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1. Improving Nutrient Use Efficiency in Irrigated Areas of Western AgricultureMuch of Western US crop production requires irrigation for optimum performance. Irrigated cropping systems often include high-value crops grown with intensive nutrient management. Irrigation management is integral with nutrient management, especially for nitrogen. The predominant form of plant-available nitrogen in soils is nitrate, which is highly mobile and greatly affected by irrigation management. Irrigation, therefore, adds complexity to already intensive management and introduces challenges... A. Blaylock |
2. Nutrient Management and Improved Efficiency of Drip Irrigated Processing PotatoesWater availability may be the single greatest limiting factor for potato production in irrigated areas of the PNW and other parts of the world. Arid climates with warm temperatures during the day and cooler, drier nights produce some of the world’s largest potato yields with some the best processing quality. However this comes with a challenge and that is water use efficiency. While for many years there is an abundance or adequate water it will not always be the case. These concerns... G. Mooso |
3. Polymer Coated Urea Impact on Barley Yield and ProteinPolymer coated urea (PCU) is an enhanced efficiency nitrogen (N) fertilizer shown to regulate N release over a season benefiting production and reducing nutrient pollution. The purpose of this study was testing the effect of uncoated and coated urea blends on irrigated barley yield and protein. The study consisted of three N rates applied as all urea or a 50-50 blend of PCU and urea. As expected, N rates increased yields and protein. In general, urea resulted in increased yields with... S. Fahning, T. Searle, A. Weigel, R. Buck, T. Hopkins, B. Hopkins |
4. New Hydroponic System for Testing Mineral Nutrient Deficiencies and its Application to QuinoaCorrelating plant tissue nutrient concentrations with visual symptoms is valuable in combating mineral nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. Major crops tend to have large amounts of information regarding nutrient concentrations and visual symptoms of deficiencies, but this information is often lacking for minor crops, including quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L.) Because nutrient concentrations can be easily controlled, hydroponics effectively demonstrate isolated specific nutrient related symptoms.... D. Cole, R. Woolley, R. Buck, B. Hopkins |
5. Nitrogen Management and Water Productivity of Grain Crops Under Drought or Limited IrrigationThe interactions of nitrogen management and water have been the subject of many studies that have improved crop management practices. Water scarcity however, has become a pressing contemporary challenge for agricultural and food sustainability, especially in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world. As the amount of available water for irrigation decreases, more studies must shift their focus to how nitrogen fertilizers influences water use efficiency. Numerous strategies are currently employed... S. Evans, N. Hansen, A. Blaylock |
6. 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 |
7. 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 |
8. 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 |
9. Understanding Crop Response to MicronutrientsThere are many factors that affect crop response to micronutrients, and response to micronutrients is often less predictable than response to N, P, and K. Responses to micronutrients may be dramatic if the nutrient is deficient, but more often, responses are incremental yield increases or even only maturity or quality improvements. Micronutrient chemistry in the soil is complex and there are numerous interactions with other nutrients and environmental conditions. While predictability of micronutrient... A. Blaylock |
10. Pecan Response to Foliar Nickel ApplicationsNew Mexico’s pecan industry is one of the state’s most important agricultural assets. In 2010, pecan growers in Dona Ana County produced 19,504 kg of pecans, on over 10,000 ha and was worth over $123 million dollars, making Dona Ana county the number one pecan producing county in the nation. Nickel (Ni) is a component of the enzyme urease which is critical for the mobilization of nitrogen within the pecan tree. Deficiency symptoms are often expressed in pecan as a “mouse-ear”... R. Flynn, R. Heerema, S. Moran duran |
11. Alfalfa Contributes More Nitrogen to Following Crop Than Previously ThoughtAlfalfa in high-yielding environments fixes significant amounts of atmospheric N2, a portion of which benefits succeeding non-legume crops and reduces fertilizer N requirement by an amount sometimes called the “legume N credit”. Field research-based estimates of the legume N credit in California and other irrigated, semi-arid or arid environments are sparse in the literature. We conducted replicated plot experiments at three field station sites in California using wheat as an indicator... S. Pettygrove, E. Lin, D. Putnam, M. Lundy, S. Orloff, S. Wright |
