Download the Conference Proceedings
Proceedings
Year
| Filter results88 paper(s) found. |
|---|
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. A Science-based Approach to Trialing Biostimulants and Interpreting Trial DataWhether you’re reviewing product technical bulletins, or preparing to ramp up your field trial program, this talk will help you avoid common pitfalls in interpreting product data, designing trials, and analyzing trial data. This user-friendlyintroduction will help you put key statistical and scientific principles into practice. Topics to be covered, loosely ordered from simple to more involved: (1) the effects of outliers on mean estimates, (2) the importance of cont... R. Hillmer |
4. Adopting Quinoa in Eastern Idaho – An Investigation of Agronomic PracticesQuinoa production area has been increasing rapidly in eastern Idaho in recent years. However, best management practices for quinoa production are yet to be determined in this area. Field experiments were thus conducted at two locations (e.g., Aberdeen and Tetonia) in eastern Idaho from 2016 to 2018 to evaluated agronomic practices for quinoa production. More successful quinoa production was demonstrated in Tetonia, where air temperature is mostly below 30oC during the summer. In co... X. Liang, R. Yang |
5. Aggregate Size, C, N and P Dynamics in Different Dryland Organic Wheat SoilsUtah is one of the largest producers of dryland organic wheat in the US. Previous research indicates that a single application of compost can mitigate low and variable yields and improve soil properties over the long-term. Compost carryover is thought to be greater in high pH and highly calcareous soils compared with neutral, low calcareous soils. However, the mechanisms responsible are unclear. We evaluated the effect of a one-time compost addition on the formation, stability and carbon... I. Atoloye |
6. 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 |
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. 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 |
9. Approaches to Nutrient RecommendationsScientific based crop nitrogen (N) fertilizer recommendations are vital to guide N management within the agricultural sector. Accurate recommendations can maximize producer economic returns and minimize losses to the environment. Obtaining accurate recommendations is a dynamic process that requires constant research to update recommendations (within current scientific knowledge) and to better understand soil N cycle processes (develop new scientific knowledge) that can further ... D. Tarkalson |
10. 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 |
11. Belowground Ecological Interactions For Improved Plant Health, Nutrition And Environmental Quality In Agricultural ProductionPlant roots are in constant interaction with the myriad of organisms that inhabit the soil. Microbe-root associations are important for a plant’s successful establishment in an environment as they directly or indirectly support nutrient cycling, nutrient uptake and defense from abiotic and biotic stressors. Therefore, managing these interactions offers a great opportunity for improving the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production by improving plant nutrient upt... C. Lazcano, E. Boyd |
12. Biological and Chemical Drivers of Nutrient Dynamics in the Rhizosphere: Applications for Crop ManagementThe rhizosphere (soil volume around plant roots) is a "hot spot" of plant-microbe- soil interactions, and biological and chemical dynamics in this region play a large role in plant access and uptake of nutrients. Crop plants can influence these dynamics in the rhizosphere to facilitate availability and uptake of nutrients, and can form symbiotic or antagonistic relationships with rhizosphere soil microbes, who either facilitate or compete with plants for nutrient... N. Tautges |
13. 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 perfor... E. Woolley, T. Searle, T. Hopkins, J. Williams, B. Hopkins |
14. 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 |
15. 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 |
16. Cover Crops As A Source Of Plant-Available Nitrogen: Effect Of Residual Soil N And Cover Crop SpeciesFall-planted brassica and small grain cover crops have the potential to serve as catch crops by taking up residual soil nitrogen (N) in the soil. While plant species is often considered when estimating N release rates from cover crop residues, variation in residual soil N is rarely considered. The first objective of this study was to quantify the effect of N fertilizer application rate (to simulate varying residual soil N levels) on tissue N concentrations of several cover... J. Neuman, D. Sullivan, A. Moore |
17. 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 |
