Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Small Plot Research: Lack of Hybrid, Seeding and Nitrogen Rate Interactions for Corn Growth and Yield. We presented the results at numerous (>10) winter workshops for farmers and agricultural practitioners in the winter of 2012 and again in 2013 as well as at the annual American Society of Agronomy Meetings in 2012. Also, the study was accepted for publication in Agronomy Journal and one extension news article (What’s Copping Up?) was disseminated to the NY field crops community on results in 2012. Field-Scale Studies: Planting Soybean with a Grain Drill Inconsistently Increases Yield and Profit. The study was published in Agronomy Journal in 2012 and presented at the annual American Society of Agronomy Meetings in 2012. Also, we published two news articles (What’s Cropping Up?) in 2012, one on the agronomics of soybean row spacing at different seeding rates and the other on the economics of purchasing a new drill to plant soybean in 7.5 inch rows. In addition, results of this study were presented at many (6) winter workshops to over 500 soybean farmers in the winter of 2012. Field-Scale Studies: Inconsistent Responses of Corn to Seeding Rates in Field-Scale Studies. The results were presented at the annual In-Service for extension educators at Cornell in November of 2012, the Field Crop Dealer Meetings in December of 2012, and at the annual American Society of Agronomy Meetings in November 2013.. We also published two extension articles in What’s Copping Up? in 2013 and published the results in Agronomy Journal in 2013. The data was shared at more >10 winter extension workshops in 2013 (>1000 corn growers). Finally, a national webcast presentation was published in the e-journal, Crop Management, in February of 2013 further disseminating the results to all corn growers in the USA Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Small plot research on corn seeding rates and N sidedress rate interactions: We presented the results at numerous (>10) winter workshops for farmers and agricultural practitioners in the winter of 2012 and again in 2013 as well as at the annual American Society of Agronomy Meetings in 2012. Also, the study was accepted for publication in Agronomy Journal and one extension news article (What’s Copping Up?) was disseminated to the NY field crops community on results in 2012. Field-scale studies evaluation soybean row spacing by seeding rate interactions: The study was published in Agronomy Journal in 2012 and presented at the annual American Society of Agronomy Meetings in 2012. Also, we published two news articles (What’s Cropping Up?) in 2012, one on the agronomics of soybean row spacing at different seeding rates and the other on the economics of purchasing a new drill to plant soybean in 7.5 inch rows. In addition, results of this study were presented at many (6) winter workshops to over 500 soybean farmers in the winter of 2012. Field-scale studies evaluation corn seeding rates for grain: The results were presented at the annual In-Service for extension educators at Cornell in November of 2012, the Field Crop Dealer Meetings in December of 2012, and at the annual American Society of Agronomy Meetings in November 2013.. We also published two extension articles in What’s Copping Up? in 2013 and published the results in Agronomy Journal in 2013. The data was shared at more >10 winter extension workshops in 2013 (>1000 corn growers). Finally, a national webcast presentation was published in the e-journal, Crop Management, in February of 2013 further disseminating the results to all corn growers in the USA. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Written extension materials, Field Days, and winter workshops targeting farmers as well as extension educators and industry. Impact of the project is as follows: Results of the corn hybrid by N rate by seeding rate study in 2010-2011 and the four field-scale seeding rate studies in 2011 and 2012 indicated that Cornell recommended seeding rates on grain corn in NY (~30,000 kernels/acre) are adequate for close to maximum yield and optimum economic yield in a high-yielding year (2010) or in droughty years (2011 and 2012). It is clear that most NY grain corn growers are seeding at too high a rate. The price of corn was at record highs during this time period so growers did not mind spending more for seed. Nevertheless, the results of this research gave pause to growers to plant at such high seeding rates (~35,000 kernels/acre) in the spring of 2013, despite the record high price of corn at that