12. Utilizing Low Salt Liquid NPK Fertilizers to Establish Triticale As a Cover CropThe use of cover crops in sustainable agricultural systems is receiving renewed attention. New initiatives in soil health promote cover crops as amanagement tool to improve soil quality and health. Successful establishment of cover crops depends on an adequate soil fertility program. Low salt NPK liquid fertilizers can improve cover crop establishment without concern of the impact of high salt index of some conventional fertilizers. This paper presents some of the success that have been observed... G. Mooso, T. Tindall |
13. Sensor-based Technologies for Nitrogen Management in Spring WheatCrop sensor-based systems with developed algorithms for making mid-season fertilizer nitrogen (N) recommendations are commercially available to producers in some parts of the world. Although there is growing interest in these technologies by grain producers in Montana, use is limited by the lack of local research under Montana’s semiarid conditions. A field study was carried out at two locations in 2011, three locations in 2012, and two locations in 2013 in North West Montana. The objectives... O. Walsh, A. Pandey, R. Christiaens |
14. Evaluation of Micro-carbon Technology-based P Fertilizer, Super Phos®, in Spring WheatSuper Phos® (SP; 0-50-0) by Bio Huma Netics Inc. (Gilbert, AZ) is a Micro Carbon TechnologyTM – based phosphorus (P) fertilizer specifically formulated to resist “tie-up” with calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) to remain water soluble and available to plant roots. The objective was to compare the efficiency and effectiveness of topdress and foliar application of SP, with traditional P fertilizers – ammonium polyphosphate (APP; 10-34-0), diammonium phosphate (DAP;... O. Walsh, A. Pandey, R. Christiaens |
15. Environmentally Smart Nitrogen Performance in Northern Great Plains’ Spring Wheat Production SystemsField trials were conducted at three locations in Montana to evaluate the efficacy of Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) (44-0-0) as a nitrogen (N) source for spring wheat. The ESN, urea (46-0-0), and a 50%-50% urea-ESN blend was applied at seeding at three rate levels - low, medium, and high - with actual rated dependent on the yield goal at each location, followed by urea application of 0 or 40 lb N/a at Feekes 5. Grain yield (GY) varied from 265 to 815 lb/a and grain protein (GP) content... O. Walsh, A. Pandey, R. Christiaens |
16. Liquid N Fertilizer Evaluation in Spring WheatSeveral liquid N products are currently marketed for fertilization in various crops, including spring wheat. Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) - the most commonly used liquid N fertilizer - is associated with crop damage due to corrosiveness. This study aimed to answer the following questions: (1) Are liquid urea (LU) and High NRG-N (HNRGN) superior to UAN in improving spring wheat grain yield and protein content? And (2) what is the optimum dilution ratio of foliar fertilizers and the threshold at... O. Walsh, A. Pandey, R. Christiaens |
17. Exploring Controlled Release Nitrogen Fertilizers for Vegetable and Melon Crop Production in California and ArizonaVarious forms of polymer coated urea (PCU) were examined as sources of controlled release nitrogen for production of cauliflower, watermelon, carrot, and spinach in Arizona or California. Studies were designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of PCU for supplying 100 percent of the fertilizer nitrogen needed for an entire growing season in a single pre-plant application. In each study, two or more N rates were tested. PCU having an appropriate release time for a given set of growing conditions... R. Smith, A. Blaylock, E. Ellison, C. Sanchez |
18. Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Crop ProductionThe limited availability of phosphorus (P) in calcareous and acidic soils can be a major factor that limits crop production. The objectives of this study were to investigate the mobility and availability of P from monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) fertilizers alone and with AVAIL, a fertilizer enhancement product. Two different soil types were used to examine the relationship between P reaction products and available P. Soils were incubated... G. Mooso, T. Tindall, G. Hettiarachchi |
19. Drinking Water Nitrate and Irrigated Agriculture in CaliforniaNitrate contamination of groundwater in California has led to new government regulation of agricultural practices in the state’s Central Valley (CV) and Central Coast Regions (CC, which includes the Salinas Valley). Regulations in 2007 were imposed on dairies in the Central Valley, but more recently, all irrigated farming in both regions has been targeted. These regulations require monitoring and reporting (e.g., of fertilizer and manure applications), nutrient management plans, and adherence... S. Pettygrove |
