yield. These high input systems were tested in six states to evaluate their value across a broad geography.... |
34. Determining Cropping System and Topsoil Depth Effects on Phosphorus and Potassium Nutrient DynamicsUnderstanding the effects of fertilizer addition and crop removal on long-term change in soil test phosphorus (STP) and soil test potassium (STK) is crucial for maximizing the use of grower inputs on claypan soils. Due to variable topsoil depth, nutrient supply from subsoils, and crop removal across fields, accurate P and K fertilizer management can be challenging. Current Missouri fertilizer recommendations rely on a single buffering capacity for all soils throughout the state for P, and are only... |
35. Phosphorus Loss with Runoff after Applying Fertilizer or Manure as Affected by the Timing of RainfallPublic concerns about agriculture impacts on water quality and the likelihood of further government regulation have been increasing. Phosphorus usually is the nutrient that limits and controls algae growth and eutrophication in freshwater bodies. The uninformed public and many in regulatory agencies see reducing fertilization rates as an effective way of reducing nutrient loss from fields and improving water quality, especially when animal manure is applied. Soil testing for P is a useful, although... |
36. Which Corn Nitrogen Fertilization Rate Tools Preforms the Best in the Midwest?Publicly-available nitrogen (N) rate recommendation tools are utilized to help maximize yield in corn production. These tools often fail when N is over-applied and results in excess N being lost to the environment, or when N is under-applied and results in decreased yield and economic returns. Performance of a tool is often based on the specific soil and weather conditions of a growing season. Research is needed to determine which tools are the most effective at recommending economical optimal N... |
37. Do Soil Nitrogen Tests Relate to Nitrogen Mineralization in First-year Corn Following Alfalfa?Corn (Zea mays L.) is the most frequent first-year crop grown following alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in the Upper Midwest. In the majority of cases, first-year corn does not respond to fertilizer N, but sometimes large amounts are needed to optimize yield. The pre-sidedress and Illinois soil N tests (PSNT and ISNT, respectively) are early-season tests used to predict corn yield response to fertilizer N. These tests measure specific fractions of soil N and define a critical concentration to separate... |
38. Nitrogen and Harvest Impact on Biomass Yield of Perennial Warm-season GrassesUncertainties of the supply of fossil fuels from finite resources and the negative environmental impacts of their use are the two major driving forces for the search of alternative burning fuels. Perennial warm-season grasses have drawn interest as bioenergy feedstocks due to the high yielding capacity with minimal amounts of inputs under a wide range of geography, and the capability to produce multiple environmental benefits. Nitrogen (N) fertility and harvest management are considered as critical... |
39. Topsoil Depth Influences Switchgrass Nitrogen Managment on Claypan SoilsSwitchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is an attractive forage or bioenergy crop option for eroded portions of claypan landscapes where grain crop production is marginally profitable. Topsoil depth to the claypan can vary widely within fields and little information exists on the impacts of the topsoil depth on nitrogen (N) management of switchgrass. Therefore, a study was initiated in 2009 at University of Missouri South Farm located near Columbia, MO on a site known as Soil Productivity Assessment for... |
40. Evaluation of Weed Management Strategies on Grain Sorghum Nitrogen Status and Grain Yield Using Optical SensorsInformation on weed management options and relation to nutrient status is very limited for grain sorghum production. The objectives of this study were: (i) determine the effects of different weed management strategies on grain sorghum yield; and (ii) evaluate the impact on nitrogen (N) status and development of the crop. This study was established at two locations in 2014 (Smith and Reno Co in Kansas). The study used a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Two main factors evaluated... |
41. Switchgrass Rhizobacterial Community Structure as a Function of Cultivar and Nitrogen Fertility at Two Sites in MinnesotaBiofuel production using native perennial grasses such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) has potential to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil and curtail greenhouse gas emissions. Switchgrass can also provide significant ecosystem services, such as nutrient loss reduction and carbon sequestration. Best management practices (BMPs) for switchgrass fertility are being established on a regional basis, yet little work has been done to examine the intersection of soil fertility with soil biology in switchgrass-for-biofuel... |
