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1. A Systems Approach to High Yields, Efficiency and Profits in Corn, Wheat and Doublecropped Soybean RotationUsing a systems approach friendly to the environment, a three-crop/two-year no-till system has shown significiant yield increases in a three-year research project conducted at the Poplar Hill Research and Education Facility in Quantico, Maryland. In each case, corn, wheat, and doublecropped soybean yields exceeded average yields produced on Maryland's Delmarva Peninsula. Instrumental in producing these superior yields were enhanced fertility, supplemental water, and appropriate variety selection... |
2. Aglime for Corn and Soybean ProductionLiming acid agricultural soils has been a long-time proven practice to maintain/improve crop yields, particularly forage legumes, and to favorably affect soil chemical, biological and physical properties. Summaries of soil test results from the Iowa State University Soil Testing Laboratory for the past 35 years have shown a consistent 2 to 3 percent of soil samples with a soil pH below 5.5 and 14 to 16 percent with soil pH between 5.6 and 6.0. There has been an increasing percentage (from 21 to ... |
3. Agronomic Evaluations of MAP and DAPThe old issue of MAP vs DAP has resurfaced. Although the renewed interest in this issue stems from manufacturing considerations, it would seem appropriate at this point to review our current understanding of agronomic characteristics of these two materials. One of the last reviews done on this subject was part of a review of P sources written by Larry Murphy and presented at the 1979 North Central Extension Industry Soil Fertility Workshop entitled "MAP, DAP, Poly and Rock. The amount of new res... |
4. Ammonia Band Spacing Effects on Ammonium Persistence in the BandResults from four field experiments (1991 and 1992) showed that anhydrous ammonia (AA) concentration in the band increased NH4-N persistence in the Hord and Sharpsburg soils in 1992, but not in the Cass and Zook soils in 1991. In 1992, average half-life across both soils was increased from 14 days when applied in a 38 cm spacing to 66 days when applied in a 152 cm spacing (every other row) at the high application rate (224 kg N ha-'). A half-life of 66 days indicates 25% of the applied AA would ... |
5. Assessing Crop Nitrogen Needs with Chlorophyll MetersTissue testing of corn leaves for nitrogen (N) concentration is not widely used because it is easier and perhaps more economical to apply sufficient fertilizer than to risk a yield reduction because of an N deficiency. Environmental concerns related to N fertilizer will require producers to improve N management practices to reduce the potential for nitrate leaching. Applying fertilizer N on an "As Needed" basis rather than using a "Lump Sum" approach has both environmental and economic implicati... |
6. Best Management Practices for Nitrogen in MinnesotaAtrention to nirrogen (N) nlanagemerzt and to rhe influence of N on ground- rvarer qzraliry was significanrly enhanced in Minnesota wirh the passage of the Conlprehensive Groundwater Protection Acr in 1989. That legislative act mandated the fonnarion of u Nirrogen Fertilizer Task Force whose duty was ro study the eflecrs and impacrs on water resources fro,n N fenilizer use so rhar besr management practice (BMPs), a fenilizer managenlenr plan, and N fem'l- izer use regulations could be developed... |
7. Combining Nitrification Inhibitor TechnologiesTechniques exist for the partial control of nitrification, but few studies have determined the effectiveness of combining more than one technique. A series of experiments compared the nitrification rate of urea granules as influenced by granule size (0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 g/pellet) and dicyandiamide (DCD) addition (0, 1, 2, 5, and 10% of N) . A second series of experiments measured the interactive effects of DCD and ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) on nitrification of liquid fertilizers. Both experiments... |
8. Comparing the Performance of Preplant and Presidedress Soil Nitrate Tests for the North-Central RegionSoil nitrate (NO3-N) testing is a recommended best management practice (BMP) for adjusting corn N fertilization rates across the North-Central region. Several approaches to soil NO3-N testing are used and vary in both recommended time and depth of sampling (Hergert, 1987). Nitrate is very mobile in soil and is subject to either loss from leaching and denitrification or gain from net mineralization of crop residue and manure. The processes that govem nitrate accumulation in soils are most active ... |
9. Comparison of Mehlich-3, Olsen, and Bray-P1 Procedures for Phosphorus in Calcareous SoilsFertilizer recommendations for P generally are based on soil testing. Although a variety of soil tests are reliable for evaluating plant available P of neutral or slightly acid soils. there is still uncertainty about appropriate soil tests and soil-test interpretations for calcareous soils. The Bray-P 1 and Olsen methods are the most widely used soil-test P methods in the North Central region. Extensive research has shown that the Bray-P1 test is reliable on neutral or acid soils but that it ten... |