20. Polymer Coated Urea (Duration) in Turfgrass: Impacts on Mowing, Visual, and Loss to EnvironmentFall and spring applied N fertilizer trials were conducted over two years in an effort to determine if various slow and controlled release N fertilizers were equivalent to traditional urea and to determine if a reduced rate of controlled release N could be used for improved N use efficiency. An unfertilized control was compared to sulfur coated urea (SCU), polymer and sulfur coated urea (XCU), polymer coated urea (Duration 75 or 125; DR) at 50, 75, and 100% (full) rate, and urea either applied... B. Hopkins, L. Sutton, C. Ransom, T. Blair, J. Moody, K. Manning, S. Bergsten |
21. Cover Crops for Nitrogen Management in Irrigated Cropping SystemIn perennial fruit cropping systems, the inter-row offers on opportunity to grow a cover crop that then can be used to supply nitrogen (N) to the fruit crop. We conducted research in both Concord grape and Gala apple to evaluate the potential of cover crops to supply N to the crop. Based on continuous monitoring of plant available NO3-N by using PRSTM ion exchange resin probes, we found that in Concord grape, while both hairy vetch and yellow sweet clover did not release quite as much N as... J. Davenport, K. Bair, D. Granastein |
22. 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 |
23. Nitrogen and Phosphorus: Mechanisms of Loss from the Soil System and Effects to Slow Those Losses and Increase Plant AvailabilityNutrient management issues associated with production agriculture are becoming more of a concern and a focal point of discussion. Management considerations are no longer focused on just meeting yield goals or improved crop performance, but now include questions on how their use on agriculture lands impacts surface water, watersheds, soil quality, long-term health benefits and economic viability for the producer. ... T. Tindall, G. Mooso |
24. K Fixation and Significance for Crop ProductionSome cultivated soils in California found on the east side of the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) and derived from granitic parent material have the capacity to fix added K, making it unavailable or less available to crops. The main soil mineral responsible for K fixation is vermiculite, which is a weathering product of mica, and which can occur in the clay, silt, and fine-sand size fractions. We have developed a model that predicts the location of K-fixing soils in the region and a practical soil test... S. Pettygrove, T. O'geen, R. Southard |
25. Predicting Plant-available Nitrogen Release from Cover Crop ResiduesImproved methods are needed to estimate the timing and amount of plant- available N (PAN) release from cover crops. The OSU Organic Fertilizer and Cover Crop Calculator, a downloadable spreadsheet tool, assists agricultural professionals in estimating N fertilizer replacement value of organic inputs. We conducted a series of laboratory incubations with cover crop biomass incorporated into soil to determine: (i) speed of PAN release, (ii) amount of PAN release, and (iii) robustness of the OSU Calculator... D. Sullivan, N. Andrews, R. Datta, K. Pool |
26. Effectiveness of Soil-applied Zinc for PecansPecan trees [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] are very sensitive to Zn deficiency when grown in alkaline soils due to the formation of insoluble Zn hydroxides and carbonates which have low availability to pecan roots. We tested the efficacy of soil applied Zn-EDTA, Zn-Avail®, and ZnSO4 plus animal manure for supplying Zn to young pecans. Zn-EDTA supplied adequate Zn to potted pecan trees for one season only. The other soil Zn treatments had no appreciable effect. A soil sorption... J. Walworth, H. Nunez moreno, K. Stevens |
27. Evaluation of Irrigation Application Management Practices to Protect Groundwater QualityAgricultural management practices relative to irrigation application and type and frequency of nitrogen fertilizer application can impact levels of nitrates in groundwater. In recent history, high levels of nitrates were reported in public water supply wells in Goshen County, WY. Subsequent research efforts concluded that likely sources of nitrate were organic soil nitrogen and ammonium or nitrate fertilizer. Some focus was then turned to agricultural production higher up in the watershed. Best... K. Reddy, A. Wann, C. Wenzel |
28. Delivery of Soil Science to Farmers Using Advanced Simulation Tools: a 10 Year Case StudyTechnologies that aid in farm management and input application can increase profitability only if they readily show an advantage that the farmer can measure (Walton 2010). Western Ag Labs Ltd. (WAL) is a soil science laboratory which provides an educational soil service to producers of Western Canada using the PRSTM Technology. The service provides their customers access to advanced simulation tools that serves as a decision support system for Crop Nutrition Planning (CNP). The PRSTM technology... K. Greer, D. Wildfong, D. Hicks, E. Hammermeister |
29. Comparison of Three Buffer Methods to Determine Lime Requirement in Columbia Basin Region of Washington StateWeakly buffered soils of Washington State that have seen considerable pH change over the years due to use of ammonia based fertilizer products. Because these soils are weakly buffered and lime (CaCO3) requirement (LR) tests commonly report no lime is needed, a test that is sensitive enough for these conditions is preferred. Also, reagents used in some lime buffer methods are carcinogenic and/or toxic. A new buffer (Sikora) has been developed to work similarly to the commonly used SMP, but without... K. Bair |
30. Phytosiderophore Exudation from the Roots of Iron Stressed Kentucky BluegrassSome Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L., KBG) cultivars are susceptible to iron (Fe) deficiency chlorosis when grown on calcareous soils and are routinely treated with Fe fertilizers. Aesthetics could be improved and this costly practice could potentially be eliminated with the use of cultivars resistant to Fe deficiency. Grasses are known to release phytosiderophore into the rhizosphere to dissolve Fe for plant use, and this characteristic has been used to screen for resistant... B. Hopkins, E. Buxton, V. Jolley, R. Christensen |
31. Demonstration of Veris Nir Soil Carbon Mapping TechnologyThe new VERIS Technologies Near Infra Red (NIR) Spectrophotometer compares soil spectral measurements with soil carbon (C) and other properties. These data can be utilized to generate maps of soil characteristics across the landscape. This potentially useful system may simplify the measurement of important soil properties, provide a new tool for evaluation of residue conservation management practices, and guide farmers in soil management decisions based on data heretofore unavailable. While growers... P. Carter, S. Van vleet, E. Perry, S. Young, F. Pierce |
32. Phosphorus Dynamics in Organic Matter-amended SoilsGenerally, phosphorus (P) is considered immobile in calcareous soils. Yet, numerous studies have found that the addition of organic wastes (e.g. manures) can enhance P mobility in these soils. We believe that the soluble organic matter present in these wastes increases P solubility by inhibiting the sorption of inorganic P on soil colloidal surfaces and subsequently preventing the formation of insoluble calcium phosphates. This results in increased P bioavailability. Likewise, tests used to assess... P. Grossl, R. Koenig, C. Jones, S. Trolove |
33. Economics of Fertilization Under Site-specific Management ZonesSite-specific management of crop fields using variable rate application of inputs to manage in-field variability has now been around for over 15 years. However, the degree to which site-specific management strategies increase farm profitability is not well established. The objectives of this study were: to compare uniform and variable-rate Nitrogen (N) management strategies across productivity level site-specific management zones and to identify the most profitable N management strategy. This... R. Khosla, D. Westfall, W. Frasier, B. Koch |
34. Phosphorus and Zinc Interactions in PotatoPotato production requires high soil phosphorus (P) application with potential negative environmental and nutrient uptake effects. Impacts of high available P on species in potato cropping rotations are not adequately understood, nor have the causes of reduced yield and quality from excess P been fully explored. Antagonistic interactions with cationic micronutrients such as zinc (Zn) are plausible explanations. Two hydroponic experiments were conducted with Burbank potato to elucidate P and Zn... B. Webb, B. Hopkins, J. Ellsworth, S. Barben, B. Nichols, V. Jolley |
35. Urea and Ammonia Volatilization in Dryland Grass Seed Systems1The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of grass seed production conditions and management practices on NH3 volatilization, Kentucky bluegrass seed yields and N recovery from urea. Laboratory incubations suggest the potential for NH3 volatilization is greater from stands in which post-harvest residue is baled and removed than from stands in which residue is burned. Both burned and unburned stands have a surface pH > 7.9, although pH declined with time in the burned... R. Koenig, C. Proctor, W. Johnston, C. Golob |
36. Phosphorus Dynamics and Wheat Response to Applied P in a Spatially Variable Environment1Considerable spatial and temporal variability exists in soil chemical and physical properties across farm landscapes in eastern Washington State. The purpose of this research is to investigate changes in P mineralogy across the Palouse landscape and ultimately to determine the influence of mineralogy on plant-available P and fertilizer P responses at different landscape positions. Soil samples were collected from landscape positions with varying soil pH and soil test P concentrations. Mineral... R. Koenig |