time. Results of farmer-participatory studies evaluating soybean row widths and seeding rates indicated that all three row widths (7.5, 15, and 30-inches) yielded similarly at two seeding rates (130,000 and 170,000 seeds/acre) As with grain corn, most soybean growers in New York seed at too high a rate (~180,000-190,000 seeds/acre). Soybeans are a relatively new crop for many soybean growers in New York (<10 years of experience) so hopefully with time the growers will have more confidence to plant at a lower seeding rate. Corn and soybean prices have soared to record levels from 2011 to 2013. Corn prices, however, plummeted by ~40% in 2013, down to ~$4.25/bushel. Results of this study will be shared with the growers again during the 2014 winter workshop season. Given the lower corn prices and the results of this research, I would expect corn growers to reduce their seeding rates downward to ~32,000 kernels/acre. Soybean prices, however, have only decreased by ~25% in 2013 and remain historically high ~$12-13/bushel). Furthermore, many growers are somewhat inexperienced with the crop and don’t realize that soybeans have tremendous compensation ability to fill in open areas in the field by branching out of the existing plants. This allows soybeans to yield close to optimum with final populations of only ~100,000 seeds/acre. Soybean growers in New York could easily reduce their seeding rates to ~150,000 seeds/acre, especially when using insecticide and/or fungicide seed treatments. We will once again reinforce that concept to the growers when we share our field-scale seed treatment results and indicate that two of the four growers in the study did not increase relative profit by using seed treatments because their seeding rates were too high (~180,000 seeds/acre). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Numerous extension written materials: New York Extension Publications (2012 and 2013). Cox, W.J. Corn and Soybean Studies. 2012. Field Crop Dealer Meeting Abstracts. p.1-9. Department of Crop and Soil Sci. Extension Series: E12-3. Cox, W.J., and P. Atkins. 2012. Corn emergence when planting in April a few days before a snow storm. Department of Crop and Soil Sci. What's Cropping Up?, vol.22, no.3.p.6-8. Cox, W.J.,J. Orlowski, and P. Atkins. 2012. Field-Scale Row Spacing by Seeding Rate Studies in Soybeans. Department of Crop and Soil Sci. What's Cropping Up?, vol.22, no.2.p.5. Orlowski, J., W. J. Cox, W. Knoblauch, and P. Atkins. 2012. Planting Soybeans...Should I Buy a Grain Drill? Department of Crop and Soil Sci. What's Cropping Up?, vol.22, no.2.p.6-7. Cox, W.J., and P. Atkins. 2012. Recommended Seeding Rates and Side-dress N Rates Provide Close to Optimum Corn Grain Yields in 2010 and 2011. Department of Crop and Soil Sci. What's Cropping Up?, vol.22, no.1.p.6-7. Cox, W.J. Corn and Soybean Studies. 2013. Field Crop Dealer Meeting Abstracts. p.8-14. Department of Crop and Soil Sci. Extension Series. E13-3. Cox, W.J, and G.W. Reeves. 2013. Yield Responses to Seeding Rates for Grain Corn in Field-Scale Studies in New York. Department of Crop and Soil Sci. What's Cropping Up?, vol.23, no.1.p.8-9. Reeves, G.W., and W.J. Cox. 2013. Recommended Seeding Rates for Grain Corn Remain at 30,000 Kernels/Acre Based on Partial Budget Analyses of Field-Scale Studies in New York. What's Cropping Up?, vol.23, no.1.p.10-11. Updated crop recommendations in our annual Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management. 2013 Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management. Corn Guidelines. Planting Techniques, p.50-51. Cornell Cooperative Extension. http://store.cornell.edu/c-874-pmep-manuals-and-guidelines.aspx. 2013 Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management. Soybean Guidelines. Soybean planting, p.138-139. Cornell Cooperative Extension. http://store.cornell.edu/c-874-pmep-manuals-and-guidelines.aspx. 2014 Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management. Corn Guidelines. Planting Techniques, p.50-51. Cornell Cooperative Extension. http://store.cornell.edu/c-874-pmep-manuals-and-guidelines.aspx. 2014 Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management. Soybean Guidelines. Soybean planting, p.137-138. Cornell Cooperative Extension. http://store.cornell.edu/c-874-pmep-manuals-and-guidelines.aspx
Publications
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Journal articles:
Orlowski, J., Cox, W. J., DiTommaso, A., & Knoblauch, W. A. (2012). Planting Soybean with a Grain Drill Inconsistently Increases Yield and Profit. Agronomy Journal. 104:1065-1073.
