Source: OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
AFTER THE FLOOD: IMPACTS ON RHIZOSPHERE BIOLOGY, NUTRIENT CYCLING, AND CORN GROWTH AND YIELD
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
AFRI COMPETITIVE GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1025103
Grant No.
2021-67013-33615
Cumulative Award Amt.
$500,000.00
Proposal No.
2020-04416
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jan 2, 2021
Project End Date
Jan 1, 2026
Grant Year
2021
Program Code
[A1102]- Foundational Knowledge of Agricultural Production Systems
Recipient Organization
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
1680 MADISON AVENUE
WOOSTER,OH 44691
Performing Department
Horticulture and Crop Science
Non Technical Summary
The frequency of flood events has continued to rise in the U.S. Midwest and has resulted in $7.7 billion in damages from 2013-2017 alone. Past research has focused heavily on managing for drought events, but minimal emphasis has been placed on management for flooding events although the magnitude of loss is similar. There is a critical need to understand how adverse weather conditions are impacting soil food webs, nutrient cycling processes, and crop establishment and yield in order to improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce losses. Our overall objectives are to understand how flooding impacts soil ecosystem functionality and diversity and to identify key management practices for use in corn (Zea mays L.) production to minimize the negative effects of flooding. The specific aims of the proposal are to: 1.) determine how different cover crops impact water, nutrient cycling, rhizosphere biology, and crop yield in the event of flooding; 2.) measure the impact of N source (synthetic and biological) and flooding on nutrient use efficiency, yield and rhizosphere biology; and 3.) develop a diagnostic post-flood soil test for post-flood N recommendations. Each objective will be achieved through implementing field research trials replicated in time and space. Specifically, this project will address the Foundational Knowledge of Agricultural Production Systems Program Area Priority by investigating experimentally how nutrient cycling and soil communities are impacted by flooding and management practices. Emphasis will be placed on studying soil biological community structure and activity, plant nutrient uptake and use efficiency, and crop yield and quality.
Animal Health Component
60%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
40%
Applied
60%
Developmental
0%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2031510102030%
1021510101020%
1024099107050%
Knowledge Area
102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 203 - Plant Biological Efficiency and Abiotic Stresses Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
4099 - Microorganisms, general/other; 1510 - Corn;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology; 1010 - Nutrition and metabolism; 1020 - Physiology;
Goals / Objectives
Our long-term research goal is to contribute to the improvement of cropping system resiliency through manipulation of management factors to increase physiological efficiency, crop yield and quality, in addition to soil health. Our overall objectives are to understand how flooding impacts soil ecosystem functionality and diversity and to identify key management practices for use in corn (Zea mays L.) production to minimize the negative effects of flood stress.We plan to achieve the overall objectives through the following specific aims:Specific Aim 1: Determine how different cover crops impact water and nutrient cycling, rhizosphere biology, and crop yield in the event of flooding. We hypothesize species and residue levels will impact the rate of water cycling (e.g., transpiration, soil drying) and nutrient cycling due to varying levels of residue and soil water content. Eight different cover crop treatments will be implemented to investigate this aim.Specific Aim 2: Measure the impact of N source (synthetic and biological) and flooding on corn nutrient use efficiency, yield and rhizosphere biology. We hypothesize nutrient source will dramatically impact rhizosphere characteristics, grain yield, and nutrient use efficiency. Treatments will include a non-fertilized control, multiple synthetic N treatments (with and without chemical stabilizers added), and an organic N source (manure) subjected to two levels of flooding.Specific Aim 3: Develop a diagnostic post-flood soil test to improve nutrient application recommendations. Based on preliminary data, we hypothesize the soil nutrient levels post-flood will correspond to plant uptake and grain yield. Treatments will include three flood treatments and eight N application regimes.