42. Soil Mineralogy and Potassium AvailabilityIn this talk, I will try to answer four questions. The outline below gives the overall framework for the presentation. 1. What are the mineral sources of potassium? Primary minerals crystallize from the magma. Those that contain K are: Feldspars (microcline and orthoclase) Micas (biotite and muscovite) Primary minerals weather decompose by several mechanisms. Chemical bonds are destabilized by acid attack. Al ions are complexed by organic... M.L. Thompson |
43. Stand Age Affects Fertilizer Nitrogen Response in First-Year Corn Following AlfalfaThrough a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, alfalfa can acquire nitrogen (N) from the atmosphere, use the N for its own growth, and contribute large amounts of N to subsequent crops. To estimate this N contribution, most land-grant universities use book-value N credits based on alfalfa stand density at termination. However, a recent literature analysis indicated that alfalfa stand density is not a reliable predictor of grain yield response to fertilizer N in first-year corn. That analysis... |
44. Cover Crops Following Corn Silage and Winter WheatCover crops are widely used in Wisconsin following corn silage or winter wheat harvest to control erosion, but effects on subsequent corn yields and their optimum N rates have not been documented. Two separate studies were conducted to: (1) determine the effect of rye as a cover or silage crop on corn yields at varying N rates and (2) determine the effect of radish on corn yields and optimum N rates. In two of three years, a reduction in corn silage yield was determined following rye silage compared... |
45. Assessing Nitrogen Management and Claypan Soil Variability Effects on Switchgrass using Reflectance SensingThe topsoil depth or depth to the claypan (DTC) can be highly variable across the landscape for some Midwest soils. This makes managing crops on these soils difficult because their productivity can be highly variable. In some ar eas of the landscape there can be no topsoil and leave the claypan exposed (e.g., side-slope) while in other areas it can be buried (e.g., toe-slope) (Kitchen et al., 1999). Due to the high variability of theses soils, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a potential problem... |
46. Irigated Soybean Response to Nitroen Applied During Early Pod FormationHigh yield soybean ( Glycine max L.) has a high rate of N uptake during grain fill with maybe 2/3 of the N derived from the atmosphere. The rema ining needs to come from the soil. Previous research has found that the probability of response to N applied at early pod development (R3) for yield trials, including 44 with mean yield >60 bu/A, we re conducted in Nebraska to determine effect on soybean yield of applying N and S to the soil at R3. With 27 lb/A N applied and >60 bu/A yield, mean yield increases... |
47. Manure Management Practices to Limit Nutrient Loss from Frozen Agricultural FieldsManure applied to crop areas can be an importa nt source of plant nutrients for crop production and may improve soil quality. Relatively small amounts of nutrients especially phosphorus (P) from manure reaching water bodies can signifi cantly increase eutrophication and impair water quality. Most recommendations indicate not to apply manure to fro zen soils because the risk of nutrient loss to surface water may be increased. Our research objective was to determine the influence of manure application... |
48. Plant Density Consequences on Nitrogen Uptake Dynamics of Maize Plants from Vegetative to Reproductive StagesThere are few studies to date that have inte nsively examined the simultaneous effects of differences in plant crowding and fertilizer N availability for different hybrids and locations on N uptake and maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield. The main research objective was to utilize a quantitative framework to bett er understand the physiological mechanisms that govern N dynamics in maize plants at varying plant densi ties and N rates. Two field experiments involving paired near-isogenic hybrids (i.e.... |
49. Evaluation of Nitrate Leaching Potential from Slow and Controlled Release Nitrogen Fertilizer Application to Irrigated CornThe use of slow and controlled release nitrogen (N) fertilizers as a practice to reduce nitrate leaching from irrigated corn was evaluated on coar se-textured soils in the Central Platte River Valley of Nebraska in 2007 & 2008. Slow-releas e methylene urea (MU) and polymer-coated urea (PCU) were compared to a standard fertil izer of urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution. Flooding in 2007 severely impacted the study site, and results are not reported here. Saturated soils were common at the site in... |
