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1. Soil Health Changes Following Transition from an Annual Cropping to Perennial Management-Intensive Grazing AgroecosystemManagement-intensive Grazing (MiG) on irrigated, perennial pastures has steadily increased in the western US due to pressure for reducing public lands grazing, overall declining land available for pasture, and decreasing commodity prices. However, there are still many unknowns regarding MiG and its environmental impact, especially with regards to soil health. Over a two-year period, we studied changes in soil health under a full-scale, 82 ha pivot-irrigated perennial pasture system grazed with... J. Ippolito, C. Shawver, J. Brummer, J. Ahola, R. Rhoades |
2. Residue Decomposition of Surface and Incorporated Barley, Corn, and Wheat at Varying Fertilizer-N RatesCereal crops are commonly grown in southern Idaho and most parts of the western United States. These cereal crops are routinely harvested for their grain with the remaining plant material (chaff, stems, leaves, etc.) left in the field to decompose prior to planting of following spring crops. Understanding the effects of post-harvest residue management on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and wheat (Tritcum aestivum L.) residue is important for optimizing... C. Rogers, G. Thurgood, B. Dari, J. Marshall, O.S. Walsh, K. Schroeder, G. Loomis |
3. Estimating Non-Fertilizer Nitrogen ContributionsCalifornia growers are facing increasing pressure to reduce nitrogen (N) losses in crop production. However, growers also need to maintain high yield levels to remain competitive. This is only possible when N inputs from all sources can be quantified and fertilizer application rates can be adjusted accordingly. The major sources of non-fertilizer N include soil residual nitrate, nitrate in the irrigation water and N mineralized during the growing season from organic material, such as soil organic... D. Geisseler |
4. 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 |
5. Salt and Sediment Balances in an Irrigated Watershed in Southern IdahoThe quality of irrigation return flow in a 205,000 acre southern Idaho watershed has changed since 1970. Converting from furrow irrigation to sprinkler irrigation and installation of wetlands and sediment ponds have greatly reduced sediment loss. There is now more sediment in the irrigation water diverted into the watershed than returns to the Snake River (>100 lb a-1) compared to a net loss of 410 lb a-1 of sediment in 1971. There is also more soluble salt flowing into the watershed than... D. Bjorneberg, A. Koehn, J. Ippolito |
6. 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 |
7. Soil Phosphorus Availability Differences Between Sprinkler and Furrow IrrigationWater flowing in irrigation furrows detaches and transports soil particles and subsequently nutrients such as phosphorus (P). To reduce the risk of erosion and offsite P transport, producers in south-central Idaho have been converting from furrow to sprinkler irrigation. We completed research on soil P dynamics in furrow versus sprinkler irrigated soils from four paired-fields in the region. Surface soils (0-2.5 inches) were obtained from fields in September following barley harvest. Furrow irrigated... J. Ippolito, D. Bjorneberg |
8. Soil Copper Thresholds for Potato ProductionA rising concern with the application of dairy wastes to agricultural fields is the accumulation of copper (Cu) in the soil. Copper sulfate (CuSO4) from cattle footbaths is washed out of dairy barns and into wastewater lagoons. The addition of CuSO4 baths on dairies can increase Cu concentration significantly in manure slurry. The Cu-enriched dairy waste is then applied to agricultural crops, thus raising concerns about how soils and plants are impacted by these Cu additions. Repeated applications... A. Moore, M. Satterwhite, J. Ippolito |
9. 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 tropical... R. Lentz, J. Ippolito, K. Spokas, J. Novak, H. Collins, J. Sterubel |
10. 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 |
11. 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 |
12. Nitrogen Cycling and Partitioning Under Alternative Organic Orchard Floor Management StrategiesOrganic orchard systems are a significant and growing component of Washington State agriculture, yet sustainable methods of nitrogen (N) fertility and weed management remain a challenge. Nutrient supply is dependent on decomposition and mineralization of organic matter, yet intensive cultivation commonly used to control weeds can disrupt biological processes and cause loss of organic matter. To address the often-competing goals of organic fertility and weed control, a number of alternative orchard... L. Carpenter-boggs, D. Granatstein, J. Reganold, L. Hoagland, M. Mazzola, F. Peryea, J. Smith |
13. Reducing Dairy Effluent Phosphorus Content Through Struvite ProductionForced precipitation of struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate, MgNH4PO46H2O) in wastewater treatment has recently received increased attention as a method of phosphorus (P) recycling. Dairy lagoon P concentrations can be lowered, and the recovered struvite has the potential to be marketed and used as a fertilizer. Struvite may even be useful in organic production on calcareous soils, where rock P (PR) is not an option. A new organic treatment method, based on an existing... J. G. davis, J. Ippolito, M. Massey, R. Sheffield |
14. Nitrogen Availability from Organic AmendmentsOrganic fertilizers and composts are valuable sources of nutrients. However, their nutrient availability is often not known and can be variable. How much nitrogen (N) becomes plant available depends on environmental factors, including temperature and so moisture, as well as the properties of the decomposing organic material. We investigated the effects of the carbon to N (C:N) ratio of different commercially available organic fertilizers and composts in a study where we mixed the materials with... D. Geisseler |
15. Determining Lime Requirements for Idaho SoilsFor the past 25 years, northern Idaho soils have significantly shown a decline in soil pH, from pH 6.0 to around a pH of 5.6. Southern Idaho soils are mostly neutral to alkaline, with a pH of around 7.0 to 8.5, however, most agricultural soils pH is declining to pH < 4.5. Soil acidification is becoming a rising issue in soil sustainability, in which approximately 30% of the world surface is covered by acidic soils. Low soil solution pH can be induced by continued irrigation that increases... K.L. Mookodi, J. Spackman, J. Sagers, K. Schroeder |