Project Methods
Specific Aim 1: A field trial following wheat will be established at two locations beginning in mid-August/September 2021. The field trial will be repeated in 2022 and 2023.The treatments in each trial will be arranged in a split-plot randomized complete block design, with four replications of each treatment. The whole-plot factor will be flood duration (0 or 4 days), and the sub-plot factor will be cover crop treatment (8 treatments in total). Biomass samples and species composition from 0.25 m2will be collected in the fall for the species to winterkill, and biomass and species samples will be collected prior to flooding in all other treatments in the spring prior to flooding.Soil temperature and moisture sensors will be installed in in each non-cover plot to quantify soil moisture and temperature. Soil moisture readings will be calibrated for each field prior to data analysis. Flooding treatments will be implemented using a combination of elevated plastic tanks (5700 L capacity each, each flooding one or two replications) connected to drip irrigation lines paired with irrigation pump access. Water will be controlled for each line using independent control valves, and will be applied to ensure a constant water head in each whole plot. Beginning in mid-April, flood treatments will be implemented (0-d or 4-d flood). Gravimetric water content will be measured on soil samples (6 cores per plot) to 20-cm depth at flood initiation 48, 72, and 120 hr after flood termination to quantify rate of soil drying. Transpiration ratesfor each species will also be measured at each of these timepoints. In order to assess cover crop and flooding impacts on belowground dynamics within corn production systems a variety of soil health indicators will be quantified. Briefly, microbial respiration, permanganate oxidizable carbon, soil protein, and soil enzymes will be measured at flood initiation, 120 hr after flood termination, and once again at harvest. Nematodes will be measured at flood initiation and 0, 48, 72, and 120 hr after flood termination to examine how food web structure and function changes with flooding and drainage. Bacterial community structure and function will be assessed in the corn phase of the experiment. Aggregate stability will be determined on samples collected at flood initiation and 120 hr after flood termination to gain a better understanding of soil physical structure. Approximately 1 wk after flood treatments end, a second biomass sample will be collected to assess changes to biomass and species composition. Plots will be planted to corn and the remaining cover crops will be terminated chemically.Initial stand counts will be collected three weeks after planting to assess crop establishment. Additionally, plants in a 1-m length of the center two rows in each plot will be staged to assess uniformity of early emergence and development. Regardless of cover crop treatment, plots will receive 200 kg N ha-1 applied 2-3 wks post-planting. At physiological maturity, grain yield and moisture will be measured using a mechanical harvester and grain gauge from the center two rows of each plot. Grain protein will be quantified.Specific Aim 2: A field trial following soybeans will be established at two locations beginning in May 2021. The field trial will be repeated in 2022 - 2024.The treatments in each trial will be arranged in a split-plot randomized complete block design, with four replications of each treatment. The whole-plot factor will be flood duration (0 or 4 days), and the sub-plot factor will be N source treatment (8 N treatments + 1 non-N fertilized control). Corn will be planted and at approximately V4, the whole-plot factor of flooding will be imposed in each replication. The same techniques as described for Specific Aim 1 will be implemented to ensure flooding is achieved within each main plot. Soil samples (8 20-cm depth cores per plot) will be collected on the day of flood initiation and 7 days after flood termination for measurement of soil ammonium + nitrate. To quantify plant N uptake, each plot will have 10 ear-leaf samples collected at the R1 growth stage for analysis. Stands will also be assessed at V10 to determine in-season mortality that may result from flood implementation. Ear-leaf concentration at R1 can be used as an indicator to prevent yield loss from N deficiency. Prior to analysis, samples will be dried, ground, and passed through a no.10 mesh. The same biological, chemical, and physical soil health indicators as described for Specific Aim 1 will be determined at each sampling time point.At physiological maturity, grain from the center two rows of each plot will be harvested mechanically using a plot combine and measured for weight and moisture using a grain gauge. A subsample of grain from each plot will be collected and analyzed for grain protein content using an NIR grain analyzer. Nitrogen use efficiency will be assessed both as grain yield gained per unit N applied, and by using a mass balance approach where NUE is calculated as total crop N per total N fertilizer added. Above and belowground net primary productivity will be measured at crop maturity.A subsample of the aboveground biomass will be collected and dried at 60°C to adjust for moisture content. The material will be passed through a grinder with a no.10 mesh and will be analyzed for C and N content using a CHSN combustion elemental analyzer. Standing root biomass will be measured down to 100 cm using a hydraulic sampler. A root elutriator will be used to wash soil away from roots over a 250 μm sieve. Once washed, roots will be dried at 60oC, weighed and analyzed for C and N content.Specific Aim 3: A field trial following soybeans will be established at two locations beginning in May 2021. The field trial will be repeated