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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. New Hydroponic System for Testing Mineral Nutrient Deficiencies: QuinoaCorrelating plant tissue nutrient concentrations with visual symptoms is valuable in combating mineral nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. Major crops tend to have adequate information regarding nutrient concentrations and visual symptoms of deficiencies, but this 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. However,... D.L. Cole, D.T. Heidenreich, S.H. Stapley, A.M. Lambert, R.L. Buck, B.G. Hopkins |
3. Enhanced Efficiency Phosphorus FertilizersPhosphorus (P) is essential for plants. However, first-year phosphorus fertilizer uptake by plants is low, resulting in economic and environmental impacts. Developments with P Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer (EEF) sources show improved uptake efficiency and increased yield and/or crop quality, while reducing environmental risk. Research with EEFs (including organic acids, maleic itaconic copolymer, and struvite) all show these improvements, especially when: 1) soil test P concentrations are low,... B. Hopkins, S.J. Kobza, C. Seely |
4. Comparative Analysis of Soil Tests for Soil Health and Nutrient ManagementOptions for soil tests to address soil health and nutrient management objectives have diversified. We compare different soil test methods to evaluate their similarities for providing recommendations. Traditional soil tests, ion exchange membranes and analyses using the Haney Soil Health Nutrient Tool and Soil Health Index were compared for soil sampled from long-term cropping system trials near Ritzville Washington and from the R.J. Cook Agronomy Farm near Pullman WA. Despite strong... D. Huggins, C. Rieser, J. Reganold |
5. Dryland Organic Winter Wheat Improvement by the Inclusion of Composted Cattle Manure and Cover CropsOrganic agriculture in semi-arid environments can face several challenges in order to produce a successful crop. These include nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies, moisture limitations, and high weed competition. Organic winter wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.)-fallow systems can be amended with composted cattle manure and with green manure from cover crops grown in the fallow phase to help increase wheat yields and quality. Cattle manure can improve soil health with the... C. Helseth, U. Norton |
6. Long-term Soil Profile Acidification: Obvious and Hidden DangersSoil acidification is occurring in the dryland farming region of the Northwest. Historically, soil acidification in the surface foot has been characterized; however, potential acidification of subsoil is unknown. We examined soil acidification for soil profiles (0 to 5 ft) at the R.J. Cook Agronomy Farm (92 ac) for 17 years following conversion from conventional tillage to continuous No-tillage (NT). Surface soil depths (0-12 in) acidified under continuous NT to below 5. Surprisingly, subsoil... D. Huggins, S. Shiwakoti |
7. Estimating Nitrogen Credits from Organic Matter Sources in OrchardsOrchard crops like almonds can effectively utilize different nitrogen (N) sources to meet the high annual N demand for fruit and tree growth. Different fertilizer formulations like urea ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate and potassium nitrate are widely and effectively used, and readily available for uptake. Yet, addressing N availability from organic matter sources in orchards, and in turn estimating appropriate N credits... S.S. Khalsa, P.H. Brown |
8. Polymer Coated Urea and Urea Blends on PotatoPotato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a globally important crop with significant economic and environmental impacts. Nitrogen (N) has a large impact in both instances. Polymer coated urea (PCU) is a N source with the ability of improving production and the environment. Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) is a PCU that may reduce the need for continual N application throughout the season. The objective of this research was to evaluate the impacts on potato tuber yield and quality with uncoated... E. Carlock, A. Weigel, T. Searle, T. Hopkins, J. Williams, B. Hopkins |
9. 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 |
10. Phosphorus Rate Effects with and without AVAIL on Dryland Winter Wheat in an Eroded Calcareous SoilSoluble phosphorus fertilizer precipitates rapidly after application on alkaline, calcareous soils. A fertilizer additive known as AVAIL® (J.R. Simplot Company) is purported to keep applied phosphorus fertilizer more available to plants by binding soil cations, thereby reducing precipitation reactions. In a soil high in base cations, this could prove useful due to the attraction of AVAIL® with cations such as Ca2+, but is fairly unstudied for dryland wheat production on... R. Hodges |
11. Water and Nitrogen Interactions in Kentucky BluegrassPressure is increasing in arid regions to conserve water, especially during drought. Turfgrass is the irrigated crop of greatest acreage in the United States and is coming under scrutiny in urban ecosystems. The purpose of this study was evaluating water use by Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) under various irrigation and nitrogen (N) regimes. A study was conducted in an established stand of Kentucky bluegrass in Provo, UT, USA. The turfgrass was split equally into 27 plots (11... A. Hopkins, C. Campbell, B. Hopkins, N. Hansen |
12. Boron Fertilization with Aspire® in Alfalfa and PotatoPotassium (K) and boron (B) are essential nutrients. The spatially even distribution of applying K fertilizer is typically not a problem, but for B fertilizer application, it is a problem. This is especially difficult for crops such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) due to low B rate and limited soil exploration by roots. Fertilizer with K and B fused into a single granule could result in even distribution. Trials were performed to evaluate the performance... E. Woolley, T. Searle, T. Hopkins, J. Williams, B. Hopkins |
13. Soil Water and Plant Canopy Sensor Technologies to Optimize Water and Nutrient UseIn many respects, agricultural technology is doing things now that were only imagined 20 to 30 years ago. Yet, grower tools that provide information and actionable knowledge on water and nutrient availability still remain a challenge. Clearly, rapid development of data transfer and processing platforms to date has provided rich maps of grower fields with overlays of location-specific information but their utility is still limited by our ability to accurately measure the parameters that are the... C. Campbell, N. Hansen, B. Hopkins, S. Evans, E. Campbell, A. Campbell, L. Rivera, D. Cobos |
14. Nitrous Oxide Emissions: Assessment and Mitigation in Irrigated Cotton in the Western USANitrogen from fertilizers is a major source of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) in irrigated cropping systems. To date, N2O emission data is scarce for row crops in the Western USA, especially, the desert southwest, where seasonal irrigation quantities can exceed 40 inches. The objective of these studies was to assess the effect of N fertilizer management on N2O emissions from furrow-, overhead sprinkler-, and subsurface drip-irrigated (SDI) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in... K. Bronson, D. Hunsaker, K. Thorp, C. Williams |
15. 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 |
16. Improving Phosphorus Use Efficiency: Right Rate, Timing, and Placement and Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer Sources: Research SummaryPhosphorus (P) fertilization is essential for societal sustainability. However, plant P uptake is inefficient due to poor soil P solubility, especially for crops such as potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plant due to relatively poor rooting efficiency and high demand. Phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) improves with the right rate, timing, placement, and with using enhanced efficiency fertilizer products (EEF). We have conducted several dozen studies over nearly two decades showing PUE is improved... E. Shipp, T. Hopkins, B. Hopkins |
17. Nitrogen and Irrigation Water Interactions in Drought Stressed Kentucky BluegrassThere is increasing pressure in arid regions to conserve water, especially during drought. Turfgrass is the irrigated crop of greatest acreage in the United States and water use for irrigating turf is coming under scrutiny in urban ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate water use and growth of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) under various irrigation and nitrogen (N) regimes. A study was conducted in an environmentally controlled growth chamber with established Kentucky... K. Russell, A. Hopkins, N. Hansen, B. Hopkins |
18. Polymer Coated Urea: Meeting Plant Needs While Mitigating Environmental Impacts — Research SummaryFertile soil is the foundation of food production and is maintained by replacing nutrients lost in harvest or to the atmosphere and hydrosphere. Nitrogen (N) accounts for approximately half of global fertilizer inputs. However, N recovery by plants is inherently inefficient due to “leaks” in the system, causing air and water pollution. Additionally, poor fertilizer efficiency is a waste of natural resources and potentially reduces yields, crop quality, and grower profits. Nitrogen-use... S. Bartholomew, T. Hopkins, B. Hopkins |
19. Developing a Soil Test Kit for Extension ProgrammingSoil and horticulture Extension programs are enhanced by hands-on and interactive activities. Readily available and inexpensive soil test kits can be useful in Extension programming in the classroom and the field. With the addition of a few extra supplies and tools, a complete kit can be created for Extension educators to use in horticulture and soil management programming. Five soil test kits from different manufactures were evaluated for both ease of use and accuracy. All kits included... C. Youngquist, J. Norton, J. Harsh |
20. Phosphorus and Organic Acid Bonding Impacts at Varying Soil pHPhosphorus (P) fertilizer is essential for crop production, but reductions are warranted to conserve resources and minimize environmental impacts. Several lab, glasshouse, growth chamber, and field studies have been performed over the past six years with a new P fertilizer (Carbond P; CBP; Land View Fertilizer, Rupert, ID, USA) mostly in calcareous, low OM soil. Studies comparing CBP to ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) applied to soil show season-long increases in... T. Blair, C. Ransom, P. Hosford, J. Svedin, L. Sutton, A. Winchester, K. Manning, T. Hopkins, B. Hopkins |
21. Nitrogen Management and Budgets for Irrigated Cotton in the Western USAWe present research on new and improved and updated N fertilizer management recommendations for 4-bale/acre cotton based on a 36-inch NO3-N soil test for irrigated cotton from a 2-year study on surface/furrow irrigation study and a 1-year study under sprinkler irrigation. We also compared UAN with UAN plus the N loss inhibitor Agrotain Plus. Additionally, we compared reflectance- based N fertilizer management with soil test-based management. Nitrogen balances indicated that residual soil NO3 was... K. Bronson, J. Mon, E. Bautista, D. Hunsaker |
22. Ammonia Volatilization from Urea Vs. Alternative Nitrogen FertilizersSubstantial ammonia (NH3) volatilization can occur from surface application of urea on sandy soils with low pH buffering capacity such as those in the semi-arid Columbia Basin. Previous studies have reported loss of up to 60% of urea-N as ammonia on these soils. The objective of this study was to quantify ammonia loss per acre for urea and for alternative N fertilizer products, including: sulfur-coated urea (SCU), urea coated with NBPT urease inhibitor (urea + Agrotain), ammonium sulfate... S. Del moro, D. Sullivan, D. Horneck |
23. Cover Cropping in the Semi-arid West: Effects of Termination Timing, Species, and Mixtures on Nitrogen Uptake, Yield, Soil Quality, and Economic ReturnSummer fallow still dominates some areas of the northern Great Plains (NGP), providing an opportunity to grow a partial season cover crop for increased soil health or nutrient availability. Over 12 years of research on single species cover crops in semi-arid Montana have revealed the benefits of early termination and multiple cover crop cycles on N availability, subsequent crop yield, soil health, and economic return. Due to high N fixation, pea cover crops have fairly consistently increased subsequent... C. Jones, P. Miller, S. Tallman, M. Housman, C. Zabinski, M. Burgess, J. O'dea, A. Bekkerman |
24. Chloride Effects on Nitrogen Uptake in Potato ProductionPotassium (K) can be supplied by potassium chloride (KCl) or sulfate (K2SO4) salts. Past research has shown that potatoes can take up and accumulate large amounts of chloride (Cl). Plant uptake of Cl can sometimes reduce petiole nitrate-N (NO3-N) concentration and it may have other effects on potato tuber yield and quality. In contrast, sulfate-S (SO4-S) typically does not compete strongly with NO3-N for plant uptake. This research was designed to evaluate the effect of Cl application on petiole... D. Sullivan, S. Light, D. Horneck |
25. Phosphorus and Organic Acid Bonding Enhances Uptake Efficiency and Yield Response in Crop PlantsPhosphorus (P) fertilizer is essential for crop production, but reductions are warranted to conserve resources and minimize environmental impacts. Several lab, glasshouse, growth chamber, and field studies have been performed over the past seven years with a new P fertilizer (Carbond P; CBP; Land View Fertilizer, Rupert, ID, USA) in calcareous, low OM soil. This paper will be a review of a portion of that data. Studies comparing CBP to ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and monoammonium phosphate (MAP)... B. Hopkins, T. Blair, J. Selman, C. Ransom, T. Hopkins |
26. Advancing Nitrogen and Irrigation Management for Row Crops and Biofuel Crops in the Western USNitrogen, irrigation and N by irrigation studies from West Texas and central Arizona are discussed. In the first study with surface drip, deficit irrigation, N fertilizer rate response was observed with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in 50 and 75 % ET replacement, but not with dryland or 25 % ET. Irrigation level response was evident with LEPA in two of three years in Lamesa Texas, but not in a wet, third year. Variable-rate N showed a more consistent response than blanket-rate N in that... K. Bronson, J. Mon, D. Hunsaker, G. Wang |
27. 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 |
28. 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 |