10. Corn Production as Affected by Daily Fertilization with Ammonium, Nitrate, and PhosphorusManipulation of N fertilization to control NH,+/NO,' ratios in the soil can affect corn (Zea mqs L.) growth and yield. Field study of these effects, however, has been difficult to conduct because nitrification of NH,+ andlor NO, leaching often occurs during the growing season. The objectives of this 4-year field experiment, were to investigate the effects of daily fertilization with various N sources and P on corn growth and yield. Pioneer 3343 was fertilized with solutions of urea (U), NH,CI, C... |
11. 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 rem... |
12. DAP vs MAP Manufacturing/Marketing ImplicationsOver the past several years, discussions on the suitability of monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) as P sources for crop production have been common. In addition to agronomic principles, these discussions have often focused on what the future holds on the availability of these two materials in the marketplace. This discussion will deal with manufacturing and marketing influences on future availability/use, while agronomic comparisons will be made elsewhere. To some, phosp... |
13. Economic Perspective on Variable Rate FertilizationSoils form a continuum across every farmer's field, constantly changing in both physical and chemical characteristics. Sometimes these changes are visible; sometimes they are completely masked to the eye. Variables such as organic matter, water-holding capacity, pH, and soil nutrient levels differ, and combined, they affect crop yield goals. In either case, these differences should result in different management practices, including fertilizer applications, being recommended for different soils ... |
14. Effect of Date of Planting on Method of P Performance for Winter WheatSeed and knifed P (dual placement) have usually performed similarly on winter wheat (Triticum aestiviuum L.), but in some years seed applications have been found to be superior to knifed P. Three winter wheat experiments were established on low available P soils in southeast Nebraska to study the effect of date seeding on seed and knifed P (dual placement) performance. Three rates of P (11, 22, and 33 kg P ha-') were seed and knife applied on three seeding dates in 1987. Data indicated that the ... |
15. Effect of NBPT-Amended Urea and UAN on No-till Corn in Northern IllinoisField evaluations of the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) have been extensively conducted across the USA with encouraging results. Most response data collected to date has been with corn. In this report results from 7 'years of experiments at two southern Illinois locations (Belleville and Carbondale) are presented. NBPT addition to broadcast-placed urea, when evaluated across N rates and locations, gave no- till corn yield increases averaging 8.4 bulac in 13 experimen... |
16. Effects of Residue Density, Strip Tillage, and Starter K on No-till Corn Grown in Wheat StubbleField studies were conducted in 1992 to 1994 at 2 locations in southern Illinois to evaluate the influence of wheat straw residue density and stl-ip-tillage vs no-tillage on corn growth and yield. Corn growth and resultant yield is frequently reported by producers to Se depressed in the residues of a previous wheat crop. Allelopatliy is thought to be at least partially involved. The objective of the research was to evaluate straw level (removed, remain non-modif ied, and doubled), strip tillage,... |
17. Effects of Residue Management on Fertilizer use Efficiency on Corn in the Western Corn BeltInterest in residue management began in parts of the Great Plains following the "dirty thirties" when the government responded to wind and water erosion problems by creating the Soil Conservation Service. Stubble mulch in winter wheat production areas evolved into no-till as herbicides becan~e available. Interest in limited or no till systems in the Corn Belt began in the 1950's. Higher residue levels are required to reduce erosion while maintaining soil productivity but an additional reason is ... |
18. Evaluation of Soil Profile NO3-N for Prediction of N Fertilizer RequirementsCurrent N recommendation systems based on yield goal with adjustment for previous legume crop or manure applications have worked well in many situations. In the example given in Table 1, multiplying the 8 year average yield times 1.2 lb N/bushel would result in a recommendation within 20 Ibs N/acre of the optimum in 6 of the 8 years. As expected, this system resulted in significant over recommendation in the 1988 and 1989 drought years. While these results provide confidence that the system wor... |
19. Fertilizer use in the Future- A University PerspectiveOver the last few years, several agrodc, economic, political, environmental and sociological trends have begun to eruerge which will significantly affect fertilizer use in the next decade and perhaps beyond. The wide-spread use of fertilizers is a relatively recent developmt. Over the past 40 years, farmers repeatedly saw the benefits of fertilizer applications and developed a faith in their need. Hwever, the 1990's are not the 1950's. As point& out by Dean L. M. Walsh in a recent paper in Deale... |
20. Field Scale Fertilizer Recommendations and Spatial VariabilityFertilizer is usually applied at a single constant rate across a field. However, soil fertility may vary considerably within a field. Soil test calibrations (ie recommended fertilizer versus soil test ) are usually obtained from sites with low spatial variability of soil test values (ex. small plots ). These calibrations are then assumed to be valid for large fields with variable soil fertility. The effects of variable soil fertility on the relationship between average crop yield response, avera... |
