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1. Advances in Nutrient Use EfficiencyThe improvement of fertilizer efficiency is driven by narrow profit margins, environmental concerns, and resource conservation. Fertile soil is the foundation for food production and successful civilizations; it is developed and maintained through the addition of nutrients lost through harvest. However, nutrient uptake by plants is inherently inefficient and the nutrients remaining in the soil after uptake can cause negative air and water resource impacts. In addition, poor fertilizer efficie... B. Hopkins |
2. Ammonia VolatilizationLittle work has been reported on the loss of ammonia from soils where fertilizers have been applied in an undisturbed environment. There are a multitude of studies that have used a chamber of some sort to estimate ammonia loss. The use of a chamber of some sort means that the environment has to be altered making the data derived suspect when translated into a loss number such as kg/ha. The advent of passive vertical flux method by Wood et al., 2000 at Aubrn University in Alabama, allows for t... J. Holcomb, D. Horneck, G. Clough, D. Sullivan |
3. An Excel Based Workbook for Assisting with Water Quality InterpretationsClientele using the NMSU Soil, Water, and Agricultural Testing laboratory, as well other commercial labs, are usually given an irrigation water interpretation guideline in the form of a table with acceptable ranges. This approach, while helpful, does not quickly identify areas of concern to the client nor does it assist with estimating leaching fractions when salinity levels are high enough to warrant reclamation. A Microsoft Excel based workbook was developed to assist professionals and clie... R. Flynn |
4. Biochar Usage: Pros and ConsSoil fertility benefits of charcoal application have been reported as early as 1847 indicating that plant nutrients are sorbed within charcoal pores. The use of biomass-derived black carbon or biochar, the solid byproduct from the pyrolysis processing of any organic feedstock, has garnered recent attention as a potential vehicle for carbon sequestration and a beneficial soil conditioner. However, most of the past biochar research has focused on improving the physico-chemical properties of tro... R. Lentz, J. Ippolito, K. Spokas, J. Novak, H. Collins, J. Sterubel |
5. Boron Fertilization of Chile Pepper Under Greenhouse ConditionsMany chile (Capsicum annuum) growers apply boron (B) without knowing if B is actually needed. The application of B has been suggested to improve specific conditions that limit chile productivity such as alleviating blossom-end rot. Two varieties of chile were grown (159 days) under greenhouse conditions in silica sand and irrigated with seven levels of B (no B, 0.025 mg L-1, 0.05 mg L-1, 0.1 mg L-1, 0.25 mg L-1, 0.5 mg L-1, 1.0 mg L-1) and complete nutrient solution. Leaf B increased linearly... W. Lindemann, R. Flynn, C. Carr, R. Steiner |
6. Choosing Your Nitrogen Fertilizers Based on Ammonia VolatilizationUntil recently we have not been able to measure ammonia volatilization without impacting the surrounding environment. In the past we have used closed chambers with acid traps. These closed chambers did not reflect surrounding weather conditions, at the minimum both temperature and wind were influenced. The use of the vertical flux method allows ammonia in the air to be monitored and modeled to reflect ammonia loss without any interference of the surrounding environment. ... D. Sullivan, D. Horneck, J. Holcomb, G. Clough |
7. 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 ... J. Davenport, K. Bair, D. Granastein |
8. Crop Management Effects on Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Irrigated Systems1The paper objective is to present an overview of the greenhouse gas research results from tillage and N fertility studies conducted by USDA-ARS on irrigated cropping systems near Fort Collins, Colorado from 2002–2010. Within agronomic N rates needed to optimize irrigated crop yields in the Central Great Plains, a linear increase in growing season nitrous oxide (N2O-N) emissions was observed from a clay loam soil with increasing fertilizer N rate. Averaged over a 5 yr period (2002-2006),... A. Halvorson |
9. Deficit Irrigation in Vineyards of Washington StateIn Washington State the primary wine grape producing areas lie within the rainshadow of the Cascade Range and receive little precipitation throughout the year and especially during the summer. Wine grape producers take advantage of the arid conditions and use irrigation management to control vine growth and vigor. The precise control of irrigation timing and amount also affects the wine making characteristics of the fruit produced. A Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L) vineyard was use... B. Riley, R. Smithyman, J. Harbertson |
10. 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 technolo... K. Greer, D. Wildfong, D. Hicks, E. Hammermeister |
11. Development and Use of the OSU Organic Fertilizer and Cover Crop CalculatorFarm advisory visits in Oregon highlighted the need for decision tools to help farmers and agricultural professionals estimate nitrogen (N) mineralization from organic fertilizers and cover crops, design balanced fertilizer plans and identify the most cost effective nutrient management options. Laboratory and field research was conducted to develop N mineralization models for organic fertilizers and compost based on the total percent N. Field methods for estimating cover crop biomass and tota... N. Andrews, D. Sullivan, J. Julian, K. Pool |
