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1. 4R Nitrogen Management Effects on Silage Corn ProductionThe 4R nutrient stewardship framework aims to improve fertilizer management through four core principles: right source, rate, time, and place. Nitrogen is one of the most important and costly inputs for silage corn production. Excessive or inefficient N applications rapidly decrease profits for growers and can cause environmental concerns. Nitrogen loss can occur through leaching, runoff, and denitrification. Most previous studies evaluating N management for silage corn have only examined one... B. Okorie, M. Yost, K. Deep, N. Howard |
2. 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 effic... D. Huggins, J. Casanova, C. Phillips |
3. 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 |
4. 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 indi... S. Pettygrove, E. Lin, D. Putnam, M. Lundy, S. Orloff, S. Wright |
5. 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. A... A.K. Das, L. Chen |
6. 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 |
7. Ammonia Volatilization from Surface-applied Dairy Manure Anaerobic DigestateAnaerobic digesters are becoming increasingly common in the dairy industry as a more environmentally sustainable method to manage manure. However, the impact of the anaerobic digestion process on manure ammonium (NH4-N) composition and ammonia (NH3) volatilization potential are not well understood. The objectives of this study were to compare NH4-N concentrations and cumulative loss of NH3 by volatilization between influent, or raw manure, and ... C. Butler, A. Moore, S.B. Kulesza |
8. 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 su... S. Del moro, D. Sullivan, D. Horneck |
9. 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 |
10. Application Timing, Soil Type, and Source Effects on Elemental S AvailabilityThe reduction in acid rain due to increased regulation of manufacturers in the U.S. has led to S deficiencies in agricultural crops. In response, elemental sulfur (S) fertilizer products are becoming more widely available to growers, but have not been evaluated for their S availability and S oxidation characteristics. The objective of our research was to evaluate the S availability and S oxidation rates of five elemental S fertilizer products. The evaluation was done using two Oregon soil typ... A. Cox, A. Moore |
11. Applying a Phosphorus Risk Index in a Mixed-use Mountain WatershedSurface waters in the Wallsburg, UT watershed have been identified as a relatively high contributor of phosphorus (P) to nearby Deer Creek Reservoir. Identifying the major contributors of P is critical for developing effective management practices. Phosphorus Risk Indices have been widely developed as a tool to identify areas with high risk of P movement, but these tools have mostly been applied to watersheds dominated by agricultural land use. While agriculture is often a source of nutrient ... A.W. Pearce, J. Johns, D. Robinson, N. Hansen |
12. Banana Fiber as a Soil Amendment in Potato and CornBanana (Musa spp. L.) pseudostem fiber has unique properties that may prove helpful in plant and soil management, including a high water holding capacity. Increased capacity could be useful in water conservation efforts in areas experiencing long-term drought. In the agricultural space, banana fiber could be used to maintain soil moisture, thus lowering the frequency and/or amount of irrigation. The objectives of irrigated field studies in Provo, UT, USA were to measure the impact of... B. Hopkins, M.J. Foster, S.V. Nelson |
13. 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 |
14. 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 |
15. 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 peti... D. Sullivan, S. Light, D. Horneck |
16. 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 |
17. Collaborative Water Quality Monitoring in AgricultureThis presentation will focus on the importance of protecting water quality, the active role our ag partners play. Additionally, water quality monitoring technologies and methodologies including our use of not only industry tech, but also instruments developed by the Agricultural Water Quality Program at CSU. The importance of outreach and getting knowledge back into the hands of producers will be highlighted. ... E. Wardle |
18. Converting Between Mehlich-3P and Olsen-P Soil Tests: What Can Go Wrong?Varying methodologies for extracting plant-available phosphorus (P) have been proposed since the initiation of soil test development in the early 1900s. Two tests that were developed and are still used widely in both the United States and Europe are the Olsen and Mehlich-3 test. Olsen P is predominately used in high-pH soils and Mehlich-3 is more common in neutral to acidic soils due to the nature of the extracting solutions. Many Western US soils are high pH and, thus, have used Olsen ... C. Rogers, Z. Simpson, J. Mott, P. Kleinman |
19. 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 ... C. Jones, P. Miller, S. Tallman, M. Housman, C. Zabinski, M. Burgess, J. O'dea, A. Bekkerman |
20. 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 |
21. 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 |
22. Cropmanage: an Online Decision Support Tool for Irrigation and Nutrient ManagementVegetable and berry growers on the central coast of California are under growing regulatory pressure to reduce nitrate loading to ground and surface water supplies. Two tools available to farmers to improve nitrogen use efficiency of these crops are the soil nitrate quick test (SNQT) for monitoring soil residual N concentrations and evapotranspiration (ET)-based irrigation scheduling for estimating crop water requirements. We developed a web-based software application, called CropManage (http... M. Cahn, T. Hartz, R. Smith, B. Noel, L. Johnson, F. Melton |