21. Foliar Fertilization of Soybeans in MissouriSoybeans may benefit from foliar fertilization during the reproductive phase of growth. Foliar fertilizers consisting of factorial combinations of boron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus were applied to soybeans every other week for eight weeks beginning at flowering at three locations. The foliar fertilization treatment containing B+Mg (1.0 lb/acre B + 2.0 lb/acre Mg total) and split into four applications at Mt. Vernon and the Delta Center increased yields by 8 and 4 bulacre, respectively. Th... |
22. Forage Quality Management- A Key to Successful Cattle Nutrition ProgramsIn 1992, the USDA reported 59.6 million acres were harvested for hay with an average yield per acre of 2.5 ton per acre. These values gave a projected total yield of 149.1 million tons of harvested hay. Using an average market price of $72.10 per ton, total value of hay produced exceeded 10.5 billion dollars. Also in 1992, alfalfa production represented over 50 percent of the forage harvested with 79.6 million tons produced. In addition to stored forage. pasture is also a significant source of f... |
23. Ground Water Quality Research and Demonstration Projects in NebraskaTwo projects were initiated in Nebraska in 1990 to address concern with increasing levels of nitrate in ground water as part of USDA's Water Quality Initiative. The Nebraska Management Systems Evaluation Area (MSEA) Water Quality Project is a joint effort of USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and University of Nebraska-Lincoln scientists. One phase of the project is investigating the direct impact of four management systems on ground water quality. Another phase of the project is evaluatin... |
24. Hybrid and Potash Effects on Root Growth in Ridge-till CornPotassium deficiency symptoms often appear in ridge-till and no-till corn even when soil test values for potassium are high. Certain hybrids are morc sensitive to the problem than others. Two techniques were used to assess root activity arid density in a three year experiment at the West Central Experiment Station, Morris, MN. We compared two tillage systems (fall chisel and ridge till). two hybrids (Pioneer 3732 and 3737) and three fertilizer treatments (control and 40 IbIA banded or broadcast ... |
25. Impact of Excess Water on N LossThe impact of excess soil water on N use efficiency by corn was evaluated over several years at four locations in Illinois. At each location, 0, 4, or 6 inches of water was applied in late May to soils that were at field capacity. Prior to the addition of the excess water, potassium nitrate was applied at rates ranging from 0 to 200 Ib Nlacre. On medium to heavy textured soils, the number of days when soil moisture was at saturation provided a good estimate of the magnitude of N loss. Yields we... |
26. 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 Meisinge... |
27. Influence of Potassium, Sulfur, and Zinc Fertilizer on Corn and Soybean Grown on High Tetsing SoilThe influence of potassium, sulfur and zinc fertilizer on corn and soybean yields grown on high testing soils was studied at two locations in Eastern South Dakota over a period of six years. Treatments were 50 Ibla K,O, 25 Ibla sulfur and 5 Ib/a zinc. The treatments were applied to the same plots at each location every year. Soil test levels were in the high range for all elements in question and additional nutrients would not have been recommended by the South Dakota State University Soil Testi... |
28. Influence of Water Treatment Lime Sludge on Soil pH and Crop YieldsSoil pH levels are decreasing in extreme Eastern South Dakota. To test the effectiveness of water treatment lime sludge in raising soil pH and crop yields, a liming study was established at four locations with pH levels of 5.7 or less. The lime sludge applied at 3 tons per acre raised soil pH to neutral and maintained it at neutral for the 4 year duration of the study. Crops grown at the various sites included soybeans, corn, spring wheat, winter wheat and forage sorghum. Although there was a t... |
29. Integrated Farm Management Demonstration Program in IowaThe Integrated Farm Management (IFM) Demonstration Program was established by the landmark 1987 Iowa Groundwater Protection Act. The five-year program, funded through 1992, is a cooperative effort involving various state agencies, Iowa State University and Iowa farmers. The program coordinators, many of whom are Iowa State Extension Service staff and scientists, work with farmers to help them implement best available technology that protects the environment and conserves energy. The goal of the ... |
30. 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 us... |
31. Manure Brokerage in OhioIn Ohio there are several counties where annual manure production exceeds the requirements of all crops grown in the county. Poor distribution of this manure has created instances where soils have become overloaded with phosphorus, contributing to the phosphorus load of surface waters and creating the potential for long term release of phosphorus into states waters. Nitrogen also becomes an environmental concern as excess nutrient loads are placed on soils, nitrogen is found leaching through til... |