18. Developing Practical Phosphorus and Potassium Tissue Test Recommendations and Utilizing Struvite in Modern Alfalfa SystemsTissue testing whole alfalfa plants at harvest provides opportunities to direct nutrient decision making more accurately. Critical levels developed allow in- season recommendations and applications and would save producers time and effort since growers are already taking samples for hay quality. Three experiments were designed including: P Study with differing rates of P2O5 using monoammonium phosphate (MAP); including: 0, 30, 60, 120, 240 lbs./acre on an 8.1 ppm P soil (Olson P method);... S. Norberg, E. Mackey, S. Fransen, J. Harrison, D. Llewellyn, L. Whitefield |
19. Dry Bean Production in CaliforniaThere are four species and eight market classes of dry beans grown in California. These include lima beans (baby and large, Phaseolus lunatus), common beans (kidney, pink, white, cranberry, black turtle, P. vulgaris), blackeye (cowpea, Vigna unguiculata), and garbanzo beans (chickpea, Cicer arietinum). Dry beans are an important specialty market for California. In 2017, growers harvested 50,000 acres of dry beans valued at $60 million. Lima beans accounted for ab... R. Long |
20. 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 |
21. 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 |
22. 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 |
23. Evaluating and Revising Guidelines for Blueberry Tissue Nutrient Standards in WashingtonLeaf tissue nutrient analysis is frequently used in perennial fruit crops to develop nutrient management plans. In blueberry, samples historically are collected between 15 July - 15 August and the results are used for planning nutrient management the next growing season. Northern highbush blueberry tissue nutrient standards were initially developed by Michigan State University and have recently been revised for western Oregon. However, the proliferation of blueberry p... J. Davenport, L. Devetter |
24. Evaluation of Nitrogen Fertilization and Drip Irrigation Levels on Yields of San Joaquin Valley, California, Forage Corn and Sorghum CultivarsIn California (CA), approximately 500,000 acres of corn are grown annually, with most grown for dairy forage. Under reduced irrigation water (IW) supply conditions, forage sorghum acreage can increase to 90,000 acres annually. Corn nitrogen (N) demand is well documented in studies conducted outside of CA, but little research on forage corn and sorghum N use efficiency (NUE) under varying levels of IW has been conducted. With such a large statewide acreage, it is important to ... R. Hutmacher, N. Clark, J. Dahlberg, J. Angeles |
25. 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 |
26. 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 |
27. 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 |
28. Humic Products in Agriculture: Potential Benefits and Research ChallengesHumic products have been used in cropland agriculture for several decades, but lack of widespread credibility has restricted their use to small proportions of farmers. To improve the credibility of humic products, we propose future actions to close four knowledge gaps. First, while the capacity of humic products to improve plant growth has been proven in greenhouse and growth chambers, more such work is needed in field conditions, especially to determine the modifying effects on hum... D. Olk |
29. 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 |
30. Improving Nutrient Use Efficiency in Irrigated Areas of Western AgricultureMuch of Western US crop production requires irrigation for optimum performance. Irrigated cropping systems often include high-value crops grown with intensive nutrient management. Irrigation management is integral with nutrient management, especially for nitrogen. The predominant form of plant-available nitrogen in soils is nitrate, which is highly mobile and greatly affected by irrigation management. Irrigation, therefore, adds complexity to already intensive management and introduces c... A. Blaylock |
31. 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 |
32. Integrating Cover Crops and Livestock into Irrigated Cropping SystemsIntensive annual cropping consisting of barley-sugar beet rotations in irrigated systems could benefit from integration of cover crops and livestock. This research is being conducted on the University of Wyoming Research Station in Powell, WY, and on six farms in the surrounding area. This area has a short growing season and integrating cover crops into the cropping system is difficult. This study examines the implementation of cover crops after mid-summer barley harvest a... T. Bush |
33. Interpreting Compost AnalysesThis outreach publication is designed for wholesale buyers of compost for resale, nursery managers, public/private landscape managers, farm advisors, and farmers. The publication provides guidance on how to select a laboratory, based on intended compost end use (field application vs. potting soil). Interpretations are provided for laboratory tests available from commercial laboratories, including chemical tests (pH, soluble salt, macro- and micro-nutrients), physical ... D. Sullivan |