50. Micronutrients in Northern ClimatesEarly work on micronutrients in northern US dates back to the late thirties and early forties and dealt primarily with boron (B) (Cook 1939; Cook a nd Millar 1940; Pierre and Allaway 1941). In Manitoba, it was initiated in the sixties and id entified zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) as potential problem micronutrients. Early work also id entified organic (peat) soils as a primary target for micronutrient deficiencies. Work on mineral soils would produce significant yield responses in the... |
51. Corn Nitrogen Rate Response Trials in Northwest and Westcentral Minnesota, 2007=-2009With the growing number of corn producers and increased acres of corn in NW and WC Minnesota along with the revisions in the Univer sity of Minnesota Corn Nitrogen Guidelines (2006) many northern corn growers were asking a bout the validity of the new nitrogen guidelines for corn production in the region. Prior to 2007, University of Minnesota calibration and correlation data included in the new guidelines did not include any research sites north of Interstate 94. A request for funding from the Minnesota... |
52. Remote Sensing as a Tool for AgricultureThe tendency for nearlv everything in our society to be bigger, better, faster, easier, cheaper, and safer than in the past has resulted in many challenges. Agriculture is not immune from these trends, and in some cases agriculture even leads the way. Incorporation of remote sensing into site- specific management activities is one area where technologies are being merged to develop a new array of products that are intended to help producers and consultants make better and more timely management decisions.... |
53. Using Soil Properties to Predict Soluable Phosphorus Losses from Indiana SoilsEscessive phosphorus (P) levels in surface water can degrade water quality by causing algal blooms and accelerating the eutrophication process. Agriculture has bceri implicated as a major nonpoint source of P, so many states have considered restricting P applications from inorganic fertilizers, manures, and other Pcontaining materials once soil test P levels esceed "threshold values". Relationships between soil properties and soluble P loss potential have not been welldocumcnted. This laboratory... |
54. Nitrogen benefits when interseeding red clover into continuous cornInformation pertaining to the benefits of intereseeding cover crops is lacking. Red clover is a leguminous cover crop that can grow in low radiation environments, is winter hardy for much of the northern USA, and is a low cost weed suppressant that has been shown to provide a nitrogen credit and improve corn yield. While it is clear that red clover is a cover crop that can provide immediate economic benefits in grain-based cropping systems, the potential N credit and the effect of interseeding... H. Francis, M. Ruark, C. Zegler, D. Smith, J. West |
55. Can nitrogen application rate and timing management contribute to yield benefit in dryland winter wheat?Nitrogen (N) is a key component that affects grain yield and protein content in wheat. Optimizing fertilizer N application rate and time may contribute to an increased yield along with an adequate protein level. To evaluate the effects of different rates and application timing of N on grain yield and quality, a field study was carried out at four different locations across Nebraska (Mead, Grant, Sidney, and Scottsbluff) in 2018/19. At all locations, the experimental layout was split-plot randomized... D. Ghimire, B. Maharjan |
56. Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics: Cover Crop Decomposition during the Following Cash Crop Growing SeasonNitrogen (N) loss from agriculture fields in the Corn Belt contributes to impaired waterways and the development of the “Dead Zone” in the Gulf of Mexico. It has been well established that cover crops can scavenge N, which results in a reduction of N loss via tile drainage. However, the literature suggests that increased C inputs from decomposing cover crop residue may result in N immobilization during the following cash crop growing season andnegative yield impacts. Therefore, the... C. Lacey |
57. Soil Properties and Corn Yield as Effected by 70 year of Cattle Manure ApplicationLong-term experiments provide valuable information about the environment x agronomy interaction impacts on soil and crop productivity. The irrigated Knorr-Holden experimental site near Mitchell, Nebraska was established in 1912 and had a non- replicated unfertilized maize plot until 1941. In 1942 the plot was split into two manure treatments (0 and 27 Mg ha-1 yr-1 cattle manure) with 0.04 ha each. In 1953, second replication was added using adjacent land. The same year, manure treatments... B. Maharjan |
