Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 29 of 29

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Statistical And Machine Learning Methods Evaluated For Incorporating Soil And Weather Into Corn Nitrogen Recommendations, Curtis J. Ransom, Newell R. Kitchen, James J. Camberato, Paul R. Carter, Richard B. Ferguson, Fabián G. Fernández, David W. Franzen, Carrie A. M. Laboski, D. Brenton Myers, Emerson D. Nafziger, John E. Sawyer, John F. Shanahan Aug 2019

Statistical And Machine Learning Methods Evaluated For Incorporating Soil And Weather Into Corn Nitrogen Recommendations, Curtis J. Ransom, Newell R. Kitchen, James J. Camberato, Paul R. Carter, Richard B. Ferguson, Fabián G. Fernández, David W. Franzen, Carrie A. M. Laboski, D. Brenton Myers, Emerson D. Nafziger, John E. Sawyer, John F. Shanahan

John E. Sawyer

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer recommendation tools could be improved for estimating corn (Zea mays L.) N needs by incorporating site-specific soil and weather information. However, an evaluation of analytical methods is needed to determine the success of incorporating this information. The objectives of this research were to evaluate statistical and machine learning (ML) algorithms for utilizing soil and weather information for improving corn N recommendation tools. Eight algorithms [stepwise, ridge regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso), elastic net regression, principal component regression (PCR), partial least squares regression (PLSR), decision tree, and random forest] were evaluated using a dataset …


Nitrogen Fertilizer Suppresses Mineralization Of Soil Organic Matter In Maize Agroecosystems, Navreet K. Mahal, William R. Osterholz, Fernando E. Miguez, Hanna J. Poffenbarger, John E. Sawyer, Daniel C. Olk, Sotirios V. Archontoulis, Michael J. Castellano Mar 2019

Nitrogen Fertilizer Suppresses Mineralization Of Soil Organic Matter In Maize Agroecosystems, Navreet K. Mahal, William R. Osterholz, Fernando E. Miguez, Hanna J. Poffenbarger, John E. Sawyer, Daniel C. Olk, Sotirios V. Archontoulis, Michael J. Castellano

John E. Sawyer

The possibility that N fertilizer increases soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization and, as a result, reduces SOM stocks has led to a great debate about the long-term sustainability of maize-based agroecosystems as well as the best method to estimate fertilizer N use efficiency (FNUE). Much of this debate is because synthetic N fertilizer can positively or negatively affect SOM mineralization via several direct and indirect pathways. Here, we test a series of hypotheses to determine the direction, magnitude, and mechanism of N fertilizer effect on SOM mineralization and discuss the implications for methods to estimate FNUE.Wemeasured the effect of synthetic …


Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate Effects On Soil Organic Carbon In Iowa Continuous Corn And Corn-Soybean Systems, Hanna J. Poffenbarger, Daniel W. Barker, Matthew J. Helmers, Fernando E. Miguez, John E. Sawyer, Johan Six, Michael J. Castellano Aug 2017

Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate Effects On Soil Organic Carbon In Iowa Continuous Corn And Corn-Soybean Systems, Hanna J. Poffenbarger, Daniel W. Barker, Matthew J. Helmers, Fernando E. Miguez, John E. Sawyer, Johan Six, Michael J. Castellano

John E. Sawyer

Nitrogen fertilizer rate is a key factor affecting soil organic C (SOC) in corn-based cropping systems. The objective of this study was to determine the change in SOC in response to long-term N rates for continuous corn and corn-soybean cropping systems at two sites in Iowa. Soil samples were collected to a depth of 15 cm in 1999 and again in 2014 after 15 years of corn N rate treatments ranging from 0 to 269 kg ha-1. The soil samples were analyzed for total C and N concentrations. For continuous corn at both sites, the average annual change …


Winter Rye Cover Crop Biomass Production, Degradation, And N Recycling, J. L. Pantoja, J. E. Sawyer, D. W. Barker Apr 2017

Winter Rye Cover Crop Biomass Production, Degradation, And N Recycling, J. L. Pantoja, J. E. Sawyer, D. W. Barker

John E. Sawyer

Winter rye (Secale cereale L.) as a cover crop can take up residual inorganic N between annual row crops and therefore be used to help reduce NO3 -–N loss from fields and movement to water systems. However, does the rye N uptake affect N recycling to soil and add to plant available N? The rye carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratio could also influence N recycling. The objectives of this study were to evaluate rye biomass degradation and N recycling after spring rye termination in a no-till corn (Zea mays L.) - soybean [Glycine max. (L.) Merr.] rotation. A two year experiment (2010-2011) …


Corn And Soybean Response To Sulfur Application On Iowa Soils, J. E. Sawyer, D. W. Barker Apr 2017

Corn And Soybean Response To Sulfur Application On Iowa Soils, J. E. Sawyer, D. W. Barker

John E. Sawyer

Historically sulfur (S) application has not been recommended on Iowa soils for com and soybean production. Prior research has not determined a consistent need for S fertilization in Iowa, with field research indicating no com or soybean yield response to applied S at virtually every site studied (Thorup and Leitch 1975; Webb, 1978; Alesii 1982; Killorn, 1984; Sexton et al., 1998; Mallarino et al., 2000). The soil supply, in combination with sources such as manure and atmospheric deposition has apparently met com and soybean S needs. Sulfur deficiencies have been reported over the years in various areas of the Midwestern …


Wait Until Soil Temps Drop Before Applying Anhydrous Ammonia, John E. Sawyer, Barbara Stewart, William Ehm Mar 2017

Wait Until Soil Temps Drop Before Applying Anhydrous Ammonia, John E. Sawyer, Barbara Stewart, William Ehm

John E. Sawyer

With the early harvest, Iowa’s conservation leaders are encouraging farmers to wait until soil temperatures lower before applying anhydrous ammonia (NH3) this fall. Anhydrous ammonia applied before daily soil temperatures remain below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and continue trending lower can result in the nitrogen loss that can impact crop development and have negative environmental impacts, such as enhanced leaching into groundwater and streams once converted to nitrate.


Wet Conditions And Change In Soil Profile Nitrate, John E. Sawyer Mar 2017

Wet Conditions And Change In Soil Profile Nitrate, John E. Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

I wrote an ICM News article February 21, 2013, that provided a summary of fall soil profile nitrate sampling results following the 2012 corn harvest. As I cautioned in that and other articles, the amount of nitrate-N that might remain for a 2013 corn crop depends on springtime rainfall. Unfortunately, much of Iowa has received considerable precipitation since soils thawed, especially the eastern two-thirds of Iowa. The two maps of the Midwest region show the total precipitation and deviation from normal since March 7, 2013. Tile lines are flowing again, and nitrate in the profile will move with percolating water. …


Sulfur Emerges As A Nutritional Issue In Iowa Alfalfa Production, John E. Sawyer, Brian J. Lang, Daniel W. Barker Mar 2017

Sulfur Emerges As A Nutritional Issue In Iowa Alfalfa Production, John E. Sawyer, Brian J. Lang, Daniel W. Barker

John E. Sawyer

Sulfur is often classified as a “secondary” essential element, mainly due to a smaller plant requirement, but also because it is less frequently applied as a fertilizer compared to N, P, and K. This has certainly been the case in Iowa, where research had not documented S deficiency or fertilization need for optimal crop production. However, if deficient, S can have a dramatic effect on plant growth and crop productivity – more than the classification “secondary” would imply.


The Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test: Should It Be Used In Iowa?, John E. Sawyer, Mohammod Ali Tabatabai Jul 2016

The Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test: Should It Be Used In Iowa?, John E. Sawyer, Mohammod Ali Tabatabai

John E. Sawyer

The test was developed several years ago at the University of Illinois by researchers in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. It is a laboratory procedure designed to measure N liberated from soil heated for 5 hours with dilute alkali solution (sodium hydroxide). The test does not measure nitrate, but does measure exchangeable ammonium and a fraction of soil organic N.


Interpreting P And K Soil Test Results, John E. Sawyer, Antonio P. Mallarino Jul 2016

Interpreting P And K Soil Test Results, John E. Sawyer, Antonio P. Mallarino

John E. Sawyer

Soil testing is a key component for determining the need for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilization. Also, if fertilization is required, test results guide the rate of application recommended to optimize production. Through extensive field research, specific soil tests are calibrated against the expectation of response to applied P and K; that is, they provide both a relative index of the availability of P and K to the crop being grown and an indication of the magnitude of yield increase one might expect when nutrients are applied, thus providing the interpretation of text results.


In-Season N Fertilization Strategies Using Active Sensors, Daniel Barker, John Sawyer Jul 2016

In-Season N Fertilization Strategies Using Active Sensors, Daniel Barker, John Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

The objectives of this project were to measure corn yield response to applied nitrogen (N) fertilizer based on active canopy sensing during the mid-vegetative corn growth stage (V10) and compare yield and N use efficiency between pre-plant N (PP-N), pre-plant + sensor N (PP+S-N), split N strategy (SNS), and rescue N strategy (RNS).


In-Season N Fertilization Strategies Using Active Sensors, Daniel Barker, John Sawyer Jul 2016

In-Season N Fertilization Strategies Using Active Sensors, Daniel Barker, John Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

The objectives of this project were to measure corn yield response to applied nitrogen (N) fertilizer based on active canopy sensing during the mid-vegetative corn growth stage (V10) and compare yield and N use efficiency between pre-plant N (PP-N), pre-plant + sensor N (PP+S-N), split N strategy (SNS), and rescue N strategy (RNS).


In-Season N Fertilization Strategies Using Active Sensors, Daniel Barker, John Sawyer Jul 2016

In-Season N Fertilization Strategies Using Active Sensors, Daniel Barker, John Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

The objectives of this project were to measure corn yield response to applied nitrogen (N) fertilizer based on active canopy sensing during the mid-vegetative corn growth stage (V10) and compare yield and N use efficiency between pre-plant N (PP-N), pre-plant + sensor N (PP+S-N), split N strategy (SNS), and rescue N strategy (RNS).


In-Season N Fertilization Strategies Using Active Sensors, Daniel Barker, John Sawyer Jul 2016

In-Season N Fertilization Strategies Using Active Sensors, Daniel Barker, John Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

The objectives of this project were to measure corn yield response to applied nitrogen (N) fertilizer based on active canopy sensing during the mid-vegetative corn growth stage (V10) and compare yield and N use efficiency between pre-plant N (PP-N), pre-plant + sensor N (PP+S-N), split N strategy (SNS), and rescue N strategy (RNS).


In-Season N Fertilization Strategies Using Active Sensors, Daniel Barker, John Sawyer Jul 2016

In-Season N Fertilization Strategies Using Active Sensors, Daniel Barker, John Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

The objectives of this project were to measure corn yield response to applied nitrogen (N) fertilizer based on active canopy sensing during the mid-vegetative corn growth stage (V10) and compare yield and N use efficiency between pre-plant N (PP-N), pre-plant + sensor N (PP+S-N), split N strategy (SNS), and rescue N strategy (RNS).


In-Season N Fertilization Strategies Using Active Sensors, Daniel Barker, John Sawyer Jul 2016

In-Season N Fertilization Strategies Using Active Sensors, Daniel Barker, John Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

The objectives of this project were to measure corn yield response to applied nitrogen (N) fertilizer based on active canopy sensing during the mid-vegetative corn growth stage (V10) and compare yield and N use efficiency between pre-plant N (PP-N), pre-plant + sensor N (PP+S-N), split N strategy (SNS), and rescue N strategy (RNS).