34. Irrigated Cereal Response to Nitrogen Applications to Improve Efficiencies for Yield and ProteinHigh yielding and quality barley (hordeum vulgare L.) is critical for producing malt. Research trials investigating the impact of final irrigation timing cutoffs [i.e., late boot, soft dough, and soft dough + 7 days (SD7)] and nitrogen (N) rates (0 to 150 lb N/ac) at the Kimberly Research and Extension were conducted during the 2015 growing season. Our study measured yield and quality factors as well as N uptake and partitioning. Cutoff of irrigation at the boot stage severely stressed p... C. Rogers, B. Dari, H. Neibling |
35. 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 |
36. 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 |
37. 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 |
38. 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 |
39. 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 |
40. Managing Soils for CO2 Drawdown: Boon or Boondoggle?Consensus is growing that meeting the goal of a two degree or less global warming will not only require aggressive greenhouse gas emission reductions across all sectors of the global economy, but also active measures to remove CO2from the atmosphere. Among the broader suite of CO2 removal (CDR) strategies, soil C sink approaches have been deemed as being among the most ready for early deployment and having the greatest net environmental benefits. A variety of exi... K. Paustian |
41. 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 |
42. 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 |
43. New Hydroponic System for Testing Mineral Nutrient Deficiencies and its Application to QuinoaCorrelating plant tissue nutrient concentrations with visual symptoms is valuable in combating mineral nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. Major crops tend to have large amounts of information regarding nutrient concentrations and visual symptoms of deficiencies, but this information 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 s... D. Cole, R. Woolley, R. Buck, B. Hopkins |
44. Nitrogen Management in Small Grains After AlfalfaSmall grains are commonly grown following alfalfa in Utah and the Intermountain West, especially during drought years as small grains require less irrigation than corn. Several studies across the country have shown that corn following alfalfa rarely needs N fertilizer, yet relatively few have evaluated the N needs of small grains. Furthermore, research on the N needs of small grains grown as forage vs. grain are even more sparse. The objectives of this research are to quantify ... C. Pound, M. Yost, E. Creech, G. Cardon, K. Russell, D. Despain, J. Gale, K. Heaton, B. Kitchen, M. Pace, S. Price, C. Reid, M. Palmer, M. Nelson |
45. 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 |
46. 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 |
47. Nutrient Management and Improved Efficiency of Drip Irrigated Processing PotatoesWater availability may be the single greatest limiting factor for potato production in irrigated areas of the PNW and other parts of the world. Arid climates with warm temperatures during the day and cooler, drier nights produce some of the world’s largest potato yields with some the best processing quality. However this comes with a challenge and that is water use efficiency. While for many years there is an abundance or adequate water it will not always be the case. These concern... G. Mooso |
48. Nutrient Management in Asian Leafy VegetablesAsian leafy vegetables are grown intensively in open field and protected agricultural systems. In protected agricultural systems some of the vegetables are grown 6-7 times per year in continuous rotations with a 15-day gap between each rotation. Grown primarily in Fresno, Monterey, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties on around 7026 acres, Asian vegetables are valued at $79 million. In Fresno and Santa Clara counties these crops are grown pri... A. Gazula |
49. 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 |
50. Overview of the Efficacy of BiostimulantsSo-called “biostimulants” have been around a long time, but interest in these crop production products is growing exponentially. A survey of major fertilizer companies indicates it is one of the top three current trends in their businesses— with significant research, development, and investment. However, this major trend in agriculture is fraught with misperception, confusion, and generally lacking credentialed recommendations. Biostimulant is not listed as a ... B. Hopkins |
51. 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 |
52. Paying Attention to Root Traits for the Effective Use of Water and NutrientsRoots are the main organ for water and nutrient uptake, and more research on root responses to their surrounding environment would help develop novel management strategies to increase agricultural sustainability. Increasing the effective use of resources to reduce environmental impact as we meet the increasing demands for food, fiber and fuel is a priority. Root systems have a key role on this effort. In this session, we will explore how roots respond to abiotic stress, and how root... F. Barrios masias |