in 2022 - 2024.Again, the treatments will be arranged as a split-plot randomized complete block design with the same plot dimensions as described in Specific Aim 2. The whole plot factor in each location will be flood duration, either 0-d (non-flooded control), 3-d flood, or 3-d + 3-d flood applied. Flooding will be implemented at V4 growth stage using the practices described for Specific Aim 1.The subplot variable will be the N management regime of UAN (28-0-0). The first component will consist of a pre-plant N application of either 0 or 110 kg N ha-1. Seven days after flooding ends in each respective treatment, the second component of the regime will be implemented: remedial (or sidedress) application rate. Four rates of 0, 67, 134, and 202 kg N ha-1 will be implemented. To quantify changes in the soil and plants as a result of the flooding x N regime practices, soil samples will be collected at the start of flooding, three days after flooding is terminated, and again 10 days after flooding is terminated.Stands will be assessed at approximately V10 to determine in-season mortality that resulted from flood implementation. Each plot will be sampled for ear-leaf N concentration at the R1 growth stage. To quantify the potential luxury consumption of N, stalk nitrate samples will be collected from each plot 2-3 weeks after R6. Grain yield, harvest moisture, and grain protein content will be quantified as described for Specific Aim 1 and 2. The same biological, chemical, and physical soil health and NUE will be measured.Since fine root production and turnover can provide key insights into N availability, capture, and re-use, in-growth cores will be installed ten days after planting and subsequently extracted at VT, R1, and R6. Cores will be inserted down to a depth of 15 cm. A root elutriator will be used to wash soil away from roots over a 250 μm sieve. Once washed, roots will be dried at 60oC and weighed. Root production will equal the average biomass of the three in-growth cores per plot. Once dried and weighed, all roots will be ground and analyzed for C and N content.

Progress 01/02/24 to 01/01/25

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audience was agricultural producers in the U.S. corn belt region and peer researchers within The Ohio State University. Changes/Problems:None anticipated at this time. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One visiting undergraduate student scholar, one graduate student, and one post-doctoral researcher were trained through participation in these research trials. Students were trained on experimental design, data collection, and equipment use to quantify plant responses to treatments. Graduate student and post-doctoral research were trained on data collation, analysis, and synthesis into peer-reviewed written documents. The graduate student and post-doctoral researcherwere also responsible for in-field supervision of data collection activities and informal mentorship of undergraduate employees. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been presented as components of seminars, professional conference presentations, and newsletter articles. One journal article related to these projects has been submitted for publication, and a second is in preparation for submission. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Our plans are to continue to working on publications, anticipating four papers to be submitted for publication in 2025 related to specific aims 1, 2 and 3.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? A total of one research trialwasimplemented at onelocations in Ohio (Wooster, and Custar OH). Specific Aim 1: These trials were measured in 2024 for spring biomass, flooding was implemented, and corn was planted and harvested. Initial analyses from previous years suggest cover crops did not aid in soil drying in the first week post-flooding, and varied in their influence on corn grain yield. Clover cover crops tended to increase yield marginally, whereas cereal rye reduced corn yield. Results from 2024 will be used to further explain these dynamics. Research data from Specifc Aim 2 was synthesized for submission for publication, and is currently being formatted for submission to the Canadian Journal of Plant Science. A second manuscript using field data was submitted to Science of the Total Environment journal. A greenhouse trial related to this specific aim was analyzed, written, and is currently in review with the Journal of Environmental Quality. In general, nitrogen stabilizers did not necessarily improve yield post-flooding, but the greenhouse trial did see less nitrate in leachate water when used with some stabilizers. We suggest farmers utilize an N stabilizer in the event flooding stress is anticipated. Three paper drafts of the research performed in Specific Aim 3 are currently under development, and intend to be submitted in 2025. All publications will also have their associated datasets submitted to the DRYAD data repository following acceptance. Optimum N responses are similar to non-flooded fields, but timing of N application may need to be adjusted to prevent losses/underutilization. One graduate student dissertation was published, and was embargoed for the short term while publications are forthcoming.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lindsey, A. (2024). Weather extremes and agronomic crop production  how do we manage? Michigan State University Crop Science Seminar Series, October 23, 2024, East Lansing, MI, USA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Naasko, K., E. Zakolski, T.K. Martin, M. Mann, A. Malacrino, N. Wanderson, A. Lindsey, C.D. Sprunger. 2024. After the flood: Indicators of Soil Biological Resilience in Agroecosystems. Soil Ecology Society Biannual Meeting. Grand Rapids, MI.