23. Dairy Manure Applications to Potatoes: Soil Property, Plant Nutrient, and Tuber Quality ResponseDairy manure applications have become a common practice in Idaho potato production, however the impacts on soil and plant agronomic properties are not well understood. Our objectives were to determine (1) how repeated dairy manure applications impact soil properties and plant nutrient uptake, and (2) how these changes influence plant nutrient interactions, tuber yield, and quality. Stockpiled dairy manure was fall-applied over a 6-year period to two adjacent potato product... A. Moore, A.B. Leytem |
24. 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 |
25. 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 |
26. 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 |
27. 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 |
28. Drought and Nitrogen Stress Effects on Maize Canopy TemperatureWater scarcity is a major threat to the sustainability of irrigated agriculture. Management practices, such as limited irrigation, that seek to maximize the productivity of a limited water supply are critical. Remote sensing of crop canopy temperature is a useful tool for assessing crop water status and for more precise irrigation management. However, there is potential that nutrient deficiencies could compound the interpretation of water status from leaf temperature by altering leaf color an... A. Carroll, C. Lindsey, J. Baker, B. Hopkins, N. Hansen |
29. Effect of 4R Nitrogen Management on Residual Soil Nitrate and Soil HealthNitrogen is one of the most important and expensive inputs for forage, grain, vegetable, and fruit crops. Excessive fertilizer reduces profit for farmers and can cause environmental harm. Nitrate leaching is the main factor contributing to rising nitrate levels in groundwater, leading to water quality degradation. The 4R nutrient stewardship framework aims to optimize fertilizer management. The Right rate matches the amount of fertilizer to the crop needs, the Right source matches fertilizer ... K. Deep, M. Yost, J. Williams, B. Hopkins, G. Cardon, B. Black |
30. Effect of Liquid Organic Fertilizers and Seaweed Extract on Daucus Carota Var. Sativus Growth CharacteristicsCommon N fertilizers used in organic production are often energy intensive to produce and expensive to transport. Cyanobacteria fertilizer produced on-farm could decrease impacts on the environment as well as production costs for organic farmers. In addition, cyanobacteria fertilizer could perform similarly to products marketed to increase production via plant growth hormones such as seaweed extract. The effects of common organic fertilizers as well as organic liquid cyanobacteria fertilizer ... J. G. davis, A. Wickham |
31. Effectiveness of Kitchen Compost in Germinating Tomato and LettuceFood waste in developed countries is a large input to landfills. Ideally, it is composted and added to soil on-site to reduce environmental impacts. A “kitchen composter” (ReencleTM) effectively decomposes waste within 24 hours (>90% reduction in mass), followed by formation of stable compost within a few weeks after curing outside the composter. Our preliminary research demonstrates that the compost has excellent nutrient composition. However, it was not adequately ... B. Hopkins, R. Kerr, S.V. Nelson |
32. 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 |
33. Effects of Commercial Organic and Cyanobacterial Fertilizers on Instantaneous Water Use Efficiency in Drip Irrigated Organic Sweet CornWater and fertilizers are applied to maintain crop growth, yield, and quality. Nitrogen (N) fertilizer plays a crucial role in crop growth and yield development of sweet corn (Zea mays). Organic growers often use commercial organic animal- based fertilizers which vary in nutrient composition, forms of available N (NH4+- N and NO3--N), and have high transportation costs. Alternatively, cyanobacteria can be grown on-site as a source of N. Cyanobacteria haves unique dual properties because ... J. G. davis, A. Sukor, C. Ramsey |
34. Effects of Enhanced Mixing and Minimal Co2 Supplementation on Biomass and Nitrogen Concentration in a Nitrogen-fixing Anabaena Sp. Cyanobacteria Biofertilizer Production CultureNitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria are attractive as a nitrogen fertilizer because they are ubiquitous in nature and have minimal nutrient requirements. Our lab is scaling up production of a local strain of the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. in on-farm open raceways to determine its exonomic ppotential as a nitrogen fertilizer for horticultural crops. Our goal is to increase productivity in an organically certifiable growth medium above the current two week batch production l... J. G. davis, J. Wenz, H. Storteboom |
35. Effects of Post-fire Soil Hydrophobicity on Inorganic Soil Nitrogen and Sulfur CyclingFire plays an important role in many native ecosystems, and its suppression has increased woody encroachment across the globe. Restoring native herbaceous communities following fire in encroached systems is often challenging. Post-fire soil hydrophobicity is one factor that may further limit site restoration by limiting soil moisture, which may in turn affect soil nutrient dynamics. We conducted a field study in a burned pinion-juniper woodland to understand the effects of post- fire soil hyd... B. Hopkins, K. Fernelius, M. Madsen, K. Russell, B. Roundy |