58. Correlation of the Weak Organic Acids Test of a Soil Health Tool with Crop Yield Response to Phosphorus FertilizationThe field correlation of a soil P test with yield response to P fertilization is the foundation for sound soil-test interpretations and fertilizer recommendation guidelines. Weak organic acid extractants have been used to measure soil P for decades in some northeastern states of the US and other countries, but not in Iowa or the Midwest. A new test based on a mixture of malic, oxalic, and citric acids (H3A) was developed as a component of a Soil Health Tool to measure soil P and K. The H3A... A. Mallarino, J. Jones |
59. Effects of Sampling Time and Extraction Method on Soil-Test and Nonexchangeable Potassium in Iowa SoilsMore research is needed to better understand K cycling and high short-term temporal soil-test K (STK) variation. The objective of this research was to study soil-test K and nonexchangeable K pools across Iowa soils managed with corn-soybean rotations as affected by K application rates, soil properties, parent materials, and time of sampling. Three-year field trials that included a control and several broadcast K fertilizer rates were conducted at 35 Iowa sites. Soil samples (6-inch depth) were... R. Oltmans, A. Mallarino |
60. Estimation of Nitrogen Losses from Char Amended Fertilized Soils: a Laboratory StudyMore than 50% of nitrogen (N) fertilizer added to agricultural soil is lost to the environment through volatilization, denitrification, and leaching. Proper management of soil carbon (C) may reduce N losses since soil C affects soil properties and N cycling. There are a wide range of soil C management practices, including direct addition of high C content materials to the soil. A 30-day laboratory study was conducted to evaluate effects of char on N losses from fertilized loam and sandy loam soils.... D. Panday, B. Maharjan |
61. Agronomic and Nutrient Management Strategies for Soft Red Winter WheatMichigan produces some of the greatest non-irrigated wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields in the United States. Enhancing or lengthening the greenness of the flag-leaf has been suggested as a method to improve photosynthetic capabilities and nutrient uptake. The objective of this study was to evaluate growth, grain quality, grain yield, and economic profitability for multiple agronomic and nutrient inputs across different production intensity levels. An omission field trial with four replications... S. Purucker, K. Steinke |
62. Active-Optical Reflectance Sensing Evaluated for Red and Red-Edge Waveband SensitivityUncertainty exists with corn (Zea mays L.) N management due to year-to-year variation in crop N need, soil N supply, and N loss from leaching, volatilization, and denitrification. Active-optical reflectance sensing (AORS) has proven effective in some fields for generating N fertilizer recommendations that improve N use efficiency. However, various sensors utilize different wavebands of light to calculate N fertilizer recommendations making it difficult to know which waveband is most sensitive... G. Bean, N. Kitchen, J. Camberato, R. Ferguson, F. Fernandez, D. Franzen, C. Laboski, E. Nafziger, J. Sawyer, P. Scharf, J. Schepers, J. Shanahan |
63. Do Split-Nitrogen Applications in the Midwest Affect Corn Nitrogen Uptake and Grain Yield?It is hypothesized that split-nitrogen (N) relative to single near-planting applications improve corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield and nitrogen recovery efficiency, which can lessen environmental impacts of fertilization. However, these hypotheses have not been fully tested. A 49-site-year study across eight US Midwestern states over three years was conducted to compare near-planting (Single) and split-N (Split) applications. Three N application timings were evaluated [Single near planting, 40... J. Clark, F. Fernandez, J. Camberato, P. Carter, R. Ferguson, D. Franzen, N. Kitchen, C. Laboski, E. Nafziger, J. Sawyer, J. Shanahan |
64. Integrating Management Zones and Canopy Sensing for Improved Nitrogen Recommendation AlgorithmsActive crop canopy sensors have been studied as a tool to direct spatially variable nitrogen (N) fertilizer applications in maize, with the goal of increasing the synchrony between N supply and crop demand and thus improving N use efficiency (NUE). However, N recommendation algorithms have often proven inaccurate in certain subfield regions due to local spatial variability. Modifying these algorithms by integrating soil-based management zones (MZ) may improve their accuracy... J. Crowther, J. Parrish, R. Ferguson, J. Luck, K. Glewen, T. Shaver, D. Krull, L. Thompson, N. Mueller, B. Krienke, T. Mieno, T. Ingram |
