Source: MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV submitted to NRP
AGRONOMIC RESEARCH FOR RICE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN MISSISSIPPI
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0226535
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jul 1, 2011
Project End Date
Jun 30, 2016
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MISSISSIPPI STATE,MS 39762
Performing Department
Delta Research & Extension Center
Non Technical Summary
Mississippi ranks fourth in the USA in rice acreage. In 2010, the fourth largest acreage was planted which was approximately 125,000 hectares. The clay soils, abundant water, and a favorable climate have proven effective for rice production. Rice has become an important part of the Delta farming system. Furthermore, since approximately 50% of the rice produced in Mississippi is exported to other countries, Mississippi rice production is also important internationally. This research project will emphasize research in agronomic practices for rice production in Mississippi. Cultivar/hybrid development plays a large role in increasing yields, which often increases the profitability for the rice producer. It is imperative to evaluate cultivars and hybrids for nutrient response, row spacing, seeding rates, etc. to maximize the genetic potential from which yields and quality are greatly improved. Since sustainable productivity and environmental policy are the key issues for Mississippi agriculture, each factor that is involved in producing rice must be evaluated to maintain a balanced production system. More specifically, land-grant university nutrient recommendations are becoming more important in establishing environmental law; therefore, it is imperative to continually refine nutrient recommendations for various production scenarios so these key issues are addressed concomitantly. This research project will help develop the best agronomic practices under varying production systems for new cultivars, fertilizer sources, soil amendments, and plant growth regulators. Furthermore, the soil environment can vary extensively which affects nutrient dynamics. More basic laboratory investigations will be conducted to help model nitrogen loss mechanisms and determine tools to offset nitrogen loss.New technologies are being developed by MSU, other land-grant institutions, and industry. The nitrogen soil test for rice (N-ST*R) has been developed by the University of Arkansas, and is being validated in Mississippi. Additionally, MSU has helped to develop the prediction model for Greenseeker (a tool that looks at ability of the rice crop's canopy to reflect energy), which promises the potential for growers to apply N fertilizer on an as needed basis once rice reaches the reproductive growth stage. As these and other new technologies are developed, our program is in place to refine the technology in a grower friendly manner.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
25%
Applied
50%
Developmental
25%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
20515301060100%
Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1530 - Rice;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);
Goals / Objectives
The overarching goal of the project is to develop information that is grower adaptable so that rice production is economically and environmentally sustainable in the future. Furthermore, our work is intended to increase knowledge in the scientific community regarding rice soil fertility and agronomy. Specific objectives are: 1.Determine N requirements for breeding lines and newly released public and private cultivars and hybrids under varying soil environments. 2.Investigate methods of determining the need of top-dress N. 3.Validate the N-ST*R soil test and demonstrate its utility. 4.Investigate alternative and/or novel methods for increasing fertilizer efficiency. 5.Correlate/Calibrate the current soil test method for P, K, and Zn. 6.Determine if yields can be enhanced with soil amendments and plant growth regulators. 7.Evaluate precision agriculture technologies for their usefulness in rice production. We anticipate N requirements to vary across soil texture, cultivars, and cultural practices. Those differences will be transferred to the public by way of meetings, web-based media, written reports, journal articles in a timely manner after results are determined. Greenseeker technology is currently being developed for rice. Large -scaled validation of the models will be initiated in the coming two years. Validation of the N-ST*R soil test is currently occurring on coarse-textured rice soils. The model is near complete for fine-textured soils. At that point, the validation procedure will be enacted. Currently, several volatilization and nitrification inhibitors are being evaluated in field and laboratory settings to determine their utility in rice production. One product is showing promise for commercial use. These data will be presented to the company to encourage them to market the product as a N stabilizer. Correlation/Calibration is a long-term project. Data generated each year help fine-tune the prediction models for nutrient inputs. Soil amendments and plant growth regulators offered by Ag industry are encouraged to undergo testing in rice to determine their effectiveness. The types and number vary by year. Precision Ag tools will be instrumental in bringing to fruition N-S*R and Greenseeker technology.
Project Methods
Each experiment will have four or more replications and will be repeated over time. The experimental design will be appropriate for the particular hypotheses. Data to be collected will include plant populations, phenology dates, rice height, grain yield, grain quality, and vegetative indices. Rough rice yields will be corrected for moisture content. Seed weight and milling components will be determined when necessary to supplement experimental results. The general hierarchy to our approach consists of: 1. Using producer knowledge, soil sampling, and past field history to identify problem fields/areas. 2. Formulate experiments on the basis of soil texture, fertility status, intended cultural practices of the cooperating producer, and the nature of land resources made available by the producer. 3. Analysis of combined results from cut sheets, soil properties, nutrient levels, and yield, as well as relevant supporting information, such as cultural practices, soil type, and cultivar grown. 4. Develop BMP's (best management practices) from the data that is collected relative to relationships between production costs and agronomic gains.