Cox, W. J., & Cherney, J. H. (2012). Lack of Hybrid, Seeding and Nitrogen Rate Interactions for Corn Growth and Yield. Agronomy Journal. 104:945-952.
Reeves, G.W. and Cox, W.J. (2013). Inconsistent Responses of Corn to Seeding Rates in Field-Scale Studies. Agronomy Journal. 105:693-704.
Conference Presentations:
Cox, W.J., and J.H. Cherney (2012. Lack of Hybrid, Seeding and Nitrogen Rate Interactions for Corn Growth and Yield. Agronomy Abstracts. Annual Agronomy Society Meetings, Long Beach, CA, November 2012.
Orlowski, J., Cox, W. J., DiTommaso, A., & Knoblauch, W. A. (2012). Planting Soybean with a Grain Drill Inconsistently Increases Yield and Profit. Agronomy Abstracts. Annual Agronomy Society Meetings, Long Beach, CA, November 2012.
Cox, W.J., Reeves, G.W. (2013). Inconsistent Responses of Corn to
Seeding Rates in Field-Scale Studies, Tampa, FL, November 2013.
Webcasts:
Cox, W.J. 2012. Soybean seeding rates. Webcast. Crop Management.
http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/edcenter/seminars/soybean/soybeanseedingrates/
Cox, W.J., 2013. Corn Seeding Rates in the Northeast USA. Webcast. Crop Management. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/edcenter/seminars/corn/CornSeedingRates/
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1) We completed a small-plot study in the fall of 2011 evaluating responses of two corn hybrids at two N rates and four seeding rates for grain corn. Results were presented at numerous (>10) winter workshops for farmers and agricultural practitioners as well as at the annual American Society of Agronomy Meetings in 2012. Also, the study was accepted for publication in Agronomy Journal and one extension news article (What's Copping Up) was disseminated to the NY field crops community on results in 2012. 2) We completed farmer-participatory field-scale studies in the fall of 2011 on two farms evaluating agronomic and economic responses of soybean at three row widths and two seeding rates. John Orlowski successfully defended this study for his MS dissertation in March of 2012. The study was published in Agronomy Journal and presented at the annual American Society of Agronomy Meetings in 2012. Also, we published two news articles (What's Cropping Up) in 2012, one on the agronomics of soybean row spacing at different seeding rates and the other on the economics of purchasing a new drill to plant soybean in 7.5 inch rows. In addition, results of this study were presented at many (6) winter workshops in the winter of 2012. 3) We completed farmer-participatory field scale studies in the fall of 2012 on four farms evaluating agronomic and economic responses of two corn hybrids at four seeding rates for grain corn production. Geoff Reeves, an MS student, successfully defended this study for his MS dissertation in December of 2012. Also, results were presented at the annual In-Service for extension educators at Cornell in November of 2012 and also at the Field Crop Dealer Meetings in December of 2012. 4) We initiated farmer-participatory field scale studies in the spring of 2012 on four farms evaluating responses of soybean to different seed treatments, including rhizobium (bacteria that enhance N fixation), biological, fungicide, and insecticide treatments. We worked closely with Mark Ochs, an industry representative, on the study. Results were presented at the annual In-Service for extension educators at Cornell in November of 2012. We also published first-year results in the Field Crop Dealer Meeting Abstracts that accompanied my presentation at the Field Crop Dealer Meetings in December of 2012. 5) We conducted corn silage hybrid trials at three locations and soybean variety trials at four locations in 2012. We disseminated results of the corn silage study electronically to the Northeast Dairy Producers Association members in mid-October so they could make decisions on corn silage hybrids before seed discounts expired from many seed companies. We published two Annual Reports in the Department's Extension Series, highlighted results in the Field Crops Dealer Meeting Abstracts, published two news articles (What's Cropping Up) on recommended corn silage hybrids and soybean varieties, and updated the 2013 Cornell Guide with new recommendations for both crops. In addition, results were presented at the annual In-Service for extension educators at Cornell in November of 2012 and also at the Field Crop Dealer Meetings in December of 2012. PARTICIPANTS: Todd Dumond, Corn and Soybean farmer-Cayuga Co., NY. Ron Gruchow, Corn and Soybean farmer-Livingston Co., NY. Neenan Brothers Farm, Corn and Soybean farmers-Livingston Co., NY. Todd Roberts, Corn and Soybean farmer-Orleans Co., NY. Rodman Lott, Corn and Soybean farmer-Seneca Co., NY. Ron Robbins, Corn and Soybean farmer-Jefferson Co., NY. Dan Smith, Corn and Soybean farmer-Tompkins Co., NY. Bob Thompson, Corn and Soybean farmer-Seneca Co., NY. Lilyea Farms, Corn and Soybean farmers-Yates Co., NY. Bruce Austic, Corn and Soybean farmer-Seneca Co., NY. TARGET AUDIENCES: My targeted audiences include field crop educators, multipliers (consultants and other industry practitioners), and corn and soybean growers in NY. I participate in our annual In-Service for field crop educators where I share the results of our studies to about 20 participants. I also participated in our annual Field Crop Dealer Meetings (120 participants in 2012) and the annual New York Agricultural Business Association Meeting (80 attendees in 2012) that targets multiplier or agricultural practitioners. I also presented results and interpretation of my results to farmers via 10 winter workshops (more than 1100 attendees in 2012). PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
1) Results of the corn hybrid by N rate by seeding rate study indicated that recommended seeding rates on corn for grain in NY (~30,000 kernels/acre) and recommended N rates for corn following soybean (125 lbs/acre) optimized yield, even in a high-yielding year (~ 290 bushels/acre) or droughty year. The study was planted, sprayed, and harvested by my research support specialist, who was partially funded by this project. A temporary employee, partially funded by the project, assisted the PI and the research support specialist in both operations as well as growth and yield component analyses, which are labor-intensive measurements. 2) Results of farmer-participatory studies evaluating soybean row width and seeding rate indicated all three row widths (7.5, 15, and 30-inches) yielded similarly at two seeding rates (130,000 and 170,000 seeds/acre) at a no-till site, despite greater light interception, and lower weed densities and weed biomass at harvest in the drilled beans (7.5 inches). We recommended that the grower at this site plant soybean with either a corn planter (30-inch) or a drill, whatever is most convenient, at 130,000 seeds/acre. At a chisel tillage site, drilled soybean at 170,000 seeds/acre yielded 3.6% greater, in part because of greater light interception during the growing season, which translated into a $15/acre profit advantage despite the higher seed costs. Also, the purchase of a new grain drill to plant soybean would provide a modest increase in annual income (~$3000/year). My research support specialist was present at planting and harvest at both sites and my temporary employee assisted my graduate student in measuring stand counts, light interception, and yield components. 3) Results of farmer-participatory field-scale studies evaluating two corn hybrids under four seeding rates validated our small plot study. At one site (twin row), optimum economic yield was 31,000 instead of our recommended 30,000 kernels/acre rate. At two sites (30-inch rows), optimum economic yield did not exceed 30,000 kernels/acre. At a narrow row (20-inch rows) site, optimum economic seeding rates exceeded 37,000 kernels/acre in 2011 but showed a negative linear response to seeding rate in 2012. My research support specialist was present at harvest at all four sites and my temporary employee assisted my graduate student in determining stand counts and processing samples for moisture, test weight, and yield components. 4) Results of farmer-participatory field scale studies evaluating soybean seed treatments showed no yield advantage for seed treatments, despite improved stand establishment at three of four sites. My research support specialist and temporary employee were present at all sites to assist in planting and harvesting operations and determining stand counts. 5) Results of corn silage hybrid and soybean variety trials indicated differences in yield, harvest moisture, and quality among corn silage hybrids and differences in yield, lodging and moisture among soybean varieties. My research support specialist planted, sprayed, and harvested all experiments with assistance of my temporary employee, who also erected electric fences at all sites.
Publications
- Orlowski, J., Cox, W. J., DiTommaso, A., & Knoblauch, W. A. (2012). Planting Soybean with a Grain Drill Inconsistently Increases Yield and Profit. Agronomy Journal. 104:1065-1073.
- Cox, W. J., & Cherney, J. H. (2012). Lack of Hybrid, Seeding and Nitrogen Rate Interactions for Corn Growth and Yield. Agronomy Journal. 104:945-952.
- Cox, W.J., and J.H. Cherney (2012. Lack of Hybrid, Seeding and Nitrogen Rate Interactions for Corn Growth and Yield. Agronomy Abstracts. Annual Agronomy Society Meetings.
- Orlowski, J., Cox, W. J., DiTommaso, A., & Knoblauch, W. A. (2012). Planting Soybean with a Grain Drill Inconsistently Increases Yield and Profit. Agronomy Abstracts. Annual Agronomy Society Meetings.
- Cox, W.J., J.H. Cherney, P. Atkins, and K.Paddock. (2012). New York Corn Silage Hybrid Tests-2012. Department of Crop and Soil Sci.Extension Series E12-1.
- Cox, W.J., P. Atkins, and M.Daivs.2012. 2012 New York Soybean Variety Tests. Department of Crop and Soil Sci.Extension Series E12-2.
- Cox, W.J. Corn and Soybean Studies. 2012. Field Crop Dealer Meeting Abstracts. p.1-9. Department of Crop and Soil Sci.Extension Series E12-3.
- Cox, W.J., J.H. Cherney, and P. Atkins. 2012. Recommended Corn Silage Hybrids for New York. Department of Crop and Soil Sci. What's Cropping Up, vol.22, no.4.p.6-9.
- Cox, W.J., and P. Atkins. 2012. Recommended Roundup Ready Soybean Varieties for central/western New York. Department of Crop and Soil Sci. What's Cropping Up, vol.22, no.4.p.15-16.
- Cox, W.J., and P. Atkins. 2012. Corn emergence when planting in April a few days before a snow storm. Department of Crop and Soil Sci. What's Cropping Up, vol.22, no.3.p.6-8.
- Cox, W.J.,J. Orlowski, and P. Atkins. 2012. Field-Scale Row Spacing by Seeding Rate Studies in Soybeans. Department of Crop and Soil Sci. What's Cropping Up, vol.22, no.2.p.5.
- Orlowski, J., W. J. Cox, W. Knoblauch, and P. Atkins. 2012. Planting Soybeans...Should I Buy a Grain Drill Department of Crop and Soil Sci. What's Cropping Up, vol.22, no.2.p.6-7.