32. Michigan Right-to-Farm- Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Nutrient UtilizationThe following is a summary of Michigan's Right-To-Farm nutrient management practices. These practices were adopted by the Michigan Agricultural Con~mission in January of 1993. Crop producers who voluntarily follow these practices are provided protection from public nuisance disputes under Michigan Public Act 93 of 1981 as amended, The Right-To-Farm Act, Michigan Department of Agriculture. A complete copy of the Right-To-Farm document may be obtained by writing to Robert Craig. Michigan Departmen... |
33. Missouri Grid Soil Sampling ProjectA grid soil sampling project has been conducted over the past three years in S.E. htissouri for creating a database to provide for variable fertilizer application within fields. Results have shown widely varying soil test levels in excess of 100% variation for P and K. Gross returns to variable spreading of P and K are estimated using an expected soil test and nutrient response function. As may be anticipated, returns to variable fertilization application within a field are also highly variable... |
34. Nitrate Soil Testing Correlation and Calibration Eastern Corn BeltCurrent economic and environmental concerns have increased the interest in developing methods to help manage nitrogen (N) fertilizers as efficiently as possible. There is a concern that fertilizer N that remains in the soil following harvest may be leaching below the root zone of crops and eventually ending up in groundwater. Agronomists throughout the corn belt are actively evaluating methods to manage N fertilizer as efficiently as possible.... |
35. Nitrate Testing ClinicsThirty-eight nitrate testing clinics were held in 36 Michigan counties in the spring of 1989. A mobile testing van was equipped for nitrate analysis of soil and water samples. Over 2,200 soil samples and 1500 water samples were analyzed for nitrate N using the nitrate ion-specific electrode. More than 50 percent of the soil samples . contained less than 30 lb of nitrate N in the surface two feet. Only 35 percent of the 1,100 fields were given a nitrogen credit based on the residual nitrate test.... |
36. Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization of Cool Season GrassStudies were initiated at two locations on cool season grass in central South Dakota to evaluate the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus on forage and seed yields. Nitrogen rates (0,30,60,90,120,1501b Nacre) and phosphorus rates (0,30,60,90,180 Ib P,Odacre) were applied to established crested or intermediate wheatgrass once and harvested for either two or three years depending on location. Nitrogen increased dry matter yield by 48 and 62% at the two locations and seed yield by 166 percent. Phosph... |
37. Nitrogen and Water ManagementIt is difficult to separate N and water management when developing improved management systems for irrigated corn production. This is because adequate supplies of both N and water are critical for crop growth, but excesses of either or both can threaten ground water quality. Several N and water management systems were established at the Nebraska Management Systems Evaluation Area (MSEA) project to evaluate the impact of improved irrigation and N fertilizer management practices on production and... |
38. Nitrogen Management for Cool Season Grass ProductionStudies were initiated in 1985 on established smooth bromegrass and tall fescue to evaluate urea granule size effects on forage production and quality. Other work, evaluating N source by previous source effects and UAN placement methods and the addition of ATS, was conducted on established smooth bromegrass. Nitroger1 rates were also evaluated in all these studies, and the addition of N significantly increased forage yields and N concentrations in each study. Use of large (1.0g) urea granules pr... |
39. Nitrogen Management for Profitability and Groundwater ProtectionSugarbeet production practices have changed drastically in the last two decades in Minnesota and North Dakota. Changes in grower payment systems mandated change to production of high sugar content low impurity level beets. Development, refinement and extensive use of the soil nitrate-N test in concert with the sugar company quality payment program resulted in greatly reduced N fertilizer use while increasing crop yield and quality.... |
40. Nitrogen Management for Winter Wheat in MissouriEight site years of data have been collected to evaluate nitrogen rate and timing for intensively managed winter wheat in Missouri. Variables have included rates up 160 lbs N per acre applied as all fall, all spring, or split in a fall and spring or fall plus two spring applications. Results have pointed to the split applications of rates at 80 to 120 lbs N per acre as providing greatest consistency and economic return to the grower. Maximum yield has generally been obtained with the 3 way split... |
41. Nitrogen Soil Test for Corn in OntarioIt is generally believed that for high yielding crops such as corn. the N requirements are much larger than variations in the N supplying capacity of soil. In Ontario, fertilizer N recommendations are based on the requirements of the crop and, for some crops, the expected yield goal. Nitrogen credits are given for past management such as manure application and legumes in rotation. The credits are deducted from the economic rate of N. In a recent analysis of all existing fertilizer N crop respon... |