53. Pecan Rootstock Genotype Effects on Micronutrient Uptake in Alkaline, Calcareous SoilsAlkaline pH and lime content of soils in arid or semi-arid production regions often result in severe micronutrient deficiencies in pecan (Carya illinoinensis). Producers routinely manage micronutrients, especially zinc, through repeated foliar fertilizer sprays. Nevertheless, limited phloem mobility of micronutrients creates some challenges with this practice in pecan, including difficulty achieving adequate canopy spray coverage (e.g., due to large tree size or prolonged ... R. Heerema |
54. Phosphorus Efficiencies of Liquid P Fertilizers as Evidenced by P Adsorption Isotherms of Western Calcareous SoilsThe high levels of free lime or calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in arid Western U.S.A. soils reacts with phosphorus (P) fertilizers to form Ca-P minerals that are not available to plants through P fixation. Enhanced efficiency P fertilizers may potential decrease P fixation. The objective of this study was to identify P fixations levels associated with several enhanced efficiency P fertilizers on a basic soil (pH 8.03) over a 1-, 3-, and 7-day time period, and to use that data to adjust P fertilize... J. Williams, S. Davis, K. Dabbs |
55. Phosphorus Fertilizer and Hydrogel for Rangeland SeedingThe US Air Force uses live munitions at Hill Air Force Base, a desert testing range west of Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Resultant fire has disturbed rangeland vegetation. Revegetation of the area is impeded by low average precipitation rates of approximately 0.025 m per year, and opportunistic invasive species. Previous studies indicated hydrogel increases soil water content and the longevity of bottlebrush squirrel tail seedlings. In this glasshouse study, the effects... M. Valencia, S. Nelson, B. Hopkins |
56. 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 |
57. 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 |
58. 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 uncoate... E. Carlock, A. Weigel, T. Searle, T. Hopkins, J. Williams, B. Hopkins |
59. 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 wit... S. Fahning, T. Searle, A. Weigel, R. Buck, T. Hopkins, B. Hopkins |
60. Polymer Coated Urea in Kentucky BluegrassNitrogen (N) is a commonly over-applied nutrient in urban environments. This over-application has led to nutrient pollution of the atmosphere and hydrosphere. The losses of N to the environment can be mitigated with the use of enhanced efficiency fertilizers, such as polymer coated urea (PCU). Some PCU labels state that a single annual application is a best management practice. The objective of this study was to evaluate a PCU compared to monthly applications of ammonium sulfat... S. Stapley, J. Buss, B. Hopkins |
61. 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 |
62. 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 |
63. 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 |
64. 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 |
65. 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 |
66. 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 |
67. 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 |
68. 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 |
69. Soil Acidification: Identification, Prevention, Adaptation and RestorationLow soil pH is becoming far more common in Montana soils, with at least 23 counties having at least one field with pH less than 5.5. Soil pH levels in the top 6 inches as low as 3.8 have been measured, resulting in complete crop failure insome locations, yet the problem is highly variable across fields and within soil profiles. Nitrogen fertilizer rates applied above crop nitrogen needs are the largest cause of the acidification. Low soil pH should be verified before managementpract... C. Jones, R. Engel, S. Ewing, P. Miller, K. Olson-rutz |
70. Soil Diversity and Agricultural Adaptation Across MicronesiaMicronesia, a sub-region of Oceania, comprises approximately 2,100 small islands belonging to five sovereign nations scattered across 2.9 million square miles of the Western Pacific. A majority of the islands are low-lying, sandy coralatolls, but high volcanic islands and raised limestone islands are major population centers in the region. Palau, in the west, was first settled by seafaring peoples as early as 4000-4500 BP and the colonization of Marshall Islands at the eastern ... J. Deenik |
71. 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 |