65. Nitrogen and Potassium Interactions in CornExtensive research in the North Central region has investigated separately nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilizer management for corn. However, there is scarce information available about how N and K interactions affect corn grain yield and nutrient uptake. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of various combinations of N and K rates on corn yield, N and K tissue concentrations, and N and K removed with grain harvest. Two trials with continuous corn were conducted from 2013... J. Hirniak, A. Mallarino |
66. Evaluation of Agricultural Lime and Pelleted Lime to Increase Soil pH and Crop YieldAgricultural lime (aglime) is applied to increase pH of acidic soils to values optimum for crop production, and its effectiveness is affected mainly by it calcium carbonate (CaCO3) equivalent (CCE) and fineness. Availability and use of pelletized limestone has increased in recent years, but there is limited information about its effectiveness. Six field trials were established in 2014 at acidic Iowa soils (pH 4.9-6.1) with contrasting texture and organic matter. Treatments replicated three times... A. Mallarino, M. Haq |
67. Effect Of High Carbon Char in Conjunction with Composted Manure and Urea on Corn YieldAn integrated approach to optimize fertilizer input through use of high carbon char (also called cinder), a by-product from a local industry in Western Nebraska, was set up for determination of optimal rate of char along with a given nitrogen (N) fertilizer or composted manure on corn (Zea mays L.) yield. Char is a potential soil amendment, since it contains around 30% total carbon (C) in addition to many essential plant nutrients. The experiment was started in 2016 in sandy loam... D. Panday, B. Maharjan |
68. Comparison of Ground-Based Active Crop Canopy Sensor and Aerial Passive Crop Canopy Sensor for In-Season Nitrogen ManagementCrop canopy sensors represent one tool available to help calculate a reactive in-season nitrogen (N) application rate in corn. When utilizing such systems, corn growers must decide between using active versus passive crop canopy sensors. The objectives of this study was to 1) determine the correlation between N management by remote sensing using a passive sensor and N management using proximal sensing with an active sensors. Treatments were arranged as field length strips in a randomized complete... J. Parrish, R. Ferguson, J. Luck, K. Glewen, L. Thompson, B. Krienke, N. Mueller, T. Ingram, D. Krull, J. Crowther, T. Shaver, T. Mieno |
69. Late-Split Nitrogen Application On CornThe practice of applying a last (or additional) increment of N fertilizer during late vegetative growth of corn using high-clearance equipment has grown rapidly in the last few years, despite the absence of evidence supporting the profitability of this practice. We established a set of trials in which a range of N rates from 0 to 280 kg/ ha were applied as UAN solution, either all at planting or with 56 kg N reserved and hand-applied at the base of the plants at tasseling (late-split... D. Rapp, E. Nafziger |
70. Stover Removal Effects on Continuous Corn Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency Under IrrigationCorn (Zea mays L.) residue or stover is harvested as supplemental feed for livestock and is a primary feedstock for cellulosic biofuels. Limited information is available on corn residue removal effects on grain yield under different nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates, irrigation rates and amelioration practices to minimize soil carbon loss and soil erosion. A study on a silt loam in south, central Nebraska (2011-2016) evaluated potential interactions between stover removal (residue removal,... M. Schmer, V. Jin, A. Sindelar, R. Ferguson, B. Wienhold |
71. Can Unmanned Aerial System-Mounted Passive Sensors Be Used To Recommend Sidedress Nitrogen Rates In Corn? A Comparison Between Active and Passive SensorsThe objectives of this research were to (i) assess the correlation between active and passive crop canopy sensors’ vegetation indices at different corn growth stages, (ii) assess sidedress variable rate nitrogen (N) recommendation accuracy of active and passive sensors compared to the agronomic optimum N rate (AONR) and (iii) assess sidedress VR N rate recommendation correlation between active and passive sensors. Two experiments were conducted, one near Central City, Nebraska on a Novina... L. Bastos, R. Ferguson |
