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1. Is Cover Crop Species Mixture and Diversity More Important at Building Soil Health than Shoot Biomass in a Semi-arid Region?Cover crop mixtures (CCMs) as partial fallow replacements have the potential to increase soil health, yet long-term studies on CCMs, especially in semi-arid environments are relatively rare. An eight-year study at two locations in semi-arid Montana sought to evaluate the effect of functional group (N fixer, tap roots, fibrous roots, brassicacae) and species richness (2, 6, and 8 species in a mix) on a range of biological, physical and chemical soil parameters. Although several soil health... P. Miller, C. Jones, C. Zabinski, K. D'agati, M. Housman, S. Tallman |
2. Refining Nitrogen Management for Organic Broccoli ProductionSpecialty organic fertilizers used in organic vegetable production are expensive. So, from environmental and economic perspectives, growers want to maximize nitrogen (N) fertilizer use efficiency by the crop. This research was conducted to (1) determine sufficient N fertilizer rates for organic broccoli, (2) evaluate the efficacy of a specialty organic fertilizer (feather meal; 12-0-0), and (3) confirm the effectiveness of midseason soil nitrate analyses (0-30 cm) in determining appropriate sidedress... D. Sullivan, R.E. Peachey, A. Donaldson |
3. Soil Diversity and Agricultural Adaptation Across MicronesiaMicronesia, a sub-region of Oceania, comprises approximately 2,100 small islands belonging to five sovereign nations scattered across 2.9 million square miles of the Western Pacific. A majority of the islands are low-lying, sandy coralatolls, but high volcanic islands and raised limestone islands are major population centers in the region. Palau, in the west, was first settled by seafaring peoples as early as 4000-4500 BP and the colonization of Marshall Islands at the eastern edge... J. Deenik |
4. Paying Attention to Root Traits for the Effective Use of Water and NutrientsRoots are the main organ for water and nutrient uptake, and more research on root responses to their surrounding environment would help develop novel management strategies to increase agricultural sustainability. Increasing the effective use of resources to reduce environmental impact as we meet the increasing demands for food, fiber and fuel is a priority. Root systems have a key role on this effort. In this session, we will explore how roots respond to abiotic stress, and how root... F. Barrios masias |
5. Belowground Ecological Interactions For Improved Plant Health, Nutrition And Environmental Quality In Agricultural ProductionPlant roots are in constant interaction with the myriad of organisms that inhabit the soil. Microbe-root associations are important for a plant’s successful establishment in an environment as they directly or indirectly support nutrient cycling, nutrient uptake and defense from abiotic and biotic stressors. Therefore, managing these interactions offers a great opportunity for improving the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production by improving plant nutrient uptake,... C. Lazcano, E. Boyd |
6. Nebraska Nitrogen Management Present and FutureUniversity of Nebraska faculty have been refining their N rate recommendation procedure since the 1970s. At that time, they introduced a procedure for predicting soil nitrate-N availability and effect on subsequent corn N needs. In the 1990’s this procedure was refined based on 81 state wide N rate experiments. In 2003-2006 it was re-confirmed with 32 state wide irrigated corn trials. The current algorithm is the following: N need (lb/ac) = [35 + (1.2 x EY) - (8 x NO3- N ppm) - (0.14 x EY... C. Shapiro, R. Ferguson, C. Wortmann, T. Shaver, B. Krienke, G. Hergert, B. Maharjan |
7. Test Driving a New Nrcs Nutrient Budget Calculator for Nutrient Management Planning in CaliforniaIn executing its mission to aid landowners in making conservation improvements, the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) assists landowners in identifying their operation’s potential risks to natural resources, if any. For assessing a cropland producer’s nutrient management, determining whether their nutrient applications rates might be considered excessive or has a potential to load up soil levels is key. However, NRCS does not make prescriptive nutrient... B. Gale, Z. Kabir |