36. Efficacy of FUSN as an N Source for Irrigated Vegetable CropsThe Department of Homeland Security Ammonium Nitrate Security Program regulates the distribution and sale of granular ammonium nitrate fertilizer (AN). Due to the bureaucracy of these regulations, the sale of dry AN has been discontinued in many areas. While liquid AN20 remains available, there is a preference for granular fertilizer for many agricultural applications. FUSN (20-0-0-14S) is a Honeywell and JR Simplot proprietary technology whereby ammonium nitrate is fused wi... C. Sanchez |
37. 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 |
38. 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 |
39. Environmentally Smart Nitrogen Performance in Northern Great Plains’ Spring Wheat Production SystemsField trials were conducted at three locations in Montana to evaluate the efficacy of Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) (44-0-0) as a nitrogen (N) source for spring wheat. The ESN, urea (46-0-0), and a 50%-50% urea-ESN blend was applied at seeding at three rate levels - low, medium, and high - with actual rated dependent on the yield goal at each location, followed by urea application of 0 or 40 lb N/a at Feekes 5. Grain yield (GY) varied from 265 to 815 lb/a and grain protein (GP) content... O. Walsh, A. Pandey, R. Christiaens |
40. 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 |
41. Evaluation of Micro-carbon Technology-based P Fertilizer, Super Phos®, in Spring WheatSuper Phos® (SP; 0-50-0) by Bio Huma Netics Inc. (Gilbert, AZ) is a Micro Carbon TechnologyTM – based phosphorus (P) fertilizer specifically formulated to resist “tie-up” with calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) to remain water soluble and available to plant roots. The objective was to compare the efficiency and effectiveness of topdress and foliar application of SP, with traditional P fertilizers – ammonium polyphosphate (APP; 10-34-0), diammonium phosphate (DAP;... O. Walsh, A. Pandey, R. Christiaens |
42. Evaluation of Nitrogen Gas Loss from Polymer Coated and Polymer Sulfur Coated UreaPrevious research showed reduced nitrogen (N) gas emissions from polymer coated (PCU) and polymer sulfur coated urea (PSCU) when surface applied to soil. To further verify and quantify (N) loss, experiments were conducted to measure N gas emissions. Fertilizer prills were surface applied in a semi enclosed system to allow atmospheric gases in but to prevent loss of N gases from the headspace. Nitrous oxide (N2O) and ammonia (NH3) emissions were continuously measured every 20 minutes using pho... B. Hopkins, J. Svedin, C. Ransom, J. Buss, T. Blair |
43. 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 |
44. 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 |
45. 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 |
46. Fava Bean Diversity and its Potential in the Western United StatesFava bean (Vicia faba), known for its biological nitrogen fixation, and grain and fresh pod production, is cultivated worldwide. In the western United States, fava bean, Bell bean, is mainly grown in cover crop mixtures to enhance soil nitrogen. While land size and lack of planting and harvesting equipment limit fava bean as grain crop, it is grown in small areas of western US for fresh pod as a vegetable crop. This presentation summarizes the findings of multi-year research on genetic divers... K. Brasier, H. Zakeri |
47. 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 |
48. Greenhouse Lime and Gypsum Placement Strategies for Addressing Soil Acidity in No-tillDryland soft white winter wheat growers in the inner Pacific Northwest states including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho practice no-till to preserve the health and structure of their soil. Beginning in the 1960's, due to the usage and ammonium fertilizers and the nitrification of these fertilizers, the natively alkaline soils in this region have become increasingly acidic resulting is issues like low soil pH, mineral nutrient deficiencies, and aluminum toxicity. Gen... A. Moore, S. Ellickson |
49. 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 |
50. 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 |
51. Identifying Saline and Sodic SoilsSoil salinity can become a sever limitation to crop yields and soil quality. Routine evaluation of salinity often involves a 1:1 extract of water to soil. However, salinity tolerance has been defined from saturated paste extracts, not 1:1. Saturated extracts take more time to determine in the lab but is the best method to ascertain crop susceptibility to yield loss. Mathematical conversions from 1:1 to saturated paste are possible to do but may not translate across regions. In a similar way, ... R. Flynn |
52. 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 |
53. 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 |
54. Insights from Soil Health Assessments Across a Diverse Soils and Land Uses in the TropicsLand stewards can utilize soil health metrics to evaluate changes in their management practices. However, while indicators of soil health reflect specific ecosystem functions, the relationship of soil health measurements to anthropogenic disturbances, productivity, and other soil properties is poorly understood. The Hawaiʻi Soil Health database serves as a comprehensive collection of soil data from over 1,700 samples representing 11 of the 12 recognized soil orders across various land uses i... T. Maaz |
55. 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 |
56. 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 fi... K. Young, J. Spackman, T. Jacobsen, J. Sagers, J. Hatch, R. Ritchie, J. Williams, K. Schroeder, A. Adjesiwor |
57. 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 o... T. Jacobsen, J. Spackman, A. Adjesiwor, J. Sagers, K. Schroeder, J. Bevan, K. Mookodi, J. Gibbons |