72. The Anaerobic Potentially Mineralizable Nitrogen Test as a Tool for Nitrogen Management in the MidwestThe anaerobic potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMNan) test is a tool that can improve estimations of mineralizable nitrogen (N) and enhance nitrogen use efficiency. This tool may also help improve predictions of N uptake, grain yield, and the economic optimum nitrogen rate (EONR) of corn (Zea mays L.). A 32 site-year study across eight US Midwestern states was conducted to 1) compare the effect of incubation length (7-, 14-, 28-d), soil sampling timing, N fertilizer rate, and their... J. Clark, K. Sloan veum, F. Fernandez, J. Camberato, P. Carter, R. Ferguson, D. Franzen, N. Kitchen, C. Laboski, E. Nafziger, J. Sawyer, J. Shanahan |
73. Influence of Source and Particle Size on Agricultural Limestone Efficiency at Increasing Soil pHExcessive soil acidity is known to have potential negative impacts on crop production. The chemical and physical characteristics of a liming material determine its capacity to neutralize soil acidity. The calcium carbonate (CaCO3) equivalent (CCE) and estimates of particle size impact on the efficiency at increase soil pH are considered when assessing a material’s liming value. The reaction of limestone particles within the soil depends largely on the soil pH and the material surface area... J. Jones, A. Mallarino |
74. What Can Long Term Experiments Provide for Improving Phosphorus and Potassium Management?Agricultural research utilizes both short-term and long-term experiments. Short-term experiments provide useful information on how a system is affected at the time of management changes, and evaluate short-term responses by the soil or crop. Agricultural systems are complex systems with multiple components that operate on different time scales of response, however. Therefore, the initial response of either the whole system or individual components may not necessarily indicate the direction or... A. Mallarino |
75. Chemistry of Soil Phosphorus - Agronomic and Environmental ImplicationsTo be available for uptake by crop plants or to stimulate algal growth in a eutrophic environment, P must in a dissolved form. Therefore, in the absence of soil erosion, chemical processes that can transfer phosphate ions from the soil solution to the solid phase can limit P bioavailability and mobility. These processes include exchange, adsorption, and precipitation reactions. This presentation focuses on how local fluctuations in soil water content, solution pH, redox potential, and dissolved... M. Thompson |
76. Improving Nitrogen Management in Dryland Winter Wheat Production in NebraskaWheat producers in Nebraska endured a significant loss in profit due to reduced grain protein in years that had wet springs such as in 2016 and 2017. Among many potential factors, soil nitrogen (N) is the most central factor that affects protein levels in wheat. To investigate the effect of N on wheat grain yield and protein content, field trials across the State were initiated in 2018. The specific objectives of the field study were to evaluate the effects of different N rates and application... |
77. Applying N to legume-containing summer annual forage mixturesSummer annual forages are costly to implement but can provide quality grazing when cool-season perennial forages are less productive. Increasing botanical diversity may increase system productivity, thereby improving economic efficiency. However, there is debate as to whether annual legumes supply associated grasses with fixed N, leading to uncertainty regarding N application rates to legume containing summer annual forage mixtures. This experiment supplied three summer annual forage treatments... K. Mercier, C. Teutsch, S. Smith, E. Ritchey, K. Burdine, E. Vanzant |
78. Sensor-Based Fertigation Management for Production-Scale ApplicationsFertigation, the practice of applying fertilizer through irrigation water, offers many benefits as an in-season nitrogen application technique for irrigated corn production systems. Most notably, fertigation offers growers the opportunity to make multiple applications throughout the growing season, including late season applications during corn reproductive growth stages. Growers have traditionally determined the timing and number of fertigation applications using visual observations, irrigation... J. Stansell |
79. Impact of Site-Specific Variability on the Effectiveness of Active Canopy Sensors for In-Season N Management in CornIn-season nitrogen (N) management in corn guided by active canopy sensors is often associated with higher yields, profit and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). However, these benefits could vary from field-to-field and year-to-year. These inconsistent relationships between technology and benefits represent a major challenge for increasing adoption of sensor-based N application in corn. Thus, a better understanding of which site-specific factors determine positive benefits from sensor-based N application... L. Puntel, J. Luck, L. Thompson |