Evaluation Of Fertilizer Additives For Enhanced Nitrogen Efficiency In Corn, Daniel W. Barker, John E. Sawyer, Michael J. Castellano Jul 2016

Evaluation Of Fertilizer Additives For Enhanced Nitrogen Efficiency In Corn, Daniel W. Barker, John E. Sawyer, Michael J. Castellano

John E. Sawyer

The use of N additives and slow release materials with ammoniacal fertilizer varies throughout the U.S. Corn Belt due to differing N loss potentials across climate, soils, and production systems. In Iowa, recent years of high rainfall events and prolonged wet soil conditions has renewed interest to protect fertilizer N loss from denitrification, leaching, and greenhouse gas emission with use of nitrification inhibitors. These loss processes can be significant in Iowa soils that are poorly drained and have high organic matter, high pH, and high populations of denitrifying bacteria. Subsurface tile drainage is also prevalent in farmer fields throughout the …


Drought Impacts On Soil Fertility Management, John E. Sawyer Jul 2016

Drought Impacts On Soil Fertility Management, John E. Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

If crop production was severely reduced because of dry conditions this year, there are a few items you can consider when planning for next year's crop. One, with severely damaged crops and low yields you might credit some of the phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) applied for this year's crop to next year, as much less removal will occur in grain harvest of the lower than expected yield.


Corn Stalk Nitrate Interpretation, John E. Sawyer Jul 2016

Corn Stalk Nitrate Interpretation, John E. Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

You’ve gotten results from corn stalk nitrate samples collected this fall. (Corn stalk nitrate analysis form.) Now, what do the results mean? The stalk nitrate test is based on the concentration of nitrate-N in the lower corn stalk (8 inch segment from 6 to 14 inches above the ground) when the plant reaches maturity (See Cornstalk testing to evaluate nitrogen management, PM 1584). In general, a larger amount of plant-available N in the soil during the time period before plant maturity results in a greater concentration of nitrate in the lower stalk. However, the stalk nitrate-N concentration …


Corn Stalk Nitrate Interpretation, John E. Sawyer Jul 2016

Corn Stalk Nitrate Interpretation, John E. Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

You’ve gotten results from corn stalk nitrate samples collected this fall. (Corn stalk nitrate analysis form.) Now, what do the results mean? The stalk nitrate test is based on the concentration of nitrate-N in the lower corn stalk (8 inch segment from 6 to 14 inches above the ground) when the plant reaches maturity (See Cornstalk testing to evaluate nitrogen management, PM 1584). In general, a larger amount of plant-available N in the soil during the time period before plant maturity results in a greater concentration of nitrate in the lower stalk. However, the stalk nitrate-N concentration can be greatly …


Comparing The Fieldscout Greenindex+ Chlorophyll Sensing App To The Minolta Spad Meter, Jessica D. Pille, John E. Sawyer, Daniel W. Barker Jul 2016

Comparing The Fieldscout Greenindex+ Chlorophyll Sensing App To The Minolta Spad Meter, Jessica D. Pille, John E. Sawyer, Daniel W. Barker

John E. Sawyer

With the improvement of mobile computing, the company Spectrum Technologies, Inc. has developed a precision Ag App which adapts an iPod, iPad, or iPhone camera to select for specific wavelengths of light from a corn leaf (Zea mays L.) in comparison to accompanying board for light/color comparison. The App computes a Dark Green Color Index (DGCI), indicating leaf greenness, which relates to the amount of chlorophyll and thus, indirectly, leaf nitrogen (N) content. The question posed for this study is: How accurate and convenient is the App compared to a proven technology, the Minolta 502 Soil-Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) meter; …


Anhydrous Ammonia Application And Dry Soils, John E. Sawyer Jul 2016

Anhydrous Ammonia Application And Dry Soils, John E. Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

It is almost time that anhydrous ammonia (NH3) applications could begin (remember 50 F and cooling 4-inch soil temperature). However, many soils in Iowa are quite dry this fall. So, can anhydrous ammonia be applied to dry soil? Will it be held in dry soil?