58. Liquid N Fertilizer Evaluation in Spring WheatSeveral liquid N products are currently marketed for fertilization in various crops, including spring wheat. Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) - the most commonly used liquid N fertilizer - is associated with crop damage due to corrosiveness. This study aimed to answer the following questions: (1) Are liquid urea (LU) and High NRG-N (HNRGN) superior to UAN in improving spring wheat grain yield and protein content? And (2) what is the optimum dilution ratio of foliar fertilizers and the threshold at... O. Walsh, A. Pandey, R. Christiaens |
59. Making N Budgets Work: a CCA View from the FieldNitrogen budgets are the object of more research and discussion these days. Much more is known about crop N requirements than was available just a few years ago. The problem in the field is that the amount of nitrogen needed to produce the crop may need to be changed significantly depending on field, crop, and weather conditions. The Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) in the fields needs to take the basic nitrogen information and adapt it into a nutrient program designed for each specific field.... K. Backman |
60. 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 |
61. Management Techniques to Optimize Soil pH in Organic Highbush BlueberryA 3-year study was established in eastern Oregon, USA, in a new organic planting of ‘Duke’ northern highbush blueberry (NHB) to evaluate soil acidification methods. Six techniques of applying elemental sulfur (S) prills, with or without additional acidification of irrigation water were tested. Treatments consisted of: 1) a grower standard of soil incorporated S prills at 1700 kg·ha-1 applied 8 months pre-plant; 2) 8-weeks of fertigation totaling 150 kg&middo... S. Lukas, S. Singh |
62. 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 |
63. Managing Soil AcidificationThe presentation will explore the relationship between nitrogen fertilizers, soil acidity, and nutrient stratification in agricultural systems. We will discuss how N fertilizers contribute to soil acidification over time. The role of soil pH in nutrient availability and plant health will be highlighted. The discussion will focus on alternatives to mitigate soil acidification, such as lime application, balanced fertilization, and improved management practices, ensuring long... J. Souza, C. Jones, P. Miller, M. Rakkar |
64. Manganese Nutrition and Photosynthesis of ‘Pawnee’ PecanSouthwestern pecan (Carya illinoinensis) orchard soils are alkaline and calcareous which negatively affects manganese (Mn) availability for root uptake. Mn is essential for photosynthesis because of its roles in the photosystem II complex and chlorophyll biosynthesis. Levels of leaf Mn for optimum photosynthesis (Pn) in pecan is not known. Our objective was to characterize the relationship of widely different leaf tissue Mn concentrations on Pn. The experiment was conducted from 2011 through ... R. Heerema, J. Sherman |
65. 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 |
66. Micronutrient Management to Optimize Yellow, Brown and Oriental Mustard Production in Southern IdahoOilseed crops hold a significant position in global agriculture, serving as vital sources of essential oils and as raw materials for numerous industries. Among these, yellow, brown, and oriental mustard are prominent for their multifaceted uses, particularly in the culinary and industrial sectors. However, these mustard varieties face challenges in achieving their maximum yield potential, largely due to suboptimal nutrient management practices. Fertilizer programs, though essential for produc... H. Ali, J. Spackman, J. Pandey |
67. Minimizing Nitrogen Inputs While Optimizing Verdure and Growth of Kentucky Bluegrass with Polymer Coated UreaNitrogen (N) fertilizer increases turfgrass verdure but also increases maintenance costs due primary to mowing. A two-year fertilization study was initiated April 2014 at two established Kentucky bluegrass sites with sand and loamy sand constructed field soils in Provo, UT. A grower’s standard practice (GSP) of urea split applied monthly was compared to blend of uncoated and polymer coated urea (PCU). The PCU was applied in 1, 2, or 3 split applications. The dual application applied at ... J. Buss, J. Gish, B. Hopkins |
68. Moving Toward Sustainable Cropping and Grazing SystemsDuring the 1980’s Burleigh County, North Dakota farmers and ranchers historically managed their operations in a traditional manner of tillage dependent cropping systems with simplified rotations, no cover crops, high input costs, and season long grazing. In the early 1990s, the Burleigh County Soil Conservation District Supervisors formed a team and began implementing no-till cropping systems with some crop diversification and simple cover crop mixtures. Native Rangeland was established... J. Fuhrer |
69. N Fertilizer, Does It Burn Up Organic Matter?Does synthetic N fertilizer deplete soil organic carbon, thereby exacerbating agricultural contributions to climate change? Or does synthetic N fertilizer instead increase soil organic carbon by boosting primary productivity and soil carbon inputs? The bulk of the evidence suggests that soil organic carbon increases with synthetic N fertilizer due to increased carbon inputs and decreased microbial mineralization of older soil organic carbon. ... G. Lahue |
70. 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 |
71. Nitrogen Balances in Dairy Production Systems in Southern IdahoNitrogen (N) is essential for agricultural production, but excess quantities can be detrimental to both water and air quality. The increase in dairy cattle populations in the Magic Valley of southern Idaho has lead to concerns over the impact of N losses to the environment and the impact on both water and air in the region. This work examines the N flows and balances at the production facility, whole farm and regional scale. At the production facility, approximately 60% of N imported was lost... A. Leytem |