80. Soil Health Indicators help with Fertilizer Application Decisions in South Dakota CornFertilizer inputs are an essential part of corn (Zea mays) cropping systems in the United States. In South Dakota, phosphorus and potassium yearly inputs are based on soil test nutrient levels and a yield goal while sulfur is based on soil texture and tillage practices. These 3 plant nutrients have a point called the “critical value” where addition of more of the nutrient as an inorganic fertilizer should no longer result in a yield increase. These fertilizer critical... B. Groebner, J. Clark |
81. Comparative Effects of Herbicide, Nitrogen Inhibitors and Nitrogen Source on Nitrification and Corn YieldNitrogen management in crops can be challenging due to nitrogen transformations and losses in soil, such as nitrification and denitrification. Nitrification is the conversion of ammonium (NH4+) to nitrate (NO3-) by ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB), Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter. Nitrates can be lost through leaching during heavy precipitation. Nitrification inhibitor products are used to temporarily slow the nitrification process by... W. Neels, A. Jhala, B. Maharjan, R. Little, J. Iqbal |
82. Elucidating How N Management Practices and Excess Water Conditions Affect Corn N Uptake and Grain YieldFlooding and waterlogging events have been more frequent in the Midwest region, causing corn yield penalty nitrogen losses through leaching and denitrification processes. Improving N fertilizer recommendations for areas prone to flood conditions is necessary to minimize N losses and optimize corn yield. This research aimed to determine how N application practices before and after waterlogging events impact corn growth and grain yield. A field experiment was initiated in 2021 in Custar, Ohio using... W. Novais, C.D. Sprunger, L.E. Lindsey, S. Khanal, O. Ortez, M. Mann, A. . Lindsey |
83. Promoting Adoption of Precision Nitrogen Management Technologies Through On-farm ResearchThe Nebraska On-Farm Research Network helps farmers evaluate products and practices that impact the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of their operations. There are many technologies that have potential to increase nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) on corn and winter wheat but typically these technologies have low adoption. At the same time, farmers have technologies such as GPS, yield monitors, and variable-rate application equipment on their farmers that enables them to easily conduct... L. Thompson, L. Puntel, T. Mieno, J. Iqbal, B. Maharjan, J. Luck, S. Norquest, J. Guilherme cesario pereira pinto, C. Uwineza |
84. Optimizing Nitrogen Management for Sustainable Production of Furrow-Irrigated Corn in Nebraska PanhandleLosses of nitrogen (N) via leaching to groundwater and greenhouse gas emissions pose an environmental and human health threat. The risk for environmental N losses, particularly nitrate leaching loss, is greater in furrow-irrigated fields than those under drip or sprinkler irrigation. Furrow irrigation accounts for 30% of total irrigated acres in Nebraska and approximately 36% in the US. However, much of the efforts for N management improvement are concentrated on sprinkler or drip systems. The... B. Maharjan, D. Ghimire |
85. Effects of Fertilizer Nitrogen Management on Biomass, Oil, and Nitrous Oxide Emissions in Peppermint in Nebraska PanhandlePeppermint (Mentha pipperita) is an aromatic perennial herb that contains aromatic oil, primarily menthol. Irrigated peppermint production requires large nitrogen (N) input, which is often higher than for irrigated corn. Therefore, if not managed properly, mint production has a high potential for N loss, including emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O). Nitrous oxide is a major greenhouse gas and also the single most important ozone-depleting emission. Increasing N2O emissions... S. De silva, B. Maharjan |
86. Revamping Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendations for MissouriMultiple nitrogen fertilizer rate decision tools have been developed over the years for recommending nitrogen to growers. These tools are based on mass balance equations with expected yield and yield goal, economically optimum nitrogen rate, preplant soil nitrate test, pre-sidedress and late spring soil nitrate test, plant tissue nitrogen, crop growth models, and canopy reflectance sensing. These tools rarely include biological nitrogen in the rate recommendations. Advances in soil health assessment... G. Singh , J.A. Lory, K.A. Nelson, M. Davis, L. Abendroth, G. Kaur, J. Calhoun, J. Chlapecka |