42. Nitrogen Source Affects Manganese Nutrition of No Till CornA study evaluating response of no-till continuous corn to different rates of N as injected anhydrous ammonia and broadcasted urea-ammonium nitrate solution (UAN) was conducted on a Canfield silt loam near Wooster, Ohio. Repeated use of anhydrous ammonia on this naturally acid soil resulted in relatively large concentrations of Mn (often > 200 ug/g) in corn plant ear leaves at silking. Ear leaf Mn concentrations were less when UAN was used. For both N source treatments, ear leaf Mn concentrations... |
43. Nitrogen Test Development Soil N Levels in 1989The developnent of a N test that can be used for fertilizer recamrendations of corn in the eastern areas of Minnesota is needed for environmental and econcmic reasons. A multi-site project was initiated in 1989 to extensively examine soil sampling time and depth as well as N forms in the soil. This will then enable statistical models to be develaped using one or mre of the variables. A subset of the entire project is reported--concentrating on the sites allowing the calibration of the soil N tes... |
44. North Central Regional Nitrate Soil Testing ProjectAlthough preplant soil nitrate (NO -N) tests have a long history of 3 successful use in semi-arid regions of the Western and Great Plains region of the United States (Hergert, 1987), soil NO -N testing in humid 3 regions is currently receiving substantial research attention. One of the most promising approaches to KO testing in the higher rainfall areas 3 of the Midwest and Eastern states is use of the pre-sidedress soil NO test (PSNT) (Magdoff et al., 1984). Research conducted in the humid 3 re... |
45. Nutrient Management and Starter Fertilizer for No-till CornNo-till corn acreage has steadily increased in Illinois. No-till presents unique problems of nutrient stratification, increased surface residue, and cool, wet soils which may influence nutrient availability. Two experiments were initiated in 1993 at 4 locations to evaluate the response of no-till corn to: 1) primary N applications of anhydrous ammonia preplant, UAN broadcast preplant, and ammonia sidedressed at V6; 2) starter fertilizers with factorial combinations of N, P, and K banded 2 inches... |
46. Nutrient Management Following CRP- Concerns and On-Going ProjectsThe future of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is uncertain as this paper is being prepared, however, most agree that at some point a significant acreage currently in CRP will be brought back into production. The peak of contract expirations for the 36 million acres of CRP will occur in the fall of 1996 with the first contracts originally due to expire in 1995 (Figure 1). Many of the Northcentral states have substantial CRP acreage's making post-CRP management an important topic for this r... |
47. 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... |
48. Overview of Soil Fertility Research in Ontario, 1991The major areas of focus in soil fertility research at the Department of Land Resource Science, University of Guelph over the past year have concerned increased nuhent use efficiency and environmental impact. These studies have examined the development of nitrogen soil test for corn, nitrate movement to groundwater, the fate of manure N, the placement of phosphorus fertilizer and the role of VA mycorrhizae in plant phosphorus numtion. The following is a summary of the projects being conducted in... |
49. Pass--An Improved System for Combining Dris and Sufficiency Range Approaches to Plant AnalysisThe University of Wisconsin Soil & Plant Analysis Lab (UW-Lab) includes both the Sufficiency Range (SR) and the Diagnosis and Recommendations Lntegrated System (DRIS) interpretations in plant analysis reports. The UW-Lab added the DRIS to its routine plant analysis program in 1992. Soon after its introduction, the DRIS appeared to be diagnosing Ca as yield-limiting in many cases where the SR interpreted Ca as sufficient. The DRIS diagnosis of Ca as deficient also contradicted previous research w... |
50. Phosphorous Management for Wheat ProductionProfitable wheat production depends on many factors, including a sound phosphorus (P) management program. Except for sunlight and water, soil fertility generally represents the most limiting factor in crop yields. Even with perfect weather and climatic conditions, a farmer that does everything right except to meet the nutrient needs of the crop will never reach optimum yield potential. Water, N, and P are generally the dominant yield limiting factors for wheat in the United States. Potassium, S,... |
51. Phosphorus Placement and Tillage Effects on Corn and Soil P LevelsIncreasing crop production costs have producers scrambling to gain the greatest efficiency possible from added fertilizers. A field study was conducted at two locations in southern Illinois is assess the effect of phosphorus (P) rates and placement methods on yield and P uptake by corn under no-till (NT) and conventional (chisel and disk) tillage (CT) systems. Phosphorus rates consisted of 0, 20, and 40 pounds P205/Ac with placement methods of surface broadcast, dribble and 2x2 at planting. Afte... |
52. Planting Equipment for No-tillPlanters or drills have to cut and handle the residue, penetrate the soil to desired seeding depth, and establish proper seed-to-soil contact. Keeping these three items in mind, a producer can evaluate the strengths or weaknesses of any piece of planting equipment and make any adjustments or changes necessary to make no-till planting successful. Fortunately. most currently available planters and drills can be used for no-till with few, if any, modifications. In the early days of no-till, produce... |
53. Predicting Subsoil Nitrate Content from Surface MeasurementsPreplant soil profile nitrate (NO,-N) tests are effective for I predicting corn (Zea mays L.) responsk to applied N. The difficulty of obtaining profile soil samples is one of the main obstacles to more extensive use of preplant tests. One approach to overcoming this barrier is to develop and use models to predict subsoil NO -N contents 3 from surface soil NO -N measurements. Data from 2295 routlne field 3 samples submitted to the University of Wisconsin Soil and Plant Analysis Laboratory from 1... |
54. Preparing for No-till Planting into CRP LandAs CRP contracts expire, many producers are considering bringing the land back into crop production. In order to conserve soil and water, and to keep the soil building benefits of idling the land for ten years, no-till is the best production system to use. Tillage will destroy the soil structure that has built up from the freeze-thaw and wetting-drying cycles. In addition, it will plant surface weed seeds and stimulate seeds which have been buried for the last ten years. Tillage will also fluff ... |
55. Real-Time Soil Nitrate SensingIon-selective field effect transistors (ISFETs) have inherent features such as small dimensions. low output impedance. high signal-to-noise ratio, low sample volumes and the potential for mass production, which are required for a real time soil sensor. However, ISFETs have the disadvantage of long-term drift, which is diminished by the use of a Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) system. In fact, FIA and ISFETs are complementary since the small sample volumes and rapid response of ISFETs allow the mi... |
56. Reducing the Severity of Phyophthora Root Rot Damage in Soybeans with Selected Management OptionsPhytophthora root rot of soybeans (PRR) is a major concern for soybean growers in south-central and southeastern Minnesota, where it can be responsible for major yield reductions. In these regions, PRR is generally a serious problem when soybeans are grown on poorly drained soils and/or there is a moderate amount of rainfall within 2 to 3 days of planting. Previous research has shown that PRR causes a reduction in the number of harvestable plants per acre and this is the major contributing facto... |
57. Regionalizing Fertilizer Recommendations for North Dakota, South Dakota, and Western MinnesotaFertilizer recommendations have varied between adjacent states. The inconsistencies at state lines made educational efforts in soil fertility more difficult for companies doing business across state lines. In an effort to alleviate these problems, the agronomists working with fertilizer calibration data and recommendations from the three states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota put together a recommendation system which could be used in a large part of all three states. The basic "core... |
58. Regionalizing Nutrient Recommendations Indiana- Ohio- MichiganWHY THE INTEREST IN REGIONALIZE CROP NUTRIENT RECOMMENDATIONS ? 1) Wide variations in recommendations made to farmers by who makes them. a) by fertilizer dealers or sellers of product b) by llunbiasu consultants c) by soil testing labs d) by Universities e) by other governmental agencies 2) Philosophies are different in "What is best for Mr. Farmeru a) Sufficiency Level of Fertilization - "Feed the Cropw b) Build-up & Maintenance - "Feed the Soilt1 c) Cation Balance Method - "Keep everything in ... |
59. Residual Soil NO3 N Variability Sampling Interpretation and Effect on Corn YieldResidual nitrate-N (NO3-N) in the soil profile (crop root zone) is seldom uniformly distributed. There is lateral as well as vertical variability. Numerous factors influence variability. Some of them are: 1) any factor that influences water movement through the soil such as - soil texture, compacted zone, topography and water distribution under irrigation - 2) previous crop, 3) fertilizer history (organic and inorganic sources) and 4) sampling time - caused primarily by factors influencing miner... |
60. Residue Management Systems in the Northern Corn Beltn the northern corn belt (Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota) it is very important to minimize negative effects of crop residue (stand establishment and phenology). Soil cover in the row by crop residue (corn, small grain, or soybean residues) should be less than 10% in a strip 6 to 8 inches wide for corn. Mineralization of organic N sources such as legume residues, soil organic matter, and manure is reduced with systems that eliminate full width deep tillage such as ridge till, no till, or shal... |
61. Response of No-till Corn to Urease Inhibitors and Placement of N SourcesN(n-buty1)thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) and ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) were investigated as urease inhibitors when added to urea and urea-containing N sources and applied to no- ill corn. Significant - f yield increases, some in excess of 20 bu ac , were observed with NBPT treatment of the N fertilizers. Lack of a yield response from NBPT, when it occurred, was usually associated with a rain event of major proportions soon after fertilizer application. ATS showed considerably less promise as a ... |