Progress 07/01/11 to 06/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:Producers, Consultants, Ag Industry Professionals, and Rice Growers 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 reported at scientific and producer meetings at the local, state, and national level. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Work conducted to determine optimum nitrogen rates for newly released varieties was conducted on both clay and silt loam soils. Specific varieties evaluated in 2015 included CL163, CL172, LaKast, and XP760. The next conventional release from MSU RU1104077 was also included for testing at all locations. Trials were conducted on both silt loam and clay textured soils. Preliminary year testing suggested that these varieties fall within the current nitrogen fertilizer recommendations to similar varieties.N-ST*R recommendations were successful in studies conducted on silt loam soils. Clay soil validation trials have shown mixed in their ability to predict N response adequately. Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) was evaluated in a program approach for rice on both clay and silt loam soils. After one year of research the product shows some promise for rice, but N management in regards to application timing will need to be altered, and it appears the product may move short distances with the flood water. Currently not enough data is available for K and Zn correlation and calibration, future studies are needed to reslove current fertilization reccomendations for both potassium and Zinc. For phoshprus however we did havve enough data to draw some conclusion on phosphorus use in rice in MS.?Rice grain yield was significantly influenced by P fertilization rate at 16 of 34 site-years. Averaged across both responsive and non-responsive site-years, P fertilization increased rice grain yield by 225 lb ac-1. When considering only sites that responded positively (p<0.20) to P fertilization yields were increased above the untreated control by approximately 585 lbs ac-1. Evaluation of distribution of soil test levels at responsive sites (n = 16) suggested that approximately 46% fell below 10 ppm soil test P, 62% < 20 ppm soil test P, and 85< 30 ppm soil test P. The remaining 15% of responsive samples had soil test P levels greater than 30 ppm. Relative yield from the untreated control at responsive sites ranged from 75 to 95%. For numerous years 30 ppm had been observed as a critical level for soil test P regardless of extractant. When examining non-responsive sites the distribution across soil test levels was startling. For non-responsive sites (n=18) approximately 75% of sites had soil test P below 30 ppm P. On non-responsive sites relative yield from the untreated control ranged from 94 to 100%. This data further illustrates the need for additional research centered on determining additional methods to determine crop responsiveness to soil test P, either with differing extractants or combining soil extractable P with other factors such as pH.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Golden, B.R. 2015. 2014 variety trials. p. 22. In Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center Annual Rice Research Report. Starkville, MS: MAFES. [Online]. Available at http://rice.msstate.edu/documents/2014ricereport.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Golden, B.R. 2015. 2015 Rice On-Farm Preliminary rice variety trial data. [Online]. Available at: http://www.mississippi-crops.com/2015/10/01/2015-rice-on-farm-variety-trial-preliminary-data/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Golden, B.R., T.W. Allen, J.A. Bond, J. Gore, and D. Cook. 2015. Scouting and Managing Rice Blast. [Online]. Available at: http://www.mississippi-crops.com/2015/07/17/scouting-and-managing-rice-blast/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Golden, B.R., T.W. Allen, J.A. Bond, J. Gore, D. Cook, and J. Krutz. 2015. Mid-Season Rice Update. [Online]. Available at: http://www.mississippi-crops.com/2015/06/19/mid-season-rice-update/
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Corbin, J.L., B.R. Golden, T.W. Walker, and J. Gore (Accepted) Evaluation of trinexapac-ethyl and nitrogen management to minimize lodging in rice. Agron J.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Corbin J.L., J.M. Orlowski, D.L. Harrell, B.R. Golden, L. Falconer, L.J. Krutz, J. Gore, M.S. Cox, and T.W. Walker. (2016). Nitrogen strategy and seeding rate affects rice lodging, yield and economic returns in the midsouthern United States. Agron. J. 108:1-6.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Fitts, P.W., T.W. Walker, L.J. Krutz, B.R. Golden, J.J. Varco, J. Gore, J.L. Corbin, and N.A. Slaton. 2014. Evaluation of nitrification and methods to minimize denitrification loss for rice. Agron. J. 106:1541-1548.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Atwill, R.L., J.L. Corbin, P.W. Fitts, and B.R. Golden. 2015. Rice planting date effects on yield and quality. p. 6. In Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center Annual Rice Research Report. Starkville, MS: MAFES. [Online]. Available at http://rice.msstate.edu/documents/2014ricereport.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Bond, J.A., H.M. Edwards, B.R. Golden, B.H. Lawrence, J.P. Mangilardi. 2015. Herbicide programs for barnyardgrass control in conventional rice. p. 14. In Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center Annual Rice Research Report. Starkville,
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Bond, J.A., H.M. Edwards, B.R. Golden, B.H. Lawrence, J.P. Mangilardi. 2015. Research evaluating herbicide drift to rice. p. 16. In Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center Annual Rice Research Report. Starkville, MS: MAFES. [Online]. Available at http://rice.msstate.edu/documents/2014ricereport.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Bond, J.A., H.M. Edwards, B.R. Golden, J.P. Mangilardi, and B.H. Lawrence. 2015. Barnyardgrass control with sequential herbicide applications. p. 15. In Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center Annual Rice Research Report. Starkville, MS: MAFES. [Online]. Available at http://rice.msstate.edu/documents/2014ricereport.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Golden, B.R. 2015. 2014 rice crop overview. p. 5. In Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center Annual Rice Research Report. Starkville, MS: MAFES. [Online]. Available at http://rice.msstate.edu/documents/2014ricereport.pdf