- Cox, W.J., and P. Atkins. Recommended Seeding Rates and Side-dress N Rates Provide Close to Optimum Corn Grain Yields in 2010 and 2011. Department of Crop and Soil Sci. What's Cropping Up, vol.22, no.1.p.6-7.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: We evaluated two corn hybrids at four seeding rates in four field-scale studies on farmers' fields in Cayuga, Livingston, Orleans, and Seneca Counties with the participating farmer planting, spraying, fertilizing, and harvesting the study (we collected data on plant establishment, lodging, moisture, and yield data with our Weigh Wagon). An MS student, funded as a TA in CSS Department, was assigned to this study. As with the small-plot study at the Research Farm, optimum yields occurred at about 30,000 kernels/acre although there was a hybrid by seeding rate interaction at two sites (one hybrid not responding above the 25,000 kernel/acre rate). We also evaluated soybeans at three row spacings and two seeding rates in field-scale studies on two farmers' fields in Cayuga and Livingston Counties to determine if farmers should continue to plant soybeans with a drill (7.5 inch rows) or switch to a corn planter (15 or 30-inch rows). Again, the participating farmers did the planting, spraying, fertilizing, and harvesting of the study. At one site, row spacing or seeding rate did not impact yield so at that site the grower should eliminate the drill from his farm if only a corn-soybean rotations is used (keep the drill if wheat is still in the rotation and use either the drill, corn planter, or both planters to plant soybeans in that situation). At the other site, drilled soybeans had a 2 bushel/acre yield advantage and partial budget analyses indicated that it was more profitable to use a drill on soybeans even if the growers just used a corn-soybean rotation. Again, an MS student, funded with a TA line in CSS, was assigned to this project and he collected plant establishment, weed density and biomass, lodging, moisture, and yield (with our Weigh Wagon). He also conducted the partial budget analyses. Results of all studies were disseminated at the In-Service for Cornell field crop educators on November 16th and at the Field Crop Dealer Meetings on November 21st. In addition, results will be disseminated to farmers in the winter of 2011 at 10 scheduled meetings and in our Newsletter in February and March. PARTICIPANTS: William J. Cox-PI. Phil Atkins-Research Support Specialist. John Orlowski-MS student (field-scale soybean row spacing study) Geoff Reeves-MS student (field-scale corn seeding rate studies) Todd Roberts-participating farmer in Orleans County (field-scale corn study). Ron Gruchow-participating farmer in Livingston County (field-scale corn study). Rodman Lott-participating farmer in Seneca County (field-scale corn study). Todd DuMond-participating farmer in Cayuga County (field-scale corn study). Joe and Mike Neenan-participating farmers in Livingston County (field-scale soybean study). TARGET AUDIENCES: The targeted audience for all my research is the New York agricultural community, including field crop extension educators, corn and soybean growers, practitioners who work in industry or private industry (including certified crop advisors), and others who are interested in corn and soybean production in New York. In addition, I publish my research in Agronomy Journal and attend the American Society of Agronomy Meetings so another targeted audience is my colleagues at other universities. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No major changes are planned at this time.
Impacts
Our modus operandi is to research applied topics at the Aurora Research Farm and then to conduct participatory research with leading farmers. The farmers perform all field activities and Cornell researchers, including myself, my research support specialist, and any graduate students assigned to the project, are responsible for data collection. Small-plot research indicated that despite record yields in 2010, optimum seeding rates for grain corn occurred at close to the recommended seeding rate (~34,000). Likewise, despite the second driest July on record (when corn is most susceptible to drought because it is silking during that month), about 26,000 kernels/acre resulted in optimum yield. Averaged over the two years, our data indicated that the new hybrid releases do not require higher seeding rates to optimize yield. In the first-year of our field-scale corn seeding rate studies, the small-plot research results were validated with optimum yields at most sites (except for one hybrid at two sites) at our recommended seeding rate. Frequently, there are seeding rate interactions with years so we will conduct the field-scale studies one more year to determine if the results are consistent across years Likewise, small-plot research in 2009 and 2010 indicated that soybeans yielded 6% more when drilled (7.5 inch rows) compared with 30-inch rows (planted with a corn planter). In our small-plot soybean row spacing study, however, we did not run over the soybeans when we sprayed Roundup as the growers do. Drilled soybeans (7.5 inch rows) are far more vulnerable to mechanical damage than when in 30-inch rows, which may lessen the yield advantage for drilled soybeans. This is one reason why growers do not relate that well to small-plot research and respect on-farm research much more. In our soybean study, our row spacing recommendation was only validated at one site and not the other. I will have to tell the farmers during this winter that my recommendations for drilled soybeans did not take into account mechanical damage from spraying and the greater yield potential for drilled or narrow-row soybeans may not be realized in all situations. Although it will be a minor embarrassment to me to admit that my recommendations have been too absolute on soybean row spacing for the last couple of years, I think that they will appreciate that I was willing to admit my too forceful recommendation, based on small plot research, and listen carefully to future on-farm results.
Publications
- Cox, W.J.,and P. Atkins. 2011. Corn and Soybean Studies. Field Crop Dealer Meetings Abstract, Extension Series, E11-1. Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
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