62. Returning Conservation Reserve Program Land to Crop Production: Weed Management ConsiderationsThe conservation reserve program (CRP) was formulated in the 1985 Food Security Act and established to help prevent soil erosion on more than one third of the crop acres in the United States (USDA, 1986). Soil erosion represents the greatest threat in agriculture to the environment. Nationally, an estimated 750,000,000 tons of soil have been conserved as a result of CRP representing an estimated annual savings of $2 billion in off-farm clearing of eroded soil. Other benefits of CRP wildlife enha... |
63. Seed Inoculations and Nitrogen Fertilizer Trials with SoybeansCurrently there is a lot of interest in soybean seed inoculation. There are some new products on the market that are creating renewed interest in seed inoculation even on fields that have a history of soybean production. Some of the new inoculants have claims for higher potency, new and better strains of Rhizobium. higher numbers of Rlzizobiurn per gram of material, sterilized peat media, seed sticker additions and etc. Many companies are beginning to pay more attention to storage and handling o... |
64. Selected Soil Chemical Properties and Corn Grain Yield Under Different Manure SystemsThe Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship estimated 1987 farm animal populations to be 4.6 million cattle and calves and 13.8 million hogs and pigs (26% of the nation's hogs). The animals produced about 141,987 tons of plant available N if 50% of the excreted N is available the first year of application. This amounts to 22 lb of N for every corn acre in Iowa. Most of the livestock operations are intensive with high populations of animals on a sniall land area. Nutrients in feed are... |
65. Site-Specific Management of N Fertilization in OntarioSignificant within field variability of soil properties, such as soil fertility, and plant growth have been well docome~ited. Standard soil testing practices and fertilizer recommendations which enco~npass an average soil test value for a field and a constant rate of fertilization will obviously result in certain areas of a field being either over or under fertilized. As indicated by Kachanoski and Fairchild (1995), for a single (constant) rate of fertilizer application, reconimendations based o... |
66. Site-Specific Management Research in MIssouri- Swamped in Spatial DataWith a maturing GPS technology, we have over the past couple of years become very enamored with producing maps on crop production fields. It wasn't long ago that the only map available was the soil map from county soil surveys. Continued sensor development and aerial photography and sensing, along with decreasing costs to store and manipulate spatial data, will mean that in the future measuring and mapping data will be the rule. There have been a lot questions raised regarding the minimum amount... |
67. Site-Specific Research in North DakotaSite specific fertilizer application is currently being practiced in the Red River Valley of North Dakota/Minnesota A study has been initiated to determine sampling practices suitable for North Dakota producers using sitespecific farming both within and west of the valley. Two forty acre fields were sampled in 1994 in a 110 ft. grid, separating each sample into 0-6" and 6-24" subsamples. Smaller grid sizes were also obtained at 10 and 2 ft. grid distances in selected areas of each field. Nitrate... |
68. Starter Fertilizer Interactions with Corn HybridsThe objective of this study was to evaluate the response of corn hybrids grown in a dryland, no-tillage production system on a soil high in available phosphorus to starter fertilizer. Treatments were corn hybrids (5 in 1993 and 6 in 1994) grown with or without starter fertilizer. Starter fertilizer (30 Ib N and 30 Ib P,O,) was applied 2 inches to the side and 2 inches below the seed at planting. Nitrogen was balanced on all plots to give a total of 180 IbIA. Bray-I P level in the experimental ar... |
69. Starter N and P Effects on Early Maturing Corn Planted EarlyShort-season corn planted early is a water-use management option being investigated in the central plains states. This study was conducted in an attempt to determine optimum starter N and P fertilizer rates and to compare subsurface banded versus surface applications of P for short-season corn planted early. Each location had a 3x3 factorial arrangement of N and P (0, 20 and 40 lbs N or P205/acre) placed 2 inches below and beside the seed as well as one or both application methods of surface bro... |
70. Studies of Agricultural Effects on Groundwater Quality in KentuckySeveral small watersheds and tiled fields have been selected in Kentucky to assess the influence of agricultural practices on groundwater quality. Sites were selected to represent the dominant agricultural systems used in the most agriculturally important areas of the state. Within each study site, water samples from springs, wells, streams, or tile lines are being sampled monthly to monitor content of N03-N, atrazine. alachlor, and fecal bacteria. Although sampling will continue for at least an... |
71. 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 followi... |