16. Barley Yield and Protein Response to Nitrogen and Sulfur Rates and Application TimingThe introduction of new barley varieties, as well as changes in management practices, necessitate a re-evaluation of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) nutrient management guidelines. Nitrogen has a significant impact on barley grain quality and yield. Overapplication of N can result in lodging, groundwater pollution, and high protein content, resulting in lower end-use quality of barley, while underapplication of N results in reduced grain quality and yield. Sulfur promotes N utilization in barley plant... O. Adeyemi, J. Spackman, J. Sagers, J. Marshall, Z. Hong, R. Findlay, J. Bevan |
17. Using Calcium Hydroxide for Lime Incubation Studies and Moisture Effects on LimingPlant health and productivity are negatively affected by soil acidity. Soil physical properties such as soil texture, soil organic matter, and nutrient content help soils resist changes in their acidity (buffering capacity). Soils have different buffering capacities; agricultural producers need to know how responsive a soil is to lime and how much lime is required to modify a soil to a certain pH (lime requirement). One method to evaluate soil liming requirements and buffering capacity is to add... C. Collins, E. Loera, R. Reid, J. Spackman |
18. Optimizing Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Annual Cereal Forage ProductionNitrogen fertilizer provides one of the greatest returns on investment but also one of the highest operating expenses for annual cereal forage production. It is important to know the total nitrogen required by a crop to optimize yield and quality and to minimize nitrogen losses to the environment. It is also possible that annual cereal forage species and cultivars will have varying responses to nitrogen availability. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal nitrogen fertilizer... J. Spackman, R. Findlay, J. Sagers, J. Pandey |
19. Biosolids-based Fertilizers as a Nitrogen Source in California Small Grains SystemsSituation/ conditions In response to regulatory and economic pressure, California growers are becoming more familiar with nitrogen budgets. In addition to seeking out ways to improve nitrogen management strategies, growers can possibly benefit by incorporating alternative sources of nitrogen to feed their crops. Liquid injected or pelletized biosolids-based fertilizers from local waste streams and processing facilities are one source that growers are beginning to explore. As... K. Mathesius, D. Geisseler, M. Savidge, M. Lundy, T. Nelson, N. Andersen |
20. 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 |
21. Helpful or Not?- Biostimulant Use in Corn Silage ProductionThere has been a recent increase in both the availability and marketing of biostimulant products to local producers, particularly to dairymen, in southern Idaho. These products claim to increase yield and nutrient use efficiency while improving soil health on agricultural fields. If these claims are true, the use of these products would ultimately aid in promoting the overall sustainability of Idaho farms. However, there is a lack of objective data to support these claims, leaving producers uncertain... L.R. Schott, S. Hines, J. Packham, G. Loomis, M. De haro marti, C. Willmore |
22. Effects of Long-term Biosolids Applications in Two Dryland Agroecosystems on Physical, Biological, and Chemical Soil Health PropertiesBiosolids can be important sources of organic matter to semi-arid dryland grain systems and have the potential to mitigate some of the soil health challenges specific to these areas while providing an alternative to synthetic fertilizers. Biosolids are an important avenue for beneficially reusing and redistributing nutrients from high population urban areas to more rural agricultural areas. We explored how long-term (20+ year) applications of biosolids at two field sites affected physical, biological... M. Desjardins, A. Bary, J. Ippolito, S. Cappellazzi, D. Liptzin, D. Griffin-lahue |
23. Relationship Between Nitrogen Mineralization and Soil TextureSoil texture can affect soil temperature, soil moisture, the protection of organic material against microbial degradation, and other soil properties. All these factors potentially influence net nitrogen (N) mineralization. I will discuss results from a 10-week laboratory incubation of undisturbed soil cores from 47 sites in California, and a meta-regression analysis of 461 datasets from 20 studies. ... D. Geisseler |
24. 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 |
25. Malt Barley Yield and Quality Response to Nitrogen and Sulfur FertilityNitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) and are critical nutrients for producing high-quality malt barley but can be difficult to manage in semi-arid production systems where rainfall and, periodically, irrigation is variable. High spring precipitation or excessive irrigation events can favor N and S leaching reducing yield and grain quality. However, N fertilizer additives such as urease inhibitors, nitrification inhibitors, and controlled-release products may improve N availability. Irrigated... J. Spackman, J. Spackman, J. Hatch, J. Bevan |
26. Lime Incubation for Southern Idaho SoilsSoil acidity is a growing concern for agricultural productivity in Idaho, particularly in the eastern and northern regions where soils are trending acidic. Soil acidity below a pH 5.5 adversely affects the root development and nutrient uptake of crops like alfalfa, barley, and wheat. This study aims to determine the lime requirements for acidic soils in Idaho to optimize crop growth, specifically targeting pH levels of 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0. Soil samples were collected from various grower fields... K. Young, J. Spackman, T. Jacobsen, J. Sagers, J. Hatch, R. Ritchie, J. Williams, K. Schroeder, A. Adjesiwor |
27. Liming for Improved Nutrient Utilization and Weed Management in WheatSoil acidification is an increasing concern for agricultural productivity in Eastern Idaho, where low soil pH threatens the yield and quality of key crops such as barley and spring wheat. Acidification occurs from the long-term application of ammonium-based fertilizers and other management practices, leading to aluminum toxicity and nutrient imbalances that inhibit root development and reduce yields. Farmers in the region are exploring strategies to address this challenge, including the use of... T. Jacobsen, J. Spackman, A. Adjesiwor, J. Sagers, K. Schroeder, J. Bevan, K. Mookodi, J. Gibbons |