72. Nitrogen Budgeting for Organic ProductionNitrogen management for high value vegetable crops under organic management is challenging. Organic systems rely on N mineralization processes in soil to deliver nitrate-N in adequate amounts with appropriate timing. The traditional nutrient management planning process (checkbook method: matching nutrient supply and demand over a production cycle) contains too many assumptions for accurate forecasting of plant-available N supply for organic systems. Organic fertilizers fall into thr... D. Sullivan |
73. Nitrogen Cycling and Fertilization in Legume Inclusive Cropping SystemsAmong other benefits, legumes contribute nitrogen (N) to subsequent crops. However, predicting the impact on yield and the timing of the N release is difficult. Regardless, adjustments in the N recommendation need to be made to avoid yield and crop quality problems, as well as negative environmental and social issues. Ideally, a reduction of pre-plant/early season N fertilizer is made based on field research. Two possible approaches are used, namely the Fertilizer Replacement Value (FRV) or t... B. Hopkins, J. Stark |
74. 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&... K. Bronson, J. Mon, E. Bautista, D. Hunsaker |
75. Nitrogen Nutrition Impact on Incidence of Rhizoctonia Infection of Agrostis StoloniferaCreeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) is tolerant of short mowing and high traffic, but these conditions increase pathogen susceptibility. A prevalent disease on bentgrass golf course greens and tee boxes is Brown Patch (Rhizoctoniasolani). One potential component of integrated pathogen management is correct nitrogen (N) fertilization. Bentgrass was grown in a chamber hydroponically at deficient, optimum, and excessive levels of N (2.5, 10, and 80 mM; equivalent to 6.9, 27.5, and ... B. Hopkins, B. Black, B. Neville, C. Ewell, B. Geary |
76. Nitrogen Removal Potential of Triticale in Cropping Systems Receiving Dairy Effluent ApplicationsField applications of lagoon effluent are common for dairy production systems in Northeastern Oregon. However, N in the effluent is susceptible to nitrate leaching losses which can cause water quality issues, especially from winter effluent applications when crop N uptake is slower. Triticale, which is derived from a cross between rye and wheat, is a common forage crop in this region that is well suited to take up excess nutrients like N. The objective of the project is to evaluate the in-sea... A. Jenkins |
77. Non-dormant Alfalfa and Small Grain Rotations- Tillage and Fertility EffectsTo study the use of non-dormant and high nitrogen fixing alfalfa cultivars as a possible source of nitrogen for spring and fall-seeded wheat and barley grown under tilled and no-tilled conditions. Hi-Nitro, a non-dormant, high-nitrogen fixing alfalfa variety, and RoundUp Ready Stratica, a traditional dormant alfalfa cultivars were clear seeded in Aberdeen in 2023 and 2024. Forage was harvested 4 times. Fall or spring tillage was done approximately 3-14 days before planting fall or s... R. Findlay, J. Spackman, J. Hatch, T. Jacobsen, J. Gibbons, J. Sagers, D. Callister |
78. On-Farm Variable-Rate Nitrogen Management in PotatoApplying variable nitrogen (N) has often improved yields, quality, and/or N use efficiency (NUE) of several crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate how pre-emergence variable rate N (VRN) zones vs. uniform N management impacts potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yield, quality, and NUE. Low, average, and high N zones were created and evaluated for 10 site-years at fields near Grace, Idaho, USA over two years with rates based upon yield goals, soil, water, and previous crop ... E. Flint, M. Yost, B. Hopkins |
79. Opportunities and Challenges: Using Soil Health Indicators to Guide On-farm ManagementThe USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) was founded in 1935 as the nation grappled with drastic depletion of soil resources in the Dust Bowl era. Initially called the Soil Conservation Service, the NRCS is a non-regulatory federal agency that offers technical and financial assistance to support conservation on private working lands. In August 2012, the agency rededicated itself to its roots in soil conservation by launching a Soil Health Initiative. ... K. Lowell |
80. 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 |
81. Patterns and Implications of Increasing Sulfur Fertilizer Use at National-to-Global ScalesSulfur (S) is a key component of life and an element that has been dramatically changed by industrial activities, including mining and fossil fuel combustion. Today, as atmospheric S deposition declines in response to air quality regulation in the U.S. and Europe, there has been an increase in S fertilizer applications reported in many large, regional crop systems. In addition, intensification of agriculture has driven increased S inputs for other uses: as a pesticide, regulator of soil pH, a... E. Hinckley |
82. Pecan Response to Foliar Nickel ApplicationsNew Mexico’s pecan industry is one of the state’s most important agricultural assets. In 2010, pecan growers in Dona Ana County produced 19,504 kg of pecans, on over 10,000 ha and was worth over $123 million dollars, making Dona Ana county the number one pecan producing county in the nation. Nickel (Ni) is a component of the enzyme urease which is critical for the mobilization of nitrogen within the pecan tree. Deficiency symptoms are often expressed in pecan as a “mouse-ear... R. Flynn, R. Heerema, S. Moran duran |