37. Removing Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Fecal Coliform from Dairy Effluent Using Multi-soil-layer (Msl) SystemsDairy effluent disposal has long been a concern in Hawaii. Dairies often establish multiple lagoons to accumulate and store effluent. Occasionally, the lagoons overflow leading to the transfer of nutrients, such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and other contaminants such as pathogenic bacteria to surface, subsurface, and coastal waters. The objective of this study was to quantify the effectiveness of MSL systems in removing inorganic nitrogen, phosphate, and fecal indicator organisms (Fecal... R. Yost, R. Pattnaik, G. Porter |
38. Nutrient Cycling in Effluent-irrigated Soil (Mollisol) Planted to Tropical Grasses in a Tropical Island EnvironmentDairy producers accumulate large quantities of effluent in lagoons. Lagoons occasionally overflow causing the nutrients and other contaminants in effluent to pollute the land and water bodies. Alternative uses of effluent are, therefore, urgently needed for a sustainable and environment-friendly dairy production. This study determined the sustainable effluent application rate and assessed the effects of effluent irrigation on plant and soil (Cumulic Haplustoll) properties. Five tropical grasses—... R. Valencia-gica, R. Yost, G. Porter, R. Pattnaik |
39. Remote Sensing of Corn N Status with Active SensorsDetermining in-season corn (Zea mays L.) nitrogen (N) variability has been a research focus of agronomists for quite some time. One of the methods currently available to determine N variability in corn is remote sensing. Studies have shown that remotely sensed imagery can detect N variability in corn. However, this method can have some limitations, such as the timeliness in which this imagery can be acquired. Hand-held active remote sensing devices may overcome these limitations.... D. Westfall, R. Khosla, T. Shaver |
40. Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate and Timing Implications for Malt, Food, and Feed Barley Production in Southern IdahoNitrogen is an essential nutrient required to produce high-yielding barley. Nitrogen strongly impacts barley yield, grain protein, tillering, and lodging potential. Unlike other crops such as corn, available nitrogen must be carefully managed for producers to achieve both optimal yield and grain quality for malt, food, and feed barley. Exessive nitrogen availability increases grain protein concentration that may be unsuitable for malting but may be ideal for feed or food barley. The objective... J. Spackman, O. Walsh, A. Adjesiwor, O. Adeyemi, J. Sagers, R. Findlay, J. Bevan |
41. The Ammonia RainbowAgriculture has been identified as a major contributor to atmospheric carbon dioxide with nitrogen fertilizer production as a key component. Recent scrutiny of nitrogen production processes has identified ammonia production processes to reduce carbon output from traditional Haber-Bosch processes. These different ammonia production processes are often described with color descriptions to designate the processes used and qualitatively identify their carbon footprint, such as “green ammonia”,... A. Blaylock |
42. Crystal Green® – the Most Efficient Granular Phosphate FertilizerOver 80% of applied conventional phosphate can be lost to soil fixation or the environment and leaves crops hungry for nutrients when they need them the most. Overapplying conventional phosphate fertilizers, produced from a finite resource, to overcome significant inefficiencies does not align well with industry goals of sustainability. Not only are crops missing out on proper plant nutrition of a critical nutrient, these nutrients are lost to the environment and are responsible for harmful algae... G. Mooso |
43. Evaluation of Soil Sulfur Tests for MontanaThere are no sulfur (S) fertilizer rate guidelines in Montana due to inconsistent yield responses, high S soil levels in many regions, a minimal number of S fertility trials in the state, and the lack of Montana and regional data that identify the best soil S tests to use. A study was initiated in 2023 to fill this research void. Three crops (spring canola, pea, and wheat) were grown at three sites, and fertilized with 0, 7.5, 15, and 30 lb S/ac using two S sources (potassium sulfate, gypsum)... C. Jones, P. Miller, P. Carr, S. Koeshall, S. Fordyce, J. Souza, J. Vetch |
44. Banana Fiber as a Soil Amendment in Potato and CornBanana (Musa spp. L.) pseudostem fiber has unique properties that may prove helpful in plant and soil management, including a high water holding capacity. Increased capacity could be useful in water conservation efforts in areas experiencing long-term drought. In the agricultural space, banana fiber could be used to maintain soil moisture, thus lowering the frequency and/or amount of irrigation. The objectives of irrigated field studies in Provo, UT, USA were to measure the impact of... B. Hopkins, M.J. Foster, S.V. Nelson |