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Producers, Consultants, Ag Industry Professionals, and Rice Growers Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Research Results were presented at grower meetings, field days, consultants meetings and county demonstrations. Research was also presented at scientific meetings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research Results were presented at grower meetings, field days, consultants meetings and county demonstrations. Research was also presented at scientific meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Determine optimum nutrient (N, P, K, S, Zn) management recommendations across varying production environments Work conducted to determine optimum nitrogen rates for newly released varieties was conducted on both clay and silt loam soils. Specific varieties evaluated in 2015 included CL163, CL172, LaKast, and XP760. The next conventional release from MSU RU1104077 was also included for testing at all locations. Trials were conducted on both silt loam and clay textured soils. Preliminary year testing suggested that these varieties fall within the current nitrogen fertilizer recommendations to similar varieties. N-ST*R recommendations were successful in studies conducted on silt loam soils. Clay soil validation trials have shown mixed in their ability to predict N response adequately. Phosphorus and potassium response trials were placed at approximately 4 locations throughout the Mississippi Delta in 2015. We observed one site that responded positively to potassium and two sites that responded to phosphorus. In 2015 attempts to calibrate all phosphorus data generated since the beginning of the phosphorus testing in Mississippi was initiated. The results suggested that it is still difficult to determine if an economic response to phosphorus can be explained with current soil test methodologies. Work will continue on correlation trials until a satisfactory model is obtained. Sulfur rate and timing trials conducted in 2015 (n=3) yielded no positive response to fertilization on both clay and silt loam soils. Zinc response trials were conducted at three locations. On clay soils, rice did not respond to additional zinc fertilization, however on silt loam sites we generated a 5 bushel yield response to granular applied Zn and no response to seed treatment applied Zn. Pallisade was evaluated at one site year in 2015 as a PGR for the rice variety CL151. Overall, Pallisade did not influence rice grain yield positively when compared to an untreated control. Rice application timing appears to be critical with some phytoxocity that limited grain yield when applications were made prior to the reproductive growth stage. Preflood application timings limited rice grain yield by as much as 19 bu/ac. To evaluate rotational crops influence on rice grain yield an initial year was needed to set up the base rotations, 2015 served as that year. In 2015 numerous fertilizer products were evaluated to test industry claims of superiority to current fertilizers. A plethora of new NBPT type products were evaluated from Helena chemical, BASF, and Pinnacle agriculture. The conclusion on NBPT testing was that if a product has the appropriate rate of NPBT as the traditional rate of agrotain the product protects against Ammonia Volatilization (AV). Of the numerous products tested all additives other than NBPT failed to protect against AV. Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) was evaluated in a program approach for rice on both clay and silt loam soils. Currently a graduate student Mr. Richard Turner is working on this project. After one year of research the product shows some promise for rice, but N management in regards to application timing will need to be altered, and it appears the product may move short distances with the flood water. We are currently working with the company on the movement issues. In 2015, we also evaluated Titan and Accomplish, two additives that are supposed to increase the efficiency of urea. Neither product increased any measurable rice metric related to grain yield above that of the standard control of urea. At one location in 2015 we evaluated a row rice system. All rice produced in this system failed in 2015. Approximately 6 rice varieties were evaluated and no rice variety achieved 100 bu/ac. it does appear that the Hybrid rice cultivars will be more adapted to row rice configurations. More work will be needed to justify a recommendation for row rice in MS. In 2015 at one location, a ratoon rice system was evaluated for its potential in MS, the ratoon system showed promise, however the grand mean of both harvests roughly equaled 180 bu/ac. This yield level can be commonly achieved with many varieties in Mississippi with a single harvest. As varieties with more ratoon potential develop this could be an exploreable option for MS producers. With the help of the Delta Agricultural Weather Department. The DD50 was maintained and new varieties were added for 2015.