12. Dicarboxylic Acid Polymer (Avail®) Phosphorus Fertilizer Additive: ReviewImproving P use efficiency (PUE) is desirable but difficult due to poor P solubility in soils. A dicarboxylic acid copolymer (AVAIL®) fertilizer additive may enhance PUE due to increased P solubility as a result of sequestering of interfering cations. Field trials have been conducted on a wide variety of crops, with results to AVAIL addition to P fertilizer mixed—seemingly related primarily to soil test P concentrations and fertilizer P rate. Positive results were seen in many of th... B. Hopkins, C. Ransom |
13. 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 s... J. Walworth, H. Nunez moreno, K. Stevens |
14. Efficient N Management for High-yield Vegetable ProductionVegetable production is an N-intensive industry; rates of N fertilization can be very high, particularly where multiple crops per year are produced. In vegetable production areas across the country high nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) concentration in surface water and groundwater is focusing regulatory scrutiny on fertilization practices. Furthermore, escalating energy prices mean higher N fertilizer costs, making efficient N management an economic as well as an environmental necessity. The basic p... T. Hartz |
15. Emissions of Ammonia and Greenhouse Gasses from Dairy Production Facilities in Southern IdahoIdaho is one of the top three milk producing states in the United States. While this commodity group is a very valuable part of the economy, there is concern over the impact of these production facilities on the generation of ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gases (methane, CH4 and nitrous oxide, N2O) which are linked to air quality degradation and global warming. To gain a better understanding of the on-farm emissions from these production facilities, we monitored both cattle housing and ma... A.B. Leytem, D. Bjorneberg, R.S. Dungan |
16. 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. Be... K. Reddy, A. Wann, C. Wenzel |
17. Evaluation of Soil Salinity Conditions in California Central Coast Winegrape VineyardsSoil salinity conditions in the winegrape vineyard areas of the California Central Coast were assessed by regional surveys of surface soils over multiple years, and by comprehensive evaluations of deeper salinity profiles at select locations. The multiple-year survey indicated that salinity conditions were increasing significantly, during a period characterized by below-average rainfall for the region. The survey also indicated that salinity conditions were at levels which would be expected t... M. Battany |
18. Evaluation of Soil-applied Eddha-chelated Iron Fertilizer for Use in Correcting Iron Deficiency Symptoms in Mature Pecan Trees in the Pecos Basin, New MexicoSoils in the Pecos Basin of New Mexico are characterized by pH 7.5-8.5 and lime content 15-30%. Under these conditions pecan trees are prone to micronutrient deficiencies; pecan trees throughout the basin exhibit interveinal leaf chlorosis symptoms characteristic of iron (Fe) deficiency. In orchards where the Fe chlorosis symptoms occur, affected trees are typically scattered through the orchard in no apparent pattern. Foliar application of ferrous sulfate fertilizer sprays (as well as other ... R. Heerema, R. Flynn |
19. Forecasting Crop Nutrition Needs Using the Plant Root Simulator (PRStm) TechnologyConventional soil testing is based on the premise that a chemical extraction will reflect the soil nutrient supply to plants. The shortfalls of this approach have been evidenced by the numerous studies conducted over the past 50 years aimed at improving soil test methods. Radiotracer studies in the 1960’s where pivotal in shifting thinking away from nutrient concentration and toward mechanisms of nutrient supply. Barber (1995) first coined the term soil nutrient bioavailability&nbs... K. Greer |
20. Highbush Blueberry Response to Compost and SulfurHighbush blueberry is adapted to soils with high organic matter and acidic pH, and it is often grown in Oregon with coniferous sawdust as a soil amendment or mulch. Composts could provide an alternative to sawdust, but acidification is needed to overcome high pH. Our objectives were to (i) predict the quantity of acidity needed to reduce compost pH to 4.8 (ideal for blueberry), (ii) determine compost characteristics suited for blueberry, and (iii) evaluate plant growth response and soil pH re... D. Sullivan, R. Costello, D. Bryla, B. Strik, J. Owens |
21. Improving Phosphorus Use Efficiency with Carbond PPhosphorus (P) fertilizer is integral for maximizing crop production and is used abundantly to achieve desired yields. However, reduction of P fertilizer is warranted, as it is the primary source of nutrient pollution in surface waters (eutrophication leading to hypoxia) and is derived from non-renewable mineral resources. Two research studies were conducted in 2009 to evaluate a new fertilizer product, Carbond® P against traditional fertilizers ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and monoammoni... B. Hopkins, B. Webb, M. Hill, C. Ransom |
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), c... A. Moore, B. Brown, J. Ippolito, S. Hines, M. De haro marti, C. Falen, M. Chahine, T. Fife, R. Norell |
23. 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 t... S. Pettygrove, T. O'geen, R. Southard |
24. Managing Alfalfa Under Low Water or Drought ConditionsThere are several aspects to managing alfalfa during drought, or periods of limited irrigation, all of which apply whether or not the alfalfa is drought stressed (Lauriault et al., 2009). Most of these will be more related to stand longevity – helping the alfalfa to ride out the drought and still likely be productive once water is available again. The points covered in this session are: 1) Harvest Management; 2) Variety Selection; 3) Fertility; 4) Weed Management; 5) Water Management... L. Lauriault |
25. Measured and Predicted Temporal Changes in Soil Nitrate-n Levels from Late Summer to Early Spring in MontanaMost soil sampling is conducted from August to November in Montana because of better soil sampling conditions and because it provides more time for growers to make fertilizer decisions prior to application. Fertilizer guidelines in Montana are based on spring nitrate-N levels in the upper 2 ft because they are more indicative of growing season available N than fall nitrate-N levels. It is not known how much nitrate-N levels change between late summer and spring, nor is it known what factors a... C. Jones, A. Lenssen, C. Chen, K. Mcvay, B. Stougaard, M. Westcott, J. Eckhoff, J. Weeding, M. Greenwood |
26. 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 |
27. Organic Management Improves Soil Health and Strawberry Nutritive ValueSoils and strawberries from 13 matched pairs of organically and conventionally managed fields were assessed over two years. Available plant nutrients were generally similar under organic and conventional management except that organically managed soils contained more available Zn and B. Soil C, N, and biological parameters were much greater under organic management. Organically produced strawberries matched by variety were smaller and had greater dry matter content than conventionally produce... L. Carpenter-boggs, J. Reganold, J. Reeve, P. Andrews |
28. Polymer Coated Urea: Impacts on Water/air Quality with Surface Applicaton to Permanent SodNitrogen (N) is the most commonly used fertilizer and is essential to sustain the world’s populations. However, inherent inefficiencies in the soil-plant system result in losses of N to air and water, which can result in environmental quality problems. Two permanent sod turfgrass sites were fertilized with coated and uncoated urea and compared to an unfertilized control at 224 lb-N/ac. The polymer coated urea (PCU) was Duration 45 CR®. Fertilization resulted in increased growth and ... B. Hopkins, J. Lemonte, J. Summerhays, V. Jolley |
29. 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 ... D. Sullivan, N. Andrews, R. Datta, K. Pool |
30. Regional Water Board Impacts on Vegetable Production in CaliforniaMore than 300,000 ha of vegetable crops are produced annually in the coastal valleys of central California. In these valleys vegetable production dominates the landscape, and since most fields produce two or more crops per year the annual fertilizer input is very high. Not surprisingly, environmentally problematic levels of soluble phosphorus in surface waters, and nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) in both surface- and groundwater, are common. The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (WQ... T. Hartz |
31. Sheep Grazing Effect on Dryland Soil Carbon and Nitrogen in the Wheat-fallow SystemWeed control by sheep grazing during fallow periods in the dryland wheat-fallow system may influence soil C and N levels. The effects of fallow management for weed control and soil water conservation [sheep grazing (grazing), herbicide application (chemical), and tillage (mechanical)] and cropping sequence [continuous spring wheat (CSW), spring wheat-fallow (SW-F), and winter wheat- fallow (WW-F)] on wheat biomass (stems + leaves) yield and soil organic C (SOC) and total N (STN) at the 0-120 ... A. Lenssen, U. Sainju, H. Goosey, E. Snyder, P. Hatfield |
32. Soil and Plant Analysis: How They Fit into a “Green” Nutrient Management ProgramEnvironmental concerns are changing the face of agricultural fertilization across the nation and world. Both nitrogen and phosphorus have become the major concerns in this area with other nutrients, salts, and chemicals being discussed for future regulations. The focus of environmental regulation depends on the characteristics of different geographical regions. Soil, water, and tissue analyses are needed to meet application requirements as regulatory documents are being drafted and implemente... K. Backman |
33. The Dos and Don’ts of High Residue Farming in the Irrigated Far West... A. Mcguire |
34. 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 ... J. Deenik, T. Mcclellan |
35. Utilizing Food Processing By-products As a Soil Amendment: Soil Nutrient AvailabilityWe studied the impact of food processing by-products which contain high moisture content, low pH, high total dissolved salts, and trace elements. The primary goal of this project was to develop best management practices for sustainable reuse of food processing by-products as a soil amendment on California farmlands. Quantifying soil nutrient availability from these by-products is critical to growers to carefully establish fertilizer replacement value to improve their crop nutrient use efficie... S. Pasakdee, N. Dellavalle |