83. 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 (... B. Hopkins, T. Blair, J. Selman, C. Ransom, T. Hopkins |
84. 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 |
85. Plant Test Method Precision, Correlations, and Trends: SSSA-NAPT Historical DataThe Soil Science Society of America’s (SSSA) North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) operates as a not-for-profit service laboratory resource since 1998 to assist/evaluate agricultural and environmental testing laboratories with quality assurance and quality control. Soil (n = 5 samples each quarter), plant (n = 3), and/or water (n = 3) samples collected nationwide are submitted quarterly to ~150 participating laboratories who choose which method(s) to use for which analytes they... S.V. Nelson, J. Lawley, T.J. Hopkins, G. Cardon, B. Hopkins |
86. 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 |
87. Polymer Coated Urea: Microplastics in Agricultural LandscapesPolymer Coated Urea (PCU) is effective in supplying nitrogen (N) to plants with reduced leaching, denitrification, and volatilization losses to the environment. However, microplastics pollution is a concern due to residual amounts in soil and possible transport to surface water. The purpose of this irrigated sweet corn (Zea mays convar.) field study at Provo, UT was to determine the potential for off-site transport of plastic coatings in agricultural landscapes. Treatments included a... C. Seely , J.J. Lemonte, B. Hopkins |
88. Precision Fertilizer Management Enabled by Printed Sensors for Direct Soil Nitrate MonitoringModern farming relies on intensive fertilizer applications to ensure the plant production. However, a key challenge in fertilizer management, particularly nitrogen, is achieving a balance between maximizing crop yields and pursuing environmental stewardship. Uniform fertilizer applications often result in inefficiencies. Some areas receive insufficient fertilizer, resulting in reduced crop yields and caused financial losses. In contrast, other areas receive excessive amounts, leading to surpl... K. Chen, J. Andrews |
89. Predicting Nitrogen Mineralization from Dairy Manure in Semiarid Cropping SystemsTools are needed to estimate N mineralization from application of dairy manures in semiarid irrigated soils. We found that N mineralization was affected by manure application rate, timing and broadleaft residue N. Average N mineralization was 27 and 18% of the N applied the 1st and 2nd year following application, respectively. The best predictors of N mineralization were soil organic matter, soil EC, manure N and broadleaf N residue. ... A.B. Leytem |
90. 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 |
91. Quality of Alfalfa Hay As Influenced by Phosphorus and Potassium FertilizationIn two field experiments, research was conducted to determine impacts of nutrient applications on alfalfa hay quality and nutrient value at Irrigated Research and Extension Center near Prosser, WA. The phosphorus (P) study P soil tests levels were 6.7 and 5.7 ppm at the beginning of 2019 and 2020, respectively (Olsen P test) in 2019 and 2020. The potassium (K) study was conducted on a soil test level of 85 and 78 ppm K in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Applying phosphorus increased protein, NDF... S. Norberg, D. Llewellyn, J.P. Driver, S. Fransen |
92. Quinoa Mineral Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms and ConcentrationsMajor crop nutrient symptoms are well documented. In contrast, there is often minimal or no similar information for minor crops, including quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). This knowledge gap can be efficiently filled by using hydroponic systems. However, creating multiple nutrient deficiencies with plants in the same study is challenging because nutrients are often added as dual nutrient salts. For example, if potassium sulfate is the potassium (K) source, varying K concentra... B. Hopkins, G. Bell, S.V. Nelson, R.E. Sannar |
93. Recovered Carbon Black from Pyrolyzed Tires as a Zinc Fertilizer for Field Corn in Calcareous SoilsWaste tires exist in immense quantities, representing a substantial pollution source containing a variety of environmentally concerning components, including the heavy metal zinc (Zn) added as Zn oxide (ZnO) during tire manufacture. Pyrolysis under high vacuum is a potential disposal solution. One of the by-products of this process is recovered Carbon Black (CB) that is enriched in Zn, an essential plant nutrient. Our objective was to determine if recovered CB from can serve as a fertilizer Z... R.E. Sannar, E. Bremer, K. Greer, B. Hopkins |
94. 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 |
95. 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 |
96. Response of Desert Vegetable Crops to “40 Rock”- a P and Zn Fertilizer SourceCrops produced on calcareous soils in low desert region of the southwestern United States show a large response to P fertilizer. The most commonly used P source has been mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP or 11-52-0). These same soils are also reported to be marginal with respect to Zn availability but responses to Zn fertilization had been infrequent in the past. More recently, we have observed crop responses to Zn fertilization with increasing frequency and we have revised Zn fe... C. Sanchez |
97. Response of Mesa Russet Potato to Potassium Fertilizer Source and Time of ApplicationResearch studies have shown that the source of potassium (K) fertilizer can influence potato tuber yield and quality. Most of the K fertilizer studies conducted have focused on muriate of potash (MOP) and sulfate of potash (SOP). Potassium Acetate (Bio-K) has been introduced as a new source of K fertilizer. Field studies were conducted at the San Luis Valley Research Center, Colorado State University, to evaluate the yield and quality response of potato cultivar Mesa Russet to source and time... S.Y. Essah |