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Rice 2016 Planning Budgets. 2015. Mississippi State University Extension Service Publication P-2923.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Atwill, R.L., J.L. Corbin, P.W. Fitts, and B.R. Golden. 2015. Rice planting date effects on yield and quality. p. 6. In Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center Annual Rice Research Report. Starkville, MS: MAFES. [Online]. Available at http://rice.msstate.edu/documents/2014ricereport.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Bond, J.A., H.M. Edwards, B.R. Golden, B.H. Lawrence, J.P. Mangilardi. 2015. Herbicide programs for barnyardgrass control in conventional rice. p. 14. In Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center Annual Rice Research Report. Starkville, MS: MAFES. [Online]. Available at http://rice.msstate.edu/documents/2014ricereport.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Bond, J.A., H.M. Edwards, B.R. Golden, B.H. Lawrence, J.P. Mangilardi. 2015. Research evaluating herbicide drift to rice. p. 16. In Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center Annual Rice Research Report. Starkville, MS: MAFES. [Online]. Available at http://rice.msstate.edu/documents/2014ricereport.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Bond, J.A., H.M. Edwards, B.R. Golden, J.P. Mangilardi, and B.H. Lawrence. 2015. Barnyardgrass control with sequential herbicide applications. p. 15. In Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center Annual Rice Research Report. Starkville, MS: MAFES. [Online]. Available at http://rice.msstate.edu/documents/2014ricereport.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Golden, B.R. 2015. 2014 rice crop overview. p. 5. In Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center Annual Rice Research Report. Starkville, MS: MAFES. [Online]. Available at http://rice.msstate.edu/documents/2014ricereport.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Golden, B.R. 2015. 2014 variety trials. p. 22. In Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center Annual Rice Research Report. Starkville, MS: MAFES. [Online]. Available at http://rice.msstate.edu/documents/2014ricereport.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Golden, B.R. 2015. 2015 Rice On-Farm Preliminary rice variety trial data. [Online]. Available at: http://www.mississippi-crops.com/2015/10/01/2015-rice-on-farm-variety-trial-preliminary-data/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Golden, B.R., T.W. Allen, J.A. Bond, J. Gore, and D. Cook. 2015. Scouting and Managing Rice Blast. [Online]. Available at: http://www.mississippi-crops.com/2015/07/17/scouting-and-managing-rice-blast/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Golden, B.R., T.W. Allen, J.A. Bond, J. Gore, D. Cook, and J. Krutz. 2015. Mid-Season Rice Update. [Online]. Available at: http://www.mississippi-crops.com/2015/06/19/mid-season-rice-update/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Gore, J., B.R. Golden, J.A. Bond, D. Cook, and A. Catchot. 2015. Rice stink bug update June 19, 2015. [Online]. Available at: http://www.mississippi-crops.com/2015/06/19/rice-stink-bug-update-june-192015/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Jimmy Sanders Agronomic Training  BMPS for Rice, Corn and Soybean; Rayville, LA (September 24 2015)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Farm Bureau Directors Tour  Rice crop update and importance of Variety trials; Starkville, MS (May 5, 2015)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Farm Bureau Spring Tour  Row crop update for Rice and Soybean; Stoneville, MS (May 15, 2015)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: USDA RMA Rice Policy Meeting  Panel discussion on setting new water policy; Stoneville, MS (April 14, 2015)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: USDA RMA Rice Policy Meeting  Negative Agronomic aspects associated with water conservation practices for rice; Stoneville, MS (Mar 13, 2015)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Mississippi Rice Council Meeting  Rice production and Research Update; Stoneville, MS (February 13, 2015)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Mississippi Rice Consultants Conference  2014 year-end review, 2015 variety selection; Stoneville, MS (February 12, 2015)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Mississippi Agricultural Consultants Conference  2014 Rice year-end review, 2015 variety selection; Starkville, MS (February 4, 2015)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Jimmy Sanders Agronomic Training  Fertilizer needs assement for corn, soybean, and rice; Stoneville MS (January 6, 2015)