45th Annual North Central Extension-Industry Soil Fertility Conference, John E. Sawyer Jul 2016

45th Annual North Central Extension-Industry Soil Fertility Conference, John E. Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

If you would like to learn more about current soil fertility issues and research being conducted at universities across the North Central region, then consider attending the 45th Annual North Central Extension-Industry Soil Fertility Conference on November 4-5, 2015, from 1 p.m. to noon, at the Holiday Inn Airport in Des Moines, Iowa. The conference will include invited presentations from university and industry leaders, research reports from university soil fertility researchers, and posters outlining research by graduate students at universities across the North Central region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, …


Sulfur Management For Iowa Crop Production, John E. Sawyer, Brian J. Lang, Daniel W. Barker Jul 2016

Sulfur Management For Iowa Crop Production, John E. Sawyer, Brian J. Lang, Daniel W. Barker

John E. Sawyer

Summary of statewide evaluation in Iowa of alfalfa and corn yield response to applied sulfur fertilizers. On-farm, small-plot and field-length strip trial yield response data presented from 2005-2013.


Interpretation Of Soil Test Results, Antonio P. Mallarino, John E. Sawyer Jul 2016

Interpretation Of Soil Test Results, Antonio P. Mallarino, John E. Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

A detailed explanation on how to interpret soil test results to assist with soil nutrient recommendations.


A General Guide For Crop Nutrient And Limestone Recommendations In Iowa, Antonio P. Mallarino, John E. Sawyer, Stephen K. Barnhart Jul 2016

A General Guide For Crop Nutrient And Limestone Recommendations In Iowa, Antonio P. Mallarino, John E. Sawyer, Stephen K. Barnhart

John E. Sawyer

Find phosphorus and potassium recommendations, micronutrient recommendations, and limestone recommendations for soils.

Also find soil test procedures and categories.


Nutrient Considerations With Corn Stover Harvest, John E. Sawyer, Antonio P. Mallarino Jul 2016

Nutrient Considerations With Corn Stover Harvest, John E. Sawyer, Antonio P. Mallarino

John E. Sawyer

Weigh the relationships between corn stover harvest (as compared to grain only harvest) with the research presented in this publication.Make informed decisions about using stover harvest for bioenergy and using corn residue for soil sustainability. Find corn N, P, and K fertilization recommendations needed to maintain desirable soil-test values.


Impacts Of Cover Crops On Phosphorus And Nitrogen Loss With Surface Runoff, Antonio Mallarino, Richard Cruse, Dan Jaynes, John Sawyer, Pablo Barbieri Jul 2016

Impacts Of Cover Crops On Phosphorus And Nitrogen Loss With Surface Runoff, Antonio Mallarino, Richard Cruse, Dan Jaynes, John Sawyer, Pablo Barbieri

John E. Sawyer

Iowa research has demonstrated that cover crops can improve soil productivity and water quality by increasing soil organic matter and reducing nitrate nitrogen (N) leaching. Other research has investigated and is investigating the agronomic and economic viability of using cereal rye cover crops in continuous corn or corn-soybean rotations. However, no Iowa research has evaluated under natural rainfall the impact of cover crops on phosphorus (P) and N loss with surface runoff interacting with other management practices. The need for this type of research was indicated in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy documents. This effort assessed what would be needed …


Impact Of 4r Management On Crop Production And Nitrate-Nitrogen Loss In Tile Drainage, Matthew Helmers, John Sawyer, Josh Sievers Jul 2016

Impact Of 4r Management On Crop Production And Nitrate-Nitrogen Loss In Tile Drainage, Matthew Helmers, John Sawyer, Josh Sievers

John E. Sawyer

Corn Belt corn and soybean producers are increasingly challenged to maximize crop production while addressing the contributions farm practices make to Gulf hypoxia. Based on the need for nitrate-N reductions to meet water quality goals, new management practices are needed to reduce nitrate-N losses at minimal cost and maximum economic benefits. This three-year field research and demonstration project is evaluating various promising N management methods and technologies by documenting the nitrate-N export and crop yield from various systems.