Agriculture Commons^™

High Nitrogen Fertilizer Prices -- Again, John E. Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

I am often asked what N rate should be applied for corn production. I hesitate to give too simple of an answer, but actually a straightforward rate of 125 lb N/acre for corn following soybean (SC) and 175 lb N/acre for corn following corn (CC) (continuous, second-, or third-year) with good N management works well. If you have followed Iowa State University Extension publications regarding N management over the years, these rates are in the middle of suggested rate ranges provided since at least 1979 (100--150 lb N/acre for SC and 150--200 lb N/acre for CC).

Gypsum: An Old Product With A New Use, John E. Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

Gypsum is calcium sulfate (CaSO4). Refined gypsum in the anhydrite form (no water) is 29.4 percent calcium (Ca) and 23.5 percent sulfur (S). Usually, gypsum has water associated in the molecular structure (CaSO4·2H2O) and is approximately 23.3 percent Ca and 18.5 percent S (plaster of paris). Gypsum fertilizer usually has other impurities so grades are approximately 22 percent Ca and 17 percent S.

Hailed-Out Soybean Fields, John E. Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

An unfortunate hailstorm "harvested" a large number of soybean fields in a swath across northwestern Iowa on October 1. In these fields, the amount of soybean seed knocked from the plants varied from minimal to essentially the entire yield. Although nothing can be done to replace the lost grain, at least nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) nutrients returned to the soil in the soybean grain can be accounted for when planning nutrient applications for 2003 crops. An estimate of soybean bushels per acre lost is needed to approximate nutrient return to the soil.

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 …

Fertilizer And Swine Manure Management Systems: Impacts On Agronomic And Environmental Soil Phosphorus Tests And On Phosphorus Loss With Subsurface Drainage, Antonio P. Mallarino, John E. Sawyer, Jeremy Klatt, Rameshwar S. Kanwar, Carl H. Pederson, James L. Baker, Kenneth T. Pecinovsky

John E. Sawyer

Manure or fertilizer can be used to supply the phosphorus (P) needs of crops. However, excess P application increases the risk of P loss from fields and of water quality impairment through increased algae growth. Poor water quality in many Iowa lakes has prompted questions about the impact of P management practices on P loss from fields and the effectiveness of using agronomic soil tests for environmental purposes.

Fertilizer And Swine Manure Management Systems: Impacts On Crop Production And Nitrate-Nitrogen Leaching With Subsurface Drainage, Rameshwar S. Kanwar, Carl H. Pederson, James L. Baker, Antonio P. Mallarino, John E. Sawyer, Kenneth T. Pecinovsky

John E. Sawyer

Nutrient losses from row-crop land can cause nonpoint source water quality problems and “impaired waters.” Nitrogen (N) losses due to nitrate (NO3) leaching cause drinking water problems and possibly increase hypoxia (low oxygen) problems in the Gulf of Mexico. Phosphorus (P) losses can cause eutrophication problems in surface waters (lakes, streams, and reservoirs) in Iowa where algal blooms decrease oxygen, kill fish, and result in murky and bad tasting water. The U.S. EPA and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are developing nutrient criteria/standards and implementation plans to address TMDL’s (Total Maximum Daily Load) and to improve the quality of …

Fertilizer Nitrogen Application This Fall, John E. Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

Much of the primary fertilizer nitrogen (N) for corn is applied in the spring as pre-plant or sidedress, where efficiency of N use should be greatest. Fall N fertilizer application success can be enhanced by following several suggestions: only use anhydrous ammonia; apply in late fall after soils cool to 50 degrees F (4-inch depth) and are trending cooler (the colder the better, and most years in Iowa this is sometime in November); consider a nitrification inhibitor to further slow nitrification to nitrate; and avoid fall application to soils that are more prone to wetness or leaching (poorly or excessively …

Farm Energy: Energy Consumption For Row Crop Production, H. Mark Hanna, John E. Sawyer, Dana Petersen

John E. Sawyer

This publication provides an overview of farm energy use related to corn and soybean production in Iowa. Three areas of row crop production--field operations, fertilizer and pesticide application, and artificial drying--are used to illustrate on-farm energy consumption.

Fall Nitrogen Applications And Soil Temperature, John E. Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

If you are considering fall application of anhydrous ammonia to corn fields (the only nitrogen fertilizer recommended for fall application), remember to wait until soil temperatures cool to 50° F and continue to trend colder. The same guidance applies to manure with high ammonium N content, like liquid swine manure.

Foliar Fertilization Of Corn And Soybean, John E. Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

Research has been conducted on foliar fertilization of corn over the years, but not overly extensive in Iowa. One reason has been the lack of positive results when studies were conducted. Looking at data from the early 1970s to recent years I don’t find cases where foliar fertilization produced positive yield responses. An example is a study we conducted in 1999 with foliar application of low-biuret urea and mono-potassium phosphate at four growth stages from V6 to VT. There was no yield response with urea application, but a statistically significant yield decrease of 5 to 6 bu/acre with mono-potassium phosphate …

Farm Energy: Energy Conservation In Corn Nitrogen Fertilization, John E. Sawyer, H. Mark Hanna, Dana Petersen

John E. Sawyer

Optimum corn yields require nitrogen fertilization in most crop rotations, but the energy consumed during the production of nitrogen fertilizer is considerable. Learn more about maximizing economic, environmental, and energy returns for nitrogen and other fertilizers.

Using Manure Nutrients For Crop Production, John E. Sawyer, Antonio P. Mallarino

John E. Sawyer

Manure has characteristics that make nutrient management different and sometimes more complicated than fertilizer. Find out about manure nutrient availability for crops, manure nutrient supply, manure nutrient application recommendations, adjusting for manure nitrogen volatilization, and more.

Study Of Nitrogen And Phosphorus Transformations From Poultry Manure And Fertilizer Using Soil Incubation And Soil Testing: A Complement To Ongoing Field Demonstrations, Antonio P. Mallarino, John E. Sawyer, Dan E. Kaiser, Dorivar Ruiz-Diaz

John E. Sawyer

The general goal of this study was to improve our knowledge of the reactions and chemical transformations of poultry manure nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in soils in order to better utilize the nutrient value of this important resource for crop production. All the laboratory work has been completed, but data management continues at this time to complete statistical analysis and summarize and publish the results. Therefore, this report summarizes work done and the results available at this time. Strongly supported conclusions are not possible at this time because several statistical and data analyses have not been completed.

Nutrient Deficiencies And Application Injuries In Field Crops, John E. Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

Color photos and descriptions aid in identifying nutrient deficiencies and injury due to fertilizer in order to accurately diagnose symptoms for corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and winter wheat.

Enhancing Corn Yield In A Rye Cover Cropping System, John E. Sawyer, Swetabh Patel, John P. Lundvall

John E. Sawyer

Water quality impairment related to nitrogen (N) continues to be a concern in Iowa, including meeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) nitrate (NO3) drinking water standard, proposed surface water quality nutrient criteria, and N reduction export goals to the Gulf of Mexico. The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy science assessment identified use of a rye cover crop as an important in-field management practice to reduce N and phosphorus (P) loss from fields (31% NO3-N and 29% P). A rye cover crop is also important for reducing soil erosion. Winter cereal rye is most often the cover crop of choice due …

Broadband Availability Increased Significantly 2010 - 2015, Charlotte Narjes

Cornhusker Economics

Nebraska’s broadband vision is that residents, businesses, government entities, community partners, and visitors have access to affordable broadband service and have the necessary skills to effectively utilize broadband technologies. Nebraska Statewide Broadband Plan adopted 2014.

Roles Of Information And Communications Technologies In Improving Fish Farming And Production In Rivers State, Nigeria., Ejiogu-Okereke, Ngozi Eucharia Dr, Chikaire, Jonadab Ubochioma Dr, Ogueri, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Dr, Chikezie, Ngozi Patience Dr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

The study examined the roles of ICTs for improved fish farming and production in Rivers State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to ­- describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the responding fish farmers in the area; identify ICT devices used by respondents in the area; examine fish farming/production information needs of respondents; ascertain ICT roles in promoting fish farming and production in the study area; and identify problems of ICTs use by fish farmers in the study area. Multi stage sampling technique was adopted in sample selection. Data were collected with use of questionnaire and interview schedule. The sample size …

U.S. Drought Monitor, July 26, 2016, Brad Rippey

United States Agricultural Commodities in Drought Archive

Drought map of U.S. for July 26, 2016 (7/26/16) plus: U.S. crop areas experiencing drought (map), Approximate percentage of crop located in drought, by state (bar graph), Percent of crop area located in drought, past 52 weeks (line graph) for: Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Cattle, Winter wheat.

The Farm Newsletter, Usu Student Organic Farm

USU Student Organic Farm Newsletter

Coriander Beet Chips. Recipe by NakedBeet.

Enhancing Corn Yield In A Winter Cereal Rye Cover Cropping System, Swetabh Patel, John Lundvall, John Sawyer

John E. Sawyer

Water quality impairment related to nitrogen (N) is a concern in Iowa, including meeting nitrate (NO3) drinking water standards and reducing the amount of N lost to the Gulf of Mexico. The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy science assessment identified a rye cover crop as an important in-field management practice for reducing N and phosphorus (P) loss from fields (31% NO3-N and 29% P), and for reducing soil erosion. However, the science assessment identified a corn yield reduction of 6 percent when grown following a rye cover crop. Lower corn yield with use of a cover crop is unacceptable to farmers, …