Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: My targeted audience is diverse and can be divided into three categories: Farmers: Guidelines I develop are targeted for use at the farmer level which is the end user. Agriculture Professionals: This includes crop consultants, fertilizer retailers, and others in the agriculture industry that work directly with farmers. State Agencies: A significant part of my target audience are state and local agencies that have direct and indirect ties to agriculture. These include, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pollution Control Agency, and Department of Natural Resources. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated through my extension teaching program utilizing in-person presentations, webinars, news releases, and extension publications. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1: I established three long term phosphorus managment sites in 2009. Research at these sites is on-going and data are being collected. For objective 1a, data were compiled at the end of 2 and 4 years to determine soil test P change. The data indicated that the three locations differed in the amount of P needed to increase soil test. The amount of P needed to maintain soil test was examined at two locations after the fourth year. Data from Morris, MN and Lamberton, MN indicate that application of P at rates equivalent to what the crop removes will slowly increase soil test P at the 0-6" depth. Objective 2: Research was completed for objective 2 in 2011 at one field location near Lamberton, MN. The data clearly indicated that the use of a more agressive build and maintain strategy provided no yield advantage to corn or soybean in a two year rotation and resulted in lower profitability due to excess fertilizer being applied. There was no difference in corn yield response from the application of nitrogen among different P managment strategies. When soil tested low or medium in P there was a yield advantage from the application of P fertilizer that was similar regardless of the amount of N applied. Soybean grain yield was increased by an average of 20 bu/ac when P fertilizer was applied in low testing field areas. This indicates that the greatest profitability can be achieved through targeting fertilizer applications where they are needed within the field. Soil pH was confounded with soil test P levels (low soil test P levels were in field areas with high soil pH) therefore the effect of pH could not be fully evaluated. Objective 3: Research began in 2009 and is ongoing as of 2013. In total, sixteen field trial locations have been studied during the duration of this project. The final data will be collected in fall 2014 to finish correlation work. At this time I have shown that the current classifications used for the Bray-P1 and Olsent soil tests for phosphorus are adequate for current use in the state of Minnesota. The Mehlich-3 test was also studied but the data indicates this test should not be used in calcareous soils in Western Minnesota. The current data for corn indicates that the probability of a measurable grain yield response based on the very low, low, medium, high, and very high soil test classification is 82, 76, 65, 14, and 9%, respectively. The relative grain yield increase is the greatest for the very low (12.5%) and low (10.2%) than the medium (2.6%), high (0.5%) or very high (0.2%) classifications. This data will be used to update the corn phosphorus guidelines which is planned for 2014. Objective 4: Research trials were conducted studying the effects of starter N, P, and S at four locations that were suspected to be prone to sulfur deficiency. The yield data indicated a 60-90 bushel per acre increase in grain yield on some field areas with soil organic matter concentrations less than 2.0%. This data was used to develop a new set of guidelines for sulfur application to corn and soybean based on crop rotation (for corn only) and soil organic matter concentration. Data have been extensively used in extension programs between 2009 and 2013. Overall adoption of data has not been fully assessed but sales of sulfur have increased four fold from 2008 to 2012. The increases in sulfur fertilizer sales point to increased awareness of the issue in the state of Minnesota. Two journal papers were developed from this research data that were released in Agronomy Journal during 2013.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kaiser, D.E., and J.C. Rubin. 2013 Maximum Rates of Seed Placed Fertilizer for Corn for Three Soils. Agron. J. 105:1211-1221.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kaiser, D.E., and K.I. Kim. 2013. Soybean response to sulfur fertilizer applied as a broadcast or starter using replicated strip trials. Agron. J. 105: 1189-1189,
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kaiser, D.E., and J.C. Rubin. 2013. Corn nutrient uptake as affected by in-furrow starter fertilizer for three soils. Agron. J. 105: 1199-1210.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kim, K.I., D.E. Kaiser, and J.A. Lamb. 2013. Corn response to starter fertilizer and broadcast sulfur evaluated using strip trials. Agron. J. 105: 401-411.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kaiser, D.E., J.A. Lamb, and J.J. Wiersma. 2013. Fertilizing barley in Minnesota. Ext. Publ. AG-FO-3814-C (Revised). Univ. of MN. Ext. St. Paul, MN.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kaiser, D.E., J.A. Lamb, A. Sims, and J.J. Wiersma. 2013. Fertilizing wheat in Minnesota. Ext. Publ. AG-FO-3814-C (Revised). Univ. of MN. Ext. St. Paul, MN.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kaiser, D.E., and J.A. Lamb. 2013. Fertilizing edible bean in Minnesota. Ext. Publ. AG-FO-06575-B (Revised). Univ. of MN. Ext., St. Paul, MN.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kaiser, D.E., W. Kent, J.A. Vetsch, and J.A. Coulter. 2013. Rate and timing of sulfur application for corn on medium and fine textured soils. Agron. Abs. CD-ROM. ASA-CSSA-SSSA. Madison, WI.