72. The Conservation Reserve Program- Changes on the HorizonTen years ago, Congress passed the foundation of current conservation programs--the Food Security Act of 1985. Today, one program in particular, has exceeded many peoples' expectations. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) yas designed to take 40 - 45 million acres of highly erodible cropland out of production for a 10 - 15 year period. As the first CRP contracts begin to expire, Congress and the Administration are grappling with the program's future in the context of the 1995 farm bill. Will ... |
73. The Effect of Tillage and Soil Test and Applied K on Corn and Soybean ProductionThe buildup-maintenance fertility concept for P and K has a strong theoretical basis, but much of the research from which it was derived was not designed to accurately determine the true maintenance requirement. Most of that research was confounded by an annual application at set rates irrespective of yield obtained. Experience in recent years has shown that on some soils the K soil test has not consistently accounted for past additions of fertilizer. In addition, applications equivalent to crop... |
74. The Nitrate Soil Test in South DakotaThe nitrate nitrogen soil test has been used for more than 15 years for making nitrogen fertilizer recommendations in South Dakota. Minimal leaching and denitrification due to a relatively dry climate has helped make this test a good predictor of nitrogen fertilizer needs. The test and nitrogen recommendation system is based on a two foot deep soil sample and a calibrated nitrogen requirement for common crops grown in South Dakota (Table 1). Extensive field plot data shows that the two foot deep... |
75. The Soil Doctor- A Field TrialThe growing environmental concerns of the nation are causing some changes in production agriculture. One of the environmental areas receiving attention is NO,-N in the ground water. A number of universities and private companies have directed attention to this problem. The pre-sidedress nitrate test is the most common approach to reducing excess nitrogen application on corn in the humid eastern U.S. Several researchers have developed systems to use this test. Fields are sampled to a foot depth w... |
76. The State of the Art StartersInterest in reduced tillage has caused a resurgence in the use of starter fertilizer. Starter fertilizer research has been conducted on many crops across the country. The purpose of this paper is to highlight recent research on a variety of crops including corn. cotton, sorghum, soybean, canola, sugar beet, and potato. Increased yields from starter fertilizers are common in low P soils and several factors may lead to increased yields even when soil P and K levels are high. Geographic trends in y... |
77. Trapping Function of Grassed FiltersThe potential to contaminate rivers, streams, and other natural water bodies with sediment, nutrients, pesticides and bacteria in runoff from agricultural land is a very important water quality issue. Conservation tillage has proven to be effective in decreasing soil exposure to rainfall, thus decreasing water runoff and erosion potential. Vegetative filters slow down runoff that allows sediment, nutrients, pesticides and bacteria to be deposited. Combining conservation tillage with vegetative f... |
78. Update on the Certified Crop Adviser-CCA-ProgramThe Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) program implemented by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) and the American Registry for Certified Professionals in Agronomy, Crops; and Soils (ARCPACS) through the cooperation of various state and regional boards will soon begin its second year. To date approximately 2100 people have taken the state and/or national exams and are in the process of completing the other requirements for certification. Several new state or multi-state CCA Boards have been organiz... |
79. Use of A Wheat Cover Crop to Trap Residual Soil N for No-till CornIn continued work on long-term no-till plots, wheat was tested as a winter cover crop to determine how much carryover soil N it would accumulate from the preceding no-till corn crop and make available to the successive no-till corn crop. Wheat biomass at time of planting no-till corn was about 1.7 times greater following 240 lbs N/A on the preceding corn than following 80 lbs N/A. However, maximum wheat biomass was only about 1 T/A, and contained only 15 lbs N/A more than wheat grown following c... |
80. Using High-Tech Media Tools to Transfer the Principals of System Research to FarmersBeginning in 1981, research and extension personnel at Virginia Tech and the University of Maryland formed Intensive Wheat Management Teams. Over the next six years these Teams developed a higher yielding, more profitable and environmentally superior soft red winter wheat production system. Yields greater than 100 bu/a were achieved every year. This was at a time when average wheat yields were in the 40 bu/a range (Table 1). Intensive wheat research continues today to refine and update the syste... |
81. 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 ho... |
82. What Grid Cell Size is Best for P and K Soil Testing in MinnesotaA study to evaluate the best grid cell size and best soil san~ple system for immobile nutrients was conducted in South-Central Minnesota from 1993 to 1995. A corn/soybean cropping system was used. The soils at the research sites were formed in glacial till. Three grid cell sizes, 60 x 60 ft., 180 x 180 ft., and 300 x 300 ft. were evaluated. The sampling patterns included a mid-plot sample, a 60 x 60 ft. grid all-point pattern. and five to nine sample pattern. The smaller the grid cell the better... |