98. 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 ... D. Bjorneberg, A. Koehn, J. Ippolito |
99. Sensor-based Technologies for Nitrogen Management in Spring WheatCrop sensor-based systems with developed algorithms for making mid-season fertilizer nitrogen (N) recommendations are commercially available to producers in some parts of the world. Although there is growing interest in these technologies by grain producers in Montana, use is limited by the lack of local research under Montana’s semiarid conditions. A field study was carried out at two locations in 2011, three locations in 2012, and two locations in 2013 in North West Montana. The objec... O. Walsh, A. Pandey, R. Christiaens |
100. 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 |
101. Siderophores to Increase Iron AvailabilitySiderophores are biologically produced low molecular weight amino acids that act to chelate metals. These can be generated by soil microorganisms and some plants, most notably grasses, also produce siderophores. These compounds are associated with improved availability of iron in the soil. This manuscript presents a survey of microbial siderophores present in soils under chlorotic and non- chlorotic ‘Concord’ grapevines. ... J. Davenport, A. Pollard, T. Sullivan |
102. 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 |
103. Soil Application of Zinc to Pecans in Calcareous SoilsZinc deficiency is common in pecans outside their native range, especially in alkaline soils. Zinc-deficient pecan leaves have interveinal chlorosis or necrosis, decreased leaf thickness, and reduced photosynthetic capacity. Foliar Zn application is routine in Southwestern US pecan orchards. Soil Zn application has not been part of pecan management in high pH, calcareous soils because of the soils’ ability to adsorb soluble Zn. We are evaluating efficacy of fertigated chelated ZnEDTA in... J. Walworth, R. Heerema |
104. Soil Property Effect on Nitrogen Mineralization of Dairy Manure in the Pacific NorthwestGrowers often use total nitrogen (N) concentration of dairy to manure to estimate plant available N for crop production. This estimate, however, ignores the role that soil properties may have on N mineralization (Nmin) rates. This study aims to determine how soil physiochemical properties impact Nmin rates of dairy manure and composted dairy manure by aerobic incubation. Sixteen soils, sampled from 0-12 inch depths (0-30.5 cm) were collected from dairy production regions in Oregon, Washington... R. Auld, A. Moore, J. Moore, Y. Zhang, C. Rogers |
105. Soil Respiration Tests As Predictors of Nitrogen Mineralization PotentialEstimation of seasonal N availability via a soil test has proved difficult. This information gap has lead to fertilizer recommendations based upon soil inorganic N levels found before planting and or preside dress. Complicating matters, as famers adopt new irrigation technologies, the results from older fertilizer rate trails may also be less applicable. In general, most when not all recommendations do not account for the contribution of soil N mineralization during the growing season, which ... W. Horwath |
106. Soil Sulfur Forms, Cycling, Management in Prairie SoilsSulfur exists in surface soils of the prairies mainly in the organic form, while subsoils may contain appreciable quantities of sulfate salts. Mineralization is a major input to the the plant available sulfate pool, with about 1 to 3% of organic sulfur mineralized over a growing season. About one half of the sulfur taken up by annual crops is present and removed in the seed. Declining inputs of S from the atmosphere and greater crop removal have increased the incidence ... J. Schoenau |
107. Soil Test Method Precision, Correlations, and Trends: SSSA-NAPT Historical DataThe Soil Science Society of America’s (SSSA) North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) operates as a not-for-profit service laboratory resource since 1998 to assist/evaluate agricultural and environmental testing laboratories with quality assurance and quality control. Soil (n5 samples each quarter), plant (n3), and/or water (n3) samples collected nationwide are submitted quarterly to ~150 participating laboratories who choose which method(s) to use for which analytes they are inte... B. Hopkins, S.V. Nelson, G. Cardon, J. Lawley, T.J. Hopkins |
108. Spectral Response of Pulse Crops to Soil Acidity for Soil pH MappingIn this work, we explore the observable differences in the spectral reflectance of pulse crops in acidified and non-acidified soil regions of multiple Montana fields. Satellite observations are collected throughout the growing season using Landsat 8 & 9 and Sentinel 2 A & B. The variations of crop reflectance in acidified (pH < 5) and non-acidified (pH 6.0 to 7.0) are analyzed and used to support why both multi-temporal regression and machine learning models are... P. Nugent, S. Feleghari |
109. 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 |
110. Stratified Soil pH Identification ProjectColumbia County Washington is in the foothills of the Blue Mountain Range and the edge of the Palouse wheat country. The soils of the farming region are mostly a rich silt loam having a rainfall ranging from 12 inches to 25 inches north to south respectively with elevations from 1000 to 3200 feet. About 90% of the cropping systems have adopted conservation tillage, direct seeding or no-till, which has been good for the management of soil erosion. In April 2006, intense soil sampling (1 cm inc... P. Carter, T. Bruegman |
111. Sugar Beet Lime Characteristics and Effects on High pH Soils and Crops in the Western U.S.Each year in Idaho and Oregon, 351,000 Mg of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) (a byproduct of sucrose extraction from sugarbeet) is produced and stockpiled at sugarbeet processing factories. Currently there are limited disposal strategies for the PCC and these stockpiles continue to grow over time. The simplest solution would be to apply the PCC directly to agricultural fields each year, however the effects of PCC on high pH soils and crop rotations in the growing area are not well unders... D. Olsen, D. Bjorneberg, D. Tarkalson |
112. Summarization of 471 Field Comparisons of Avail®Phosphorus (P) is a commonly deficient essential nutrient required for crop production. Economic, environmental, and conservation issues have motivated significant efforts to enhance fertilizer efficiency. AVAIL® is a specialty fertilizer product with claims of enhancing P use efficiency to potentially increase crop yield and quality. There have been at least 471 field comparisons to evaluate the effectiveness of AVAIL with a wide variety of crops. The objective of this summarization... B. Hopkins, K. Fernelius, M. Pryor |
113. The Dos and Don’ts of High Residue Farming in the Irrigated Far West... A. Mcguire |
114. The Effect of Cyanobacteria Biofertilizer on Western Colorado Organic Peach Quality and Yield CharacteristicsNitrogen (N) is the nutrient needed by crops in the highest amounts and the production of synthetic N fertilizers contributes the highest proportion of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, when compared to other sectors of agriculture. Cyanobacteria are naturally occurring in most ecosystems and fix nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into forms which are useable by plants. Cyanobacteria was applied along with irrigation water to organically farmed peach trees (Prunus persica cv. Suncrest) as ... D. Sterle, G. Litus, F. Stonaker, S. Ela, J. Davis |
115. 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 |
116. Turf Response to Reduced Rates of Polymer-coated UreaPolymer-coated urea (PCU) is a controlled-release fertilizer which can enhance nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE), reduce N pollution, reduce the need for repeated fertilizer applications, and reduce turfgrass shoot growth and associated costs. A PCU fertilizer rated for 120 d was applied at 50, 75, and 100% of the recommended full rate and compared to an unfertilized control and urea, applied either all at once or split monthly at the full recommended rate. Spring applied PCU showed no initia... B. Hopkins, C. Ransom, M. Ruth, T. Blair, L. Sutton, D. Bradshaw, K. Campbell |
117. Understanding Crop Response to MicronutrientsThere are many factors that affect crop response to micronutrients, and response to micronutrients is often less predictable than response to N, P, and K. Responses to micronutrients may be dramatic if the nutrient is deficient, but more often, responses are incremental yield increases or even only maturity or quality improvements. Micronutrient chemistry in the soil is complex and there are numerous interactions with other nutrients and environmental conditions. While predictability of micro... A. Blaylock |
118. Updated Fertilizer Guidelines for Vegetable Crops in ArizonaThe vegetable production industry in the lower Colorado River region of Arizona is valued at over 19 billion dollars. Comprehensive fertilizer guidelines for vegetable crops historically produced in Arizona had not been updated in decades. Furthermore, we had no data to support guidelines for newer vegetable crops introduced into the region during the past two decades. The updated guidelines consolidate decades of research, incorporating historical databases, augmented with releva... C. Sanchez |
119. 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 |
120. Utilizing Low Salt Liquid NPK Fertilizers to Establish Triticale As a Cover CropThe use of cover crops in sustainable agricultural systems is receiving renewed attention. New initiatives in soil health promote cover crops as amanagement tool to improve soil quality and health. Successful establishment of cover crops depends on an adequate soil fertility program. Low salt NPK liquid fertilizers can improve cover crop establishment without concern of the impact of high salt index of some conventional fertilizers. This paper presents some of the success that have been obser... G. Mooso, T. Tindall |
121. What is a Plant Nutrient? Changing Definitions to Advance Science and Innovation in Plant NutritionWe propose a new, more comprehensive definition of mineral plant nutrients that extends beyond the current narrow criteria. This expanded definition encompasses not only essential elements but also those that are beneficial for plant growth, development, or quality attributes across various species and environments. The proposed definition recognizes elements with clear metabolic functions and those that enhance plant productivity, crop quality, resource use efficiency, stress tolerance, or p... P.H. Brown |
122. What You Need to Know About the National Fertilizer Recommendation Team Called FRSTThe Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST) team is a national effort to improve coordination of soil test recommendations in the United States. There are over 125 partners involved in FRST with representation of all four regional soil testing committees including WERA-103. The team has developed a national tool for P and K soil test calibrations (identifying critical soil test values for response to fertilizer), and are working on developing P and K calibration, tools for S calibration... M. Yost, N. Slaton, J. Spargo, D. Kaiser, G. Buol, L. Gatiboni |