8. Soil Management Assessment Framework Use for Identifying Soil Quality Changes in Irrigated AgricultureThe 820 km2 Twin Falls (Idaho) irrigation tract is part of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP). Furrow irrigation was initiated in the early 1900s but, since the 1990s, the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and other specialty projects have resulted in conversion of approximately 40% of the irrigation tract area to sprinkler irrigation. Most past CEAP research has focused on water quantity and quality, effects... J. Ippolito, D. Bjorneberg, D. Stott, D. Karlen |
9. Preliminary Assessment of the Solvita-CO2 Test in Characterizing Management Effects on Soil Biological Activity in Some Soils of HawaiiThe health of agricultural soils depends to a great degree on management practices that promote soil organic matter accumulation. While total soil organic carbon (C) is the standard measure of soil organic matter, it changes slowly and does not provide a sensitive enough test to assess short term management effects on soil health. However, a key indicator of healthy soil is potential biological activity, which can be measured rapidly with soil testing via short-term carbon (C) mineralization following... J. Deenik, M. Loo |
10. Precision Sensing for Improved Wheat ProductionImproving nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) from current 35-40% is important for growers’ sustainability and environmental quality. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are proposed as an alternative to traditional field scouting for making crop management decisions. Precision sensors and cameras mounted on the UAVs provide high quality images which can be used to make fertilizer recommendations in-season based on crop nutrient status. A study was conducted at 5 locations in Southern Idaho in... O. Walsh, J. Marshall, J. Mcclintick-chess, S. Blanscet, C. Jackson |
11. Plant Available Silicon Application in Winter WheatMany studies throughout the world has shown that various crops have positively responded to silicon (Si) application in terms of plant health, nutrient uptake, yield, and quality. The study’ objective was to evaluate the effect of Si application rate and time on winter wheat growth and development, grain yield and grain quality. Results suggest that application of plant available silicon at 50% rate at either emergence or Feekes 5 appears to be more advantageous in terms of winter wheat... O. Walsh, J. Mcclintick-chess, S. Blanscet |
12. Response of Spring Wheat to Varied Nitrogen and Water ApplicationsThis study’s objectives were to 1) determine the minimum N and water requirements for optimum wheat grain yield and quality; 2) develop a sensor- based system for identifying – and distinguishing between – N and water stress; 3) produce grower recommendations based on the developed model; and 4) improve grower adoption of efficient water and N application practices and enhance grower understanding of sensor-based technologies. This was the first year of the study, project will... O. Walsh, J. Torrion, X. Liang, J. Mcclintick, S. Blanscet |
13. Phytomanagement of Soluble Selenium and Production of Biofuel and Biofortified New ProductsIn many areas of the western US, excessive concentrations of soluble selenium (Se) in the environment can cause Se toxicity to biological organisms. The use of green plants to manage the soluble Se content in soils by plant uptake and biological volatilization has been considered as a cost-effective strategy. Importantly, the development of economically feasible remediation systems will encourage more widespread implementation of an integrated phytomanagement technology. The objective of this... G. Banuelos |
14. Nitrogen Transformations in Flooded Agroecosystems: a Case Study with Taro (Colocassia Esculenta)Wetland agriculture covers an estimated 170 million ha and contributes significantly to global food supply. Nitrogen fertilizers are subject to numerous potential transformation pathways in flooded systems. The present research was focused on improving our understanding of N transformations in a flooded agricultural system by addressing the following two broad objectives: 1) determine whether the presence of anammox bacteria and its activity contribute significantly to N losses, and 2) evaluate... J. Deenik, C. Penton, B. Popp, G. Bruland, P. Engstrom, J. Mueller, J. Tiedje |
15. The Use of Biochar As a Fertility Amendment in Tropical SoilsBiochars made from modern pyrolysis methods have attracted widespread attention as potential soil amendments to improve plant productivity in the infertile soils of the tropics. Feedstock and pyrolysis conditions affect the physico-chemical properties of biochar with important implications for soil fertility and plant growth. Specifically, biochar volatile matter (VM) significantly affect soil inorganic nitrogen (N) status and ash content impacts soil elemental composition and pH. This paper highlights... J. Deenik, T. Mcclellan |