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Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Progress towards objectives was made in 2012. For objective 1 and 1a, 6 trials were maintained and continued in 2012. Trials contained both corn and soybeans. Soil samples were collected in fall 2012 for evaluation of soil test change. We are currently at the end of the second cycle for the two-year rotation. This time was scheduled to start investigating effects of the P and K application timing in the different rotations. For objectives 2, 2a, and 2b: The project near Lamberton was terminated in fall 2010. All data was collected and analyzed following project termination for use in the final project report which was submitted March 2011. For objective 3, 10 studies have been established across Minnesota consisting of corn, soybean, and wheat cropping trials. Soil samples were collected prior to fertilizer application and yield data was taken at all locations and the three year data has been summarized. A single rate of P fertilizer was used to determine the relative yield potential at various soil test levels using the Bray-P1, Olsen, and Mehlich-3 soil P tests. The current output from this data indicates potential changes in our current P guidelines for soybeans. We have been delaying making changes in recommendations since most field locations where significant yield responses have occurred have been limited to soils in the western part of Minnesota. The overriding goal of this project was to determine if differing soils would lead to multiple recommendation systems. We do not have a full data set to determine differences for the eastern side of Minnesota. Objectives 4, 4a, and 4b: Five sources of starter fertilizer were compared in the greenhouse to determine the effect of each for seed placement. The sources used were 9-18-9, 7-21-7, 28-0-0, 0-0-25-17, and dry granular urea. The trials were completed in February 2012 and are currently being summarized for use in a new extension publication scheduled for release late 2013. Five field studies were established in 2012 to evaluate response to starter fertilizer and fertilizer additives for corn. Data from the N, P, and S combination trial was summarized and the studies were terminated in 2011 (4b) and one manuscript was accepted for publication based on this work. Additional research was added at 3 locations studying sulfur rate effects on corn growth and yield. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators: J.A. Lamb, J. Strock, C.J. Rosen, A.L. Sims, and J.A. Vetsch Partner Organizations: MN Soybean Growers, MN Corn Growers, MN Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education council. TARGET AUDIENCES: The main focus audience for extension programming has been ag. professionals (crop consultants, seed/fertilizer retailers and dealers, and ag. journalists.) and farmers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
In 2012 we have begun finalizing updates for the sulfur recommendations for corn. The findings have led to major changes in sulfur guidelines, which at this time have been made for soybeans and alfalfa. Past recommendations have not focused on medium and fine textured soils as a potential area where sulfur responses occur. Current findings suggest anywhere from 20 to 50 bushel yield increases on fine textured soils depending on cropping rotation and soil organic matter content for corn, and a potential 5 to 6 bushel yield increase for soybean depending on certain environmental conditions being met. The data also has led to the initial development of a recommendation system based on soil organic matter content that should be put in place in the updated fertilizer guidelines for corn publication. Our initial data from the critical soil test P study have found some significant differences from current suggested critical soil P levels for soybean. The current recommendations for soybean suggest no applications beyond the Low testing category. Our data show that yield still will respond out to the high category similar to what we see for corn. Since corn is in the rotation the overall effect is minor as any farmer managing soil test at a certain point will be beyond the critical value for corn. Therefore, soybeans should still be able to maintain high yield. We have however shown that applications for two years before the corn crop may limit soybean yield. This data is recent but if shown to happen consistently across locations, will have a significant impact in thinking about when fertilizer should be applied in a corn-soybean rotation.
Publications
- Kim, K.I., D.E. Kaiser, and J.A. Coulter. 2012. Corn response to seed-placed fertilizer as affected by planting date and hybrid maturity. Agron. Abs. CD-ROM. ASA-CSSA-SSSA. Madison, WI.
- Vetsch, J.A., D.E. Kaiser, and G.W. Randall. 2012. Continuous corn production as affected by starter fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Agron. Abs. CD-ROM. ASA-CSSA-SSSA. Madison, WI.
- Kent, W., J.A. Coulter, D.E. Kaiser, J.A. Lamb, and J. Vetsch. 2012. Continuous corn response to residue, sulfur, and nitrogen management. Agron. Abs. CD-ROM. ASA-CSSA-SSSA. Madison, WI.
- Scobbie, A.J., D.E. Kaiser, J. Vetsch, and J.A. Lamb. 2012. Utilization of variable rate controllers for on-farm fertilizer research with small scale equipment. Agron. Abs. CD-ROM. ASA-CSSA-SSSA. Madison, WI.
- Kaiser, D.E., and J.A. Lamb. 2012. Fertilizing soybean in Minnesota. Ext. Publ. AG-FO-03813-C (Revised). Univ. of MN. Ext., St. Paul, MN.
- Kim, K.I., D.E. Kaiser, and J.A. Lamb. 2013. Corn Response to Starter Fertilizer and Broadcast Sulfur Evaluated Using Strip Trials. Agron. J. In Press.