29. 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 |
30. 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 monoammonium... B. Hopkins, B. Webb, M. Hill, C. Ransom |
31. 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 |
32. 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 the... J. Holcomb, D. Horneck, G. Clough, D. Sullivan |
33. Ammonia in the Columbia River GorgeAir in the Columbia River Gorge (CRG), a national monument, is impacting vegetation, haze and even rock hieroglyphs. Air quality in the CRG is derived from three geographical locations, the Gorge itself, West of the Cascades and East of the Cascade Mountains. Paper mills, power plants, wood burning stoves, forest fires, combustion engines, agriculture... all contribute to CRG haze. Ammonia is an important player in CRG haze. Ammonia combines with NOx and SOx to form ammonium sulfate and ammonium... D. Horneck |
34. 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 |
35. 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 |
36. Precision N Management: Field-scale Application of N Efficiency Indices in WheatPreliminary evaluation of precision agricultural technologies showed that on-combine grain yield and protein monitors show promise as useful tools to characterize site- specific variations in crop performance. Variable rate applicators were shown to be proficient at achieving targeted site-specific application goals. First year comparisons of uniform versus precision N management in hard red winter wheat showed that similar yield and protein goals were met with 20% less applied N in the field-scale... D. Huggins |
37. 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 |
38. Sus-Terra Enhanced Efficiency Phosphorus Fertilizer on Potato Grown in Calcareous SoilPotato (Solanum tuberosum L.) has a relatively high demand for phosphorus (P), especially on calcareous soil where the availability of P in hindered by poor solubility. Sus-Terra is claimed to be an enhanced efficiency fertilizer compared to other P sources. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the differences in uptake efficiency and yield for multiple P sources compared to a no P control applied to Russet Burbank potato. Field trials with six replications in a RCBD were... L.K. Sannar, B.G. Hopkins, T.J. Hopkins |
39. Flushed Liquid Dairy Manure Solid Particle and Nutrient DistributionsLarge dairies often use liquid manure handling systems because of their ease of mechanization and low labor requirements. Some of Idaho Magic Valley dairies use flushing systems that result in large amounts of liquid dairy manure that are applied via irrigation systems to adjacent cropland during the growing season. Solids and nutrients found in liquid dairy manure pose challenges to manure handling processes and cause environmental concerns. Separating solids and nutrients from liquid dairy manure... L. Chen, K. Kruger |
40. 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 |
41. Hydrothermal Carbonization of Dairy Manure for Phosphorus Recovery and Runoff Risk Mitigation: Effect of Temperature and CaO AdditionDairy manure contains a significant amount of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), which are essential for soil fertility and crop productivity, but are currently underutilized due to ammonia emissions, P runoff and leaching, and manure N to P ratios do not match crop nutrient needs. Meanwhile, there is a growing concern about P depletion as a non-renewable resource. To address both the excessive use of synthetic P fertilizers and inefficiently direct use of dairy manure, a logical strategy is to... M. Islam, B. He, L. Chen |
42. Speculation on an Equation for Stratification: How Reliably Can We Estimate Soil Test Values at Different Depths?The depth to which soil is sampled in a field impacts measured soil test values. However, across the West, depth of soil sampling can vary by state, region and cropping system. What if we're interested in comparing crop responses to fertilizer application across a large scale? How do we reconcile trials that are sampled at different soil depths? This study was part of the Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST) project, with the goal to develop equations that allowed comparison... S. Culman |
43. A Classification System for Assessing Applied N Performance in Dryland Wheat Crops of the Inland PNWWheat crops in the inland Pacific Northwest demand nitrogen (N) fertilizers at high levels to achieve yield and grain protein objectives. Inefficiencies in N use can accelerate soil acidification, contribute to N2O emissions and result in unnecessary input costs. More precise applications, using wheat performance maps at the field-scale, could lead to increased N use efficiency but requires a multidimensional assessment of performance including grain protein, yield, and N efficiency.... D. Huggins, J. Casanova, C. Phillips |