16. Influence of Dairy Manure Applications on Corn Nutrient UptakeCorn silage is the predominant crop in Idaho used for recovering phosphorus (P) that has accumulated in soils from dairy manure applications. However, little is known about how much phosphorus and other nutrients are being recovered under Idaho conditions. The objective of the study is to estimate phosphorus removal by irrigated corn silage crops cultivated throughout Southern Idaho with variable soil test P concentrations, and to identify effects of increasing soil test P on potassium (K), calcium... A. Moore, B. Brown, J. Ippolito, S. Hines, M. De haro marti, C. Falen, M. Chahine, T. Fife, R. Norell |
17. Alfalfa Tissue and Seed Yield Response to Applied BoronAlfalfa seed production can be limited by low boron (B) and information on tissue tests used for indicating B needs is lacking. Alfalfa seed trials were conducted in 2007 and 2008 in a silt loam to compare B concentrations in reproductive tissues (buds and flowers) with more traditional upper stems for reflecting available B. Factorial combinations of mid April knifed-in B (main plots) at three rates and four subplot foliar B timing treatments (non-treatment or 0.4 lb B/A at bud, flowering, and... B. Brown |
18. Nitrogen Timing for Boot Stage Triticale Forage Yield and Phosphorus UptakeOptimal N timing for boot stage winter triticale forage production and phosphorus (P) removal is not well established. Irrigated winter triticale in low and relatively high Olsen P soil was treated with six rates of fall pre-plant N and two rates of late winter N at Parma in 2006 and 2007. Triticale boot stage biomass, protein, nitrate-N, P concentrations, and P uptake and were determined. Fall preplant N increased forage production and frequently produced more boot stage triticale biomass. It... B. Brown |
19. Micro-nutrients in Alfalfa Production: is There Need/opportunity for Cost Effective Management?The management of soil fertility for optimum alfalfa productivity requires that all nutrient-related limitations be manipulated where warranted and cost-effective. It has been the policy of the Utah State University Analytical Laboratory to not promote soil testing for micronutrient sufficiency based on a lack of general need, historically, for nutrients such as sulfur, boron, zinc and others. This study undertook to accomplish two things, 1) to provide an initial inventory of micronutrient... G. Cardon, J. Barnhill, M. Pace, C. Israelsen, D. Miner, L. Greenhalgh, S. Banks, M. Shao, D. Rothlisberger, S. Olsen, P. Hole |
20. Biochar Volatile Matter Content Effects on Plant Growth and Nitrogen Transformations in a Tropical SoilBiochars made from modern pyrolysis methods have attracted widespread attention as potential soil amendments with agronomic value. A series of greenhouse experiments and laboratory incubations were conducted to assess the effects of biochar volatile matter (VM) content on plant growth, nitrogen (N) transformations, and microbial activities in an acid tropical soil. High VM biochar inhibited plant growth and reduced N uptake with and without the addition of fertilizers. Low VM charcoal supplemented... J. Deenik, A. Mcclellan, G. Uehara |
21. Biofuel Byproducts As Nitrogen Sources for CropsThe new development of ethanol and biodiesel plants in the United States is creating a large, and potentially excessive, quantity of byproducts in the forms of distillers grains and oilseed meals. The organic nitrogen (N) compounds in these byproducts rapidly mineralize in soils, showing the potential to be used as a N fertilizer source to plants. The objective of this research is to evaluate the application of biofuel byproducts on yield, size distribution, and nutrient uptake for Russet Umatilla... A. Moore, A. Alva, H. Collins, R. Boydston |
22. Waxy Barley: N Applications for Yield, Beta-glucan, and ProteinNitrogen fertilizer (N) management was evaluated for growing irrigated waxy barley for higher protein and beta-glucan soluble fiber content. A local company has proposed the building of a barley fractionation plant to capitalize on these value-added traits. Salute and Merlin, two spring waxy barley cultivars, were fall-planted to compare yield and quality under different N treatments applied in late winter and at heading and to evaluate ethephon to reduce lodging. Fairly normal winter weather... S. Norberg, B. Brown, C. Shock, A. Ross, P. Hayes, J. Rey |