72. Soil SodicitySoil sodicity refers to the amount of sodium held on soil cation exchange sites. It is typically expressed either as the percentage of the soil cation exchange capacity filled with sodium ions (exchangeable sodium percentage or ESP), or as a ratio comparing exchangeable sodium to exchangeable calcium plus magnesium (sodium adsorption ratio or SAR). Our primary interest in soil sodium is its impact on soil structure. Sodium, like all soil cations, can flocculate clay particles if present in ad... J. Walworth |
73. 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 |
74. 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 |
75. Source and Rate Interactions for Enhanced Efficiency Phosphorus FertilizersPhosphorus (P) is an essential plant nutrient and plays a major role in the health and wellbeing of ecosystems. Deficient P is detrimental to plants. Excessive P is also detrimental to plants and is potentially harmful environmentally. Soil testing is an effective tool to help growers determine if fertilizer P is needed and, if so, the rate that is needed to be applied. Rates higher than the recommended amount can be detrimental to plant health and decrease yield. In addition to applying the ... A. Norris, B. Hopkins |
76. 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 |
77. 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 |
78. Struvite Phosphorous Fertilizer on Sugar BeetSugar beet is very sensitive to P deficiency early in the growing season. Crystal Green is a struvite phosphorus (P) fertilizer source that may uniquely enhance uptake in sugar beet. In this study, we examine the effect of struvite applied to sugar beet and compare the results against the use of traditional monoammonium (MAP) fertilizer and a control. There was a significant increase in response to MAP over the control for both total and sugar yield. The struvite based fertilizer had an addit... J. Fisher, E. Woolley, J. Svedin, B. Hopkins |
79. Struvite Phosphorus Fertilizer on PotatoPotato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a staple in the global economy and on the dinner table. It has an unusually high demand for phosphorus (P) due to its shallow, inefficient root system. Most P fertilizers are water soluble, but then precipitate quickly—potentially resulting in poor plant uptake. Crystal Green (a struvite based fertilizer) is acid soluble, but not water soluble. In theory, it remains undissolved until plant roots exude acids— potentially avoiding the precipitat... R. Woolley, J. Svedin, E. Woolley, B. Hopkins |
80. 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 |
81. 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 |
82. Use of Biological Soil Tests to Assess Soil Health and ProductivityCrops require sufficient nitrogen (N) to attain maximum yield potential. The intrinsic N supplying potential of soils is both directly and indirectly related to soil health. Soil health can reliably be predicted with existing soil tests, however, the ability to predict soil N availability, an important proxy for soil health, remains problematic due to a lack of a robust soil tests. As a result, fertilizer recommendations are often made without an accurate assessment of the amount of N th... W. Horwath |
83. Utilizing the 4Rs to Mitigate Ammonia Toxicity in RootsThe banding of nutrients below the seed row is a common practice in dryland agricultural settings. However, banding below the seed row has been shown to hamper stand establishment and damage seedling root growth in a number of studies. The research presented here uses a novel and inexpensive imaging technique to assess the rate and source management options for reducing root damage when banding N fertilizers below the seed at planting. Survival analysis was conducted ... I. Madsen, W. Pan |
84. Wastewater Reuse in the Arid West: Increased Water Supplies and New Paradigms for Nutrient ManagementIrrigated agriculture in the western United States is one of the most productive systems in the world. However, in recent years the security of water supplies for agriculture have come into question. Currently states that use Colorado Riverwater are in the process of formalizing drought contingency plans to prevent reservoirs along the Colorado River from going dry. Competition for water with the agricultural sector include both urban and environmental uses. Treated municipal e... C. Williams |
85. 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 (1... A. Hopkins, C. Campbell, B. Hopkins, N. Hansen |
86. 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 |
87. 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 |
88. Winning the Battle Against Environmental Stress by Better Understanding Biostimulant ResponsesBiostimulants are increasingly being used by growers to manage environmental stress. Some examples of biostimulants include seaweeds, organic acids, plant based extracts, amino acids, fermentation products, algae, and reprocessed vegetative matter. Holden Research and Consulting (HRC), an independent agricultural research firm in California, has conducted over 500 trials with biostimulants over the last ten years. HRC’s findings indicate that they can be valuable too... D. Holden |