- Kaiser, D.E. 2012. Assessing sulfur deficiency in crops: what tools can you use p. 109-114. In Proc. 24th Annual Integrated Crop Manag. Conf., Ames, IA. 28-29 Nov. 2012. Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA.
- Bonde, A., D.E. Kaiser, J.A. Lamb, and C.J. Rosen. 2012. Uptake and leaching potential of potassium and sulfur when split applied for corn on irrigated soil. p. 154-165. In North-Central Extension-Industry Soil Fertility Conf. Proceedings. Vol. 28. Des Moines, IA.
- Vetsch, J.A., D.E. Kaiser, and G.W. Randall. 2012. Continuous corn production as affected by starter fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. p. 142-153. In North-Central Extension-Industry Soil Fertility Conf. Proceedings. Vol. 28. Des Moines, IA.
- Kaiser, D.E., and J.A. Lamb. 2012. Assessment of iron deficiency chlorosis management options. Agron. Abs. CD-ROM. ASA-CSSA-SSSA. Madison, WI.
- Bonde., A., D.E. Kaiser, C.J. Rosen, and J.A. Lamb. 2012. Uptake and leaching potential of potassium and sulfur when split applied for corn on irrigated soil. Agron. Abs. CD-ROM. ASA-CSSA-SSSA. Madison, WI.
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Progress towards objectives was made in 2010. For objective 1 and 1a, 6 trials were maintained and continued in 2011. Trials contained both corn and soybeans. Soil samples were collected in fall 2011 for evaluation of soil test change. For objectives 2, 2a, and 2b. The project near Lamberton was terminated in fall 2010. All data was collected and analyzed following project termination for use in the final project report. For objective 3, 5 studies were established across Minnesota. Soil samples were collected prior to fertilizer application and yields data was taken at all locations. A single rate of P fertilizer was used to determine the relative yield potential at various soil test levels using the Bray-P1, Olsen, and Mehlich-3 soil P tests. Objectives 4, 4a, and 4b. Five sources of starter fertilizer were compared in the greenhouse to determine the effect of each for seed placement. The sources used were 9-18-9, 7-21-7, 28-0-0, 0-0-25-17, and dry granular urea. One field study was established in 2011 near Red Wing, MN to evaluate N, P, and K fertilizer sources. Data from the N, P, and S combination trial was summarized and the studies were terminated in 2011 (4b). Additional research was added at 4 locations studying sulfur rate effects on corn and soybean growth and yield. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators: J.A. Lamb, J. Strock, C.J. Rosen, A.L. Sims, and J.A. Vetsch Partner Organizations: MN Soybean Growers, MN Corn Growers, MN Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education council. TARGET AUDIENCES: The main focus audience for extension programming has been ag. professionals (crop consultants, seed/fertilizer retailers and dealers, and ag. Journalists.) and farmers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
In 2011 we began to update the current sulfur guidelines for corn. The findings have led to major changes in sulfur guidelines. Past recommendations have not focused on fine textured soils as a potential area where sulfur responses occur. Current findings suggest anywhere from 20 to 50 bushel yield increases on fine textured soils depending on cropping rotation and soil organic matter content. The data also has led to the initial development of a recommendation system based on soil organic matter content. Summary data from objectives 2 and 2a has been used in several extension presentations. The findings have shown that applying the correct P rate in corn soybean rotations is critical to maintain profitability. Our findings suggest a potential profit increase of $500 per acre over a 3 year period if Low testing soils are fertilized accordingly. Investigation into the effect of phosphorus on nitrogen need have clearly shown that the management of phosphorus had no effect on the optimum nitrogen rate needed to maximize yield.
Publications
- Kaiser, D.E., J.A. Lamb, and R. Eliason. 2011. Fertilizer guidelines for agronomic crops in Minnesota. Ext. Publ. BU-06240-S (Revised). Univ. of MN. Ext., St. Paul.
- Kaiser, D.E., J.A. Lamb, and R. Eliason. 2011. Fertilizing alfalfa in Minnesota. Ext. Publ. AG-FO-03814-C (Revised). Univ. of MN. Ext., St. Paul.
- Kaiser, D.E., J.A. Lamb, J. Strock, A. Sims, C. Rosen, J. Vetsch, and G. Rehm. 2011. Evaluation of phosphorus management and critical soil test levels for corn in the Northern Corn Belt Agron. Abs. CD-ROM. ASA-CSSA-SSSA. Madison, WI.
- Rubin, J. and D.E. Kaiser. 2011. Greenhouse evaluation of commercial fertilizer sources placed on the corn seed in three soils. Agron. Abs. CD-ROM. ASA-CSSA-SSSA. Madison, WI.
- Kim, K.I., D.E. Kaiser, and J.A. Lamb. 2011. Soybean growth and yield response to starter sulfur applied with nitrogen and phosphorus. Agron. Abs. CD-ROM. ASA-CSSA-SSSA. Madison, WI.
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