23. Irrigated Small Grain Residue Management Effects on Soil Properties and Nutrient CyclingThe effects of straw removal from irrigated wheat and barley fields on soil properties and nutrient cycling is a concern due to its potential impact on the sustainability of agricultural production. The demand for animal bedding and the potential development of cellulosic ethanol production will likely increase straw demand in the future. Previous reviews addressing changes in soil properties when crop residues are removed focused primarily on rain-fed systems. This paper reviews published research... D. Tarkalson, B. Brown, D. Bjorneberg, H. Kok |
24. Agronomic Biosolids Application Rates for Dryland Wheat Across a Range of Northwest Climate ZonesPredicting agronomic rates is important to derive optimum economic and environmental benefits from biosolids fertilizer applications. We conducted this research to 1) evaluate dryland wheat response to biosolids applications over a range of climate zones in the Pacific Northwest and 2) compare agronomic application rates predicted from yield curves with those predicted from published extension guidance. We applied a range of biosolids rates during the fallow year in ten on-farm dryland wheat experiments... A. Bary, D. Sullivan, C. Cogger |
25. Slow Release N for Irrigated Hard Red Spring Wheat Yield and ProteinProducing furrow irrigated hard red wheat with acceptable protein is challenging because of limited N management options for increasing protein. Slow release N has potential for improving N use efficiency in furrow irrigated hard wheat by avoiding the effects of excessive early season N yet providing later N for protein enhancement. A two year study (2005 and 2006) was conducted at Parma, ID to evaluate different N rates (120, 180 and 240 lb/A) of ESN and dry urea preplant N sources for furrow... B. Brown, R. Gibson |
26. Residual Phosphorus Effects on Alfalfa Seed Pollination and ProductionHigher available P that increases alfalfa biomass reportedly reduces alfalfa seed yield due to poorer pollinator visitation. Available P effects were evaluated in a three year (2004-06) study with in-row plant spacing (12”, 24”, 36” and 48”) at Parma, ID to investigate the mechanism for the yield decline. Plots differing in residual P from previously applied P were further enriched with 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 lb P/A. Plots were split in the last year and a mix of foliar... B. Brown, J. Barbour |
27. Soil Testing to Improve Phosphorus Management on Intensive Vegetable Farms in HawaiiAccording to a recent survey of soil samples sent to the Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center (ADSC) at the University of Hawaii between October 2002 and September 2003, a majority of the samples showed soil test P (STP) levels in the high or excessive categories. Despite high soil test P, many farmers in Hawaii continue to apply P fertilizers. We began a project to evaluate soil P status on a range of vegetable farms throughout the state, to determine crop response to P fertilizers on soils... J. Deenik, S. Fukuda, R. Hamasaki, R. Shimabuku, R. Uchida |
28. Soil Health in American Sports Fields and Golf CoursesHealthy soils are essential for sustaining the world’s ecosystems and maintaining human lifestyles. The adoption of biological, chemical, and physical analyses to assess soil health is a relatively new concept with a paucity of scientific work assessing how well these tests can predict and influence soil health. Golf and sports turf are arguably the most intensively managed soil systems in the world, including fertilizer and pesticide use. Excess fertilizer and pesticide application can... M. Barnes, B.G. Hopkins |
29. Performance of Public and Private Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn, Alfalfa, and Small GrainsThere are many sources that growers utilize to determine fertilizer needs for crops such as private and public labs, crop advisors, and fertilizer dealers. In many cases, these sources provide recommendations for a specific crop that can vary greatly, and the resulting fertilizer and application rates recommended can lead to large differences in costs for the grower. Evaluating the effectiveness and economics of current fertilizer guidelines and recommendations will help growers to make better-informed... M. Yost, M. Baker, J. Gale, E. Creech, G. Cardon |
30. Evaluating Zinc Requirements of Corn, Small Grains, and AlfalfaMany growers and crop advisors in the Intermountain west have recently reported Zn deficiencies in major cereal and forage crops. Further, many common fertilizer blends now include Zn. Most Zn fertilizer guidelines indicate that 5-10 lbs of Zn per acre should be applied when critical soil test Zn levels are less than about 0.8 ppm Zn. These guidelines in Utah and many other states in the region were developed decades ago and need to be reassessed. Therefore, we established Zn response and rate... M. Yost, M. Baker, J. Gale, G. Cardon, E. Creech |
31. Floral Hemp Responses to Nitrogen Fertilization in the High DesertThe performance of floral hemp under N fertilization is influenced by environmental conditions, management and cultivar selection. This field study evaluated the effect of no supplemental N and N fertilization at 90 kg ha-1 on three hemp cultivars (Berry Blossom, Red Bordeaux, and Tahoe Cinco) in Northern Nevada. Nitrogen increased plant height, canopy cover, stem diameter and shoot biomass, but other physiological parameters were dependent on cultivar. We evaluated the use... F. Barrios masias, M. Farnisa, J. Solomon, G. Miller |
32. Effects of Long-term Biosolids Applications in Two Dryland Agroecosystems on Physical, Biological, and Chemical Soil Health PropertiesBiosolids can be important sources of organic matter to semi-arid dryland grain systems and have the potential to mitigate some of the soil health challenges specific to these areas while providing an alternative to synthetic fertilizers. Biosolids are an important avenue for beneficially reusing and redistributing nutrients from high population urban areas to more rural agricultural areas. We explored how long-term (20+ year) applications of biosolids at two field sites affected physical, biological... M. Desjardins, A. Bary, J. Ippolito, S. Cappellazzi, D. Liptzin, D. Griffin-lahue |
33. What You Need to Know About the National Fertilizer Recommendation Team Called FRSTThe Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST) team is a national effort to improve coordination of soil test recommendations in the United States. There are over 125 partners involved in FRST with representation of all four regional soil testing committees including WERA-103. The team has developed a national tool for P and K soil test calibrations (identifying critical soil test values for response to fertilizer), and are working on developing P and K calibration, tools for S calibration,... M. Yost, N. Slaton, J. Spargo, D. Kaiser, G. Buol, L. Gatiboni |
34. Effectiveness of Kitchen Compost in Germinating Tomato and LettuceFood waste in developed countries is a large input to landfills. Ideally, it is composted and added to soil on-site to reduce environmental impacts. A “kitchen composter” (ReencleTM) effectively decomposes waste within 24 hours (>90% reduction in mass), followed by formation of stable compost within a few weeks after curing outside the composter. Our preliminary research demonstrates that the compost has excellent nutrient composition. However, it was not adequately cured,... B. Hopkins, R. Kerr, S.V. Nelson |
35. Quinoa Mineral Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms and ConcentrationsMajor crop nutrient symptoms are well documented. In contrast, there is often minimal or no similar information for minor crops, including quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). This knowledge gap can be efficiently filled by using hydroponic systems. However, creating multiple nutrient deficiencies with plants in the same study is challenging because nutrients are often added as dual nutrient salts. For example, if potassium sulfate is the potassium (K) source, varying K concentrations... B. Hopkins, G. Bell, S.V. Nelson, R.E. Sannar |
36. Ammonia Recovery from Anaerobically Digested Dairy Wastewater Facilitated by In-situ Acid and Base Generation in a Transmembrane Electro-chemisorption SystemNitrogen (N) is essential for living organisms and is a critical element in agricultural production. Ammonia (NH₃), a vital component in the nitrogen cycle, can be produced naturally by nitrogen-fixing bacteria or artificially through the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. Anaerobically digested dairy wastewater (ADDW) could contain high concentrations of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) due to the conversion of organic N into NH3-N during the anaerobic digestion process. Ammonia... A.K. Das, L. Chen |