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems:The original Project Director departed from the University. Dr. Golden took over this project late in the 2014 reporting cycle and therefore has nothing to report. Dr. Golden will submit a full 2015 progress report. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The original Project Director departed from the University. Dr. Golden took over this project late in the 2014 reporting cycle and therefore has nothing to report. Dr. Golden will submit a full 2015 progress report.

Publications


    Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

    Outputs
    Target Audience: Mississippi Rice Consultants Work Group - This working group of private rice consultants accounts for approximately 50% of the rice produced in Mississippi. We took part in an event where we provided rice research results to this group. Therefore, we impacted a minimum of 50% of the rice acreage in Mississippi by providing information to this group. Mississippi Farm Bureau Rice Policy Committee - We shared research results on nitrogen withthis groupon two occasions. This information helps them develop policy Brazilian Rice Farmers - I hosted a group of people involved in rice farming/industry from Brazil. They toured our research program and I answered questions they raised about agronomic and fertilizer management practices of rice Rice Field Day - I hosted a Rice Field Day. Over 100 people came and toured the rice research plots. Two of the stops included sessions on rice agronomy and fertilizer management Louisiana Rice Field Day - I was invited to speak to 400 attendees of the Louisiana Rice Field Day in Crowley, LA. I spoke about agronomic research we are involved with in Mississippi Southern Branch of the American Society of Agronomy - Two of my Research Associates/Graduate Students presented oral presentations regarding their agronomic research in Orlando, FL. The audience was largely made of faculty and graduate students from southern USA land-grant's. Mississippi Legislators - I hosted five key state legislators and informed them of the agronomic research and how it benefits Mississippi rice producers Mississippi Rice Council - I spoke with 70+ members of the Mississippi Rice Council and updated them on the agronomic research that is being conducted at Mississippi and how it can be implemented on their farm. Central American Group - My staff spoke with 50+ Central Americans at our Center and provided an overview of our rice agronomy research program and answered questions about rice production raised by this group Mississippi Agricultural Industry Council - I spoke with 100+ Certified Crop Advisors and provided agronomic research findings for rice. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? We have been invited to speak at various meetings where continuing education credit is offered. Furthermore, we hosted an all-day meeting with the Mississippi Rice Consultants Work Group to help disseminate research findings so that they can be used in production. We also hosted groups from Brazil and Central America and provided research findings to these groups regarding rice production. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Information has been disseminated through grower meetings, one on one phone calls, and weekly crop situation blogs (www.mississippi-crops.com/) and through a website (www.rice.msstate.edu) What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Large scale validation of the N-STaR is planned. Continued replicated trials on the experiment station as well as producer fields will also be conducted.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Nitrogen requirements were determined for CL152, Antonio, Colorado, and Mermentau on coarse- and fine-textured soils. Validation for the N-STaR continued, and based on our work, N-STaR was effective in providing N recommendations for coarse-textured soils in Mississippi; however, it was ineffective on fine-textured soils. Products were tested for their effectiveness in minimizing N loss through ammonia volatilization and nitrification/denitrification. Several products were screened that contain NBPT as the active ingredient. Each of these products successfully minimized ammonia volatilization. DCD and a polymer/sulfer coated urea product (XCU 43) were effective in reducing nitrification and hence denitrification in the delayed-flood cultural practice. Additional locations were found that were responsive to P fertilizer. These results are included in the P correlation/calibration database. Two plant growth regulators were tested. Trinexepac-ethyl was effective in reducing plant height and lodging for rice. Gibberillic acid applied at late boot increased grain yield by 7 bushels per acre when applied to a pure line variety and a hybrid.

    Publications

    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Salassi, M.E., M.A. Deliberto, S.D. Linscombe, C.E. Wilson, Jr., T.W. Walker, G.N McCauley, and D.C. Blouin. 2013. Impact of harvest lodging on rough rice milling yield and market price. Agron. J. 105:1860-1867.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Massey, J., T.Walker, C.Smith, and M. Anders. 2013. Farmer adaptation of intermittent rice flooding to a straight-levee production system in Mississippi: Water use, rice yield and milling quality, and nitrogen response. Agricultural Water Management
    • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Fitts, P.W. 2013. Evaluation of nitrification and methods to minimize denitrification loss for rice (Oryza sativa L.) on Mississippi Alluvial Plain Soils. M.S. thesis, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Corbin, J.L., T.W. Walker, P.W. Fitts, and R.L. Atwill. 2013. The impacts of Palisade rates and nitrogen fertilization on rice lodging. Paper presented at: Southern Branch of the American Society of Agronomy Meetings, Orlando, FL. 3 - 5 Feb.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Atwill, R.L., T.W. Walker, B.R. Golden, P.W. Fitts, J.L. Corbin, S. Linscombe, and N. Slaton. 2013. Rice grain yield as affected by seeding date. Paper presented at: Southern Branch of the American Society of Agronomy Meetings, Orlando, FL. 3 - 5 Feb.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Walker, T.W. and P.W. Fitts. 2013. Implementation of new technologies for improving fertilizer use efficiency. Paper presented at: National Conservation Systems for Cotton and Rice Conference, Baton Rouge, LA. 30 - 31 Jan.


    Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: Activities: Conducted 90 replicated field at the experiment station and in farmer fields to address nutrient response, agronomic management, and plant growth regulation. Mentored three students who are pursuing M.S. degrees Events Presented research information at 14 producer and industry field day/training meetings. Attended the Southern Branch of the American Society of Agronomy Meeting Services. Provided numerous one-on-one consulting meetings with growers to establish farm management plans covering variety selection and fertilizer recommendations. PARTICIPANTS: Timothy W. Walker - Agronomist , PI Jason A. Bond - Pest Management Nathan W. Buehring - Extension Rice Specialist Richard J. Norman - Collaborator, University of Arkansas Nathan Slaton - Collaborator, University of Arkansas Dustin Harrell - Collaborator, Louisiana State University Scott Lanford - Agricultural Technician William L. Kingery - Collaborator, Soil Scientist Jac J. Varco - Collaborator, Soil Scientist Michael S. Cox - Collaborator, Soil Scientist Grady Jackson - Research Associate Jeff Gore - Collaborator, Entomologist Paxton Fitts - Research Associate Walter Solomon - Research Associate Dwight Kanter - Agronomist/Breeder Kevin Dillon - Graduate Research Associate Jennifer Corbin - Agricultural Aide/Graduate Student TARGET AUDIENCES: producers, consultants, ag. researchers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

    Impacts
    Change in Knowledge Nitrification potential is high and occurs rapidly on high pH soils. A polymer coated product can aide in minimizing loss through denitrification. Dicyandiamide can reduce the amount of N loss and protect against yield loss when nitrification occurs in rice. N-ZONE MAX failed to reduce nitrification. Nitrogen Soil Test for Rice (N-ST*R) was demonstrated on three production fields. On silt loam soils, N-ST*R resulted in equal yields with less N. One a clay field, yields were less; however, economic analyses showed where 70 pounds of N less actually produced a greater net return. A plant growth regulator minimized lodging for two lodging susceptible varieties; however, yield was reduced. Grain yield is more stable and is greater when varieties are planted in late March and Early April rather than waiting later in April, May or June to plant.

    Publications

    • Bond, J.A. and T.W. Walker. 2012. Effect of postflood quinclorac applications on commercial rice cultivars. Weed Technology. 26(2): 183-188.
    • Dillon, K.A., T.W. Walker, D.L. Harrell., L.J. Krutz, J.J. Varco, C.H. Koger, and M.S. Cox. 2012. Nitrogen sources and timing effects on nitrogen loss and uptake in delayed flood rice. Agron. J. 104:466-472.
    • Tubana, B.S, D. Harrell, T. Walker, J. Teboh, J. Lofton, and Y. Kanke. 2012. In-season canopy reflectance-based estimation of rice yield response to nitrogen. Agron. J. 104:1604-1611.
    • Knoblauch, R., P.R. Ernani, T.W. Walker, L.J. Krutz, J.J. Varco, L.C. Gatiboni, F.C. Deschamps. 2012. VOLATILIZACAO DE AMONIA EM SOLOS ALAGADOS INFLUENCIADA PELA FORMA DE APLICACAO DE UREIA. Brazilian Soil Science Journal (Portuguese). 36:813-821.
    • Corbin, J.L., T.W. Walker, P.W. Fitts, D.L. Harrell, and S.L. Bottoms. 2012. Evaluation of seeding Rate, Fertilization, and Fungicide Application for 'CL151' Production. In M.E. Salassi, et al. (ed.) Proceedings Thirty-Fourth Rice Technical Working Group, Hot Springs, AR. 27 Feb.- Mar. 1. Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.
    • Fitts, P.W., Walker, T.W., Corbin, J.L., Krutz, L.J., Golden, B.R., and Varco, J.J. 2012. Evaluation of N source on mitigating nitrification/denitrification loss in rice. In M.E. Salassi, et al. (ed.) Proceedings Thirty-Fourth Rice Technical Working Group, Hot Springs, AR. 27 Feb.-Mar.1. Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.
    • Golden, B.R., Walker, T.W., and Linscombe, S.L. 2012. Seeding date effects of grain yield stability. In M.E. Salassi, et al. (ed.) Proceedings Thirty-Fourth Rice Technical Working Group, Hot Springs, AR. 27 Feb.-Mar. 1. Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.
    • Walker, T.W., Harrell, D.L., Rogers, C.W., Dillon, K.A., Krutz, L.J., Roberts, T.L., and Norman, R.J. 2012. Evaluation of Preflood N Strategies to Maximize Fertilizer Use Efficiency. In M.E. Salassi, et al. (ed.) Proceedings Thirty-Fourth Rice Technical Working Group, Hot Springs, AR. 27 Feb.-Mar. 1. Louisiana State University Agricultural Center.
    • Walker, T.W. 2012. Nitrogen management in rice: Rates, timings, and sources. 15th Annual National Conservation Systems for Rice and Cotton. 31 Jan.-Feb. 1. Robinsonville, MS. Invited
    • Corbin, J.L., T.W. Walker, P.W. Fitts, and D.L. Harrell. 2012. The impacts of nitrogen and potassium fertilization on rice lodging. Southern Branch of the American Society of Agronomy Abstracts. 5-7 February. Birmingham, AL.
    • Fitts, P.W., T.W. Walker, J.L. Corbin, L.J. Krutz, B.R. Golden, and J.J. Varco. 2012. Nitrogen loss potential by nitrification/denitrification as affected by N source in rice. Southern Branch of the American Society of Agronomy Abstracts. 5-7 February. Birmingham, AL.
    • Fulford, A.M., T.L. Roberts, R.J. Norman, N.A. Slaton, C.E. Wilson Jr., T.W. Walker, and C.W. Rogers. 2012. Nitrogen soil testing for rice grown on clayey soils: Development of N-STaR correlation and fertilizer calibration curves. Abstracts of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA. 21-24 October. Cincinnati, OH.


    Progress 01/01/11 to 09/30/11

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: Stated Objectives: Determine N requirements for breeding lines and newly released public and private cultivars and hybrids under varying soil environments. Investigate methods of determining the need of top-dress N. Validate the N-STR soil test and demonstrate its utility. Investigate alternative and/or novel methods for increasing fertilizer efficiency. Correlate/Calibrate the current soil test method for P, K, and Zn. Determine if yields can be enhanced with soil amendments and plant growth regulators. Evaluate precision agriculture technologies for their usefulness in rice production. Activities: 100+ replicated field trials were conducted at the experiment station and in farmer fields to address nutrient response, agronomic management, and plant growth regulation Mentored one student who graduated with a Master's of Science and two additional who are pursuing M.S. degrees Events Presented research information at 17 producer and industry field day/training meetings Attended the Southern Branch of the American Society of Agronomy Meeting Services - provided numerous one-on-one consulting meetings with growers to establish farm management plans PARTICIPANTS: Timothy W. Walker - Agronomist , PI Jason A. Bond - Pest Management Nathan W. Buehring - Extension Rice Specialist Richard J. Norman - Collaborator, University of Arkansas Nathan Slaton - Collaborator, University of Arkansas Dustin Harrell - Collaborator, Louisiana State University Scott Lanford - Agricultural Technician William L. Kingery - Collaborator, Soil Scientist Jac J. Varco - Collaborator, Soil Scientist Michael S. Cox - Collaborator, Soil Scientist Grady Jackson - Research Associate Jeff Gore - Collaborator, Entomologist Paxton Fitts - Research Associate Walter Solomon - Research Associate Dwight Kanter - Agronomist/Breeder Kevin Dillon - Graduate Research Associate Jennifer Corbin - Agricultural Aide/Graduate Student TARGET AUDIENCES: producers, consultants, researchers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

    Impacts
    Change in Knowledge Volatilization losses are as much as 100% greater on clay soils compared to silt loam soils with similar pH Two new products, Arborite and N-FIXX are effective in minimizing ammonia volatilization loss STAY-N, N-STAY, N-ZONE are not effective in minimizing ammonia volatilization loss Nitrification potential is high and occurs rapidly on high pH soils. A polymer coated product can aide in minimizing loss through denitrification. Nitrogen Soil Test for Rice (N-ST*R) was demonstrated on a farmer field. Equal yields were achieved with 20% less N fertilizer and lodging was drastically reduced. Greenseeker technology has been evaluated and algorithms developed for use in rice. This tool can be used to estimate in-season N fertilizer need for rice. Growers utilized research generated in previous years which directed them to reduce nitrogen rates by 25% for a new variety called CL151. This resulted in equal yields and less lodging and in many ways saved a variety that otherwise would have been reduced to a minimum. Planting date studies revealed that many popular varieties can be replaced with other available varieties when rice is planted in the months of May and June and have greater yield return compared to those more popular varieties planted in March and April. Grain yield is more stable and is greater when varieties are planted in late March and Early April rather than waiting later in April, May or June to plant. Change in Action - we have fine-tuned a laboratory method to screen fertilizer additives that claim to minimize loss from ammonia volatilization. This method allows us to screen many more products, get reliable results, for 20% of the cost of field trials.

    Publications

    • Fitts, P.W., T.W. Walker, L.J. Krutz, and J.J. Varco. 2011. Abstracts of the Southern Branch of the American Society of Agronomy Annual Meeting. 7-8 February. Corpus Christi, TX. volunteered
    • Walker, T.W. 2011. Lodging mitigation for CL151: Nitrogen management and seeding rate. National Conservation Systems for Rice and Cotton. Baton Rouge, LA. invited.
    • Walker, T.W. 2011. Methods to improve nitrogen use efficiency in rice. National Conservation Systems for Rice and Cotton. Baton Rouge, LA. invited.
    • Tubana, B, D. Harrell, T.Walker, J. Teboh, J. Lofton, Y. Kanke, and S. Phillips. 2011. Relationships of spectral vegetation indices with rice biomass and grain yield at different sensor view angles. Agron. J. 103:1405-1413.
    • Harrell, D.L., T.W. Walker, M.E. Salassi, J.A. Bond, and P.D. Gerard. 2011. Modeling rice grain yield response to nitrogen fertilization for delayed-flood production. J. Plant Nutr. 34:2158-2171.
    • Harrell, D.L., B.S. Tubana, T.W. Walker, and S.B. Phillips. 2011. Estimating rice grain yield potential using normalized difference vegetation index. Agron. J. 103:1717-1723.
    • Tubana, B.S., D. Harrell, T. Walker, S. Phillips. 2011. Midseason nitrogen fertilization rate decision tool for rice using remote sensing technology. Better Crops. 95(1):22-24.
    • Franzen, D., R.J. Goos, R.J. Norman, T.W. Walker, T.L. Roberts, N.A. Slaton, G. Endres, R. Ashley, J. Staricka, and J. Lukach. 2011. Field and laboratory studies comparing Nutrisphere-N urea with urea in North Dakota, Arkansas and Mississippi. Journal of Plant Nutrition. 34:8, 1198-1222.
    • Thesis - Dillon, K.A. 2011. Influence of agronomic practices in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) production in midsouthern USA. Masters Thesis. Mississippi State University.
    • Abstracts Dillon, K.A., T.W. Walker, C.H. Koger, J.J. Varco, and M.S. Cox. 2011. Influence of nitrogen source on ammonia volatilization loss in delayed-flood rice. Abstracts of the Southern Branch of the American Society of Agronomy Annual Meeting. 7-8 February. Corpus Christi, TX.volunteered
    • Dillon, K.A., C.H. Koger, T.W. Walker, J.J. Varco, and M.S. Cox. 2011. Influence of maturity group, row pattern, and seeding rate on soybean grown on silt loam soils. Abstracts of the Souther Branch of the American Society of Agronomy Southern Branch Meeting. 7-8 February. Corpus Christi, TX. volunteered