  • Type: Other Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2024 Citation: Naasko, K.; Tvisha, M.; Zakolski, E.; Mann, M.; Malacrino, A.; Novais, W.; Lindsey, A.; Sprunger, C. (2024). The Impact of Short-Term Flooding on Soil Microbial Communities, Soil Nitrogen, and Agroecosystem Productivity. Science of the Total Environment
  • Type: Other Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2024 Citation: Novais , W.; Sprunger, C.; de V. Gomes, V.; Lindsey, A. (2024). Water temperature in simulated flooding experiments alter corn N uptake and N dynamics. Journal of Environmental Quality
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lindsey*, A.; Thomison, P.; Ortez, O.; Wilson, A.; Carrijo, D.; Roth, G.; Coulter, J.; Quinn, D.; Carter, P.; Licht, M. (2024). Environmental stress and corn management. Proceedings of the 75th Northeastern Corn Improvement Conference, p. 7-10. West Lafayette, IN, USA, Feb. 8-9.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Sprunger, C.D. An integrated approach to assessing soil health for enhanced ecological function. ONeill School of Public and Environmental Affairs Environmental Science Seminar. Indiana University. April 2024. Invited Seminar Speaker.


Progress 01/02/23 to 01/01/24

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audience was agricultural producers in the U.S. corn belt region and peer researchers at participating institutions and beyond. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?We were able to train one undergraduate student andone visiting scholarthrough summer internships and two graduate students through these trials. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?As reported in another section, we have published one newsletter article, presented the work with four professional meeting presentations, and multiple invited presentations. One peer-reviewed review article was published in 2023. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Specific AIm 1: We anticipate the final year of data collection in Custar for Aim 1 2024, involving cover crop biomass/survival assessment, waterlogging implementation, corn planting, establishment assessment, and grain yield. Root cores/soil microbial metrics are also planned for collection in 2024. Years 2021-2023 will be included within a PhD student dissertation (anticipated May 2024). Specific Aims 2 and 3: We anticipate one PhD student graduation and dissertation to be published in May of 2024. Chapters from the dissertation will be condensed and submitted as peer-review publications for the projects from both of these aims. We anticipate two to three articles to be submitted during the next reporting period.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? A total of three research trials were implemented at two locations in Ohio (Wooster and Custar, OH). Specific Aim 1: These trials were measured in 2023 for spring biomass, flooding was implemented, and corn was planted and harvested. A final year of this experimentwas planted in September 2023 in Wooster and Custar locations, but due to volunteer oat presence the Wooster site had to be terminated. Fall biomass was collected in December 2023 in Custar. Data has been analyzed and summarized to date with planned inclusion of a PhD dissertation set for publication in 2024. Specific Aim 2: These trials were planted in May at Wooster and Custar locations. All N treatments were hand-applied at the pre-designated timings at each site. Researchers successfully collected planned measurements in both locations. Fall grain yield from 2023 has yet to be collected in Wooster due to weather and equipment delays, but is anticipated by January 2024. Specific Aim 3: These trials were planted in May at Wooster and Custar locations. All N treatments were hand-applied at the pre-designated timings. All trials were conducted at each location. All planned measurements were collected throughout the season, and grain yield was collected at Custar. Wooster site harvest is anticipated in the coming weeks (see aim 2 for named issues).

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Sprunger*, C.; Lindsey, A.; Lightcap, A. (2023). Above and belowground linkages during extreme moisture excess: Leveraging knowledge from natural ecosystems to better understand implications for row-crop agroecosystems. Journal of Experimental Botany, 7 (9), 2845-2859. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erad045
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Novais* , W.; Sprunger, C.; Lindsey, L.; Khanal, S.; Ortez, O.; Mann, M.; Lindsey, A. (2023). The use of spectral reflectance to detect stress in corn from excess water. 2023 American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America International Annual Meeting. St. Louis, MO, USA. [Oral paper]. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2023am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/148845
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Novais* , W.; Sprunger, C.; Lindsey, L.; Khanal, S.; Ortez, O.; Mann, M.; Lindsey, A. (2023). Winterkill and overwinter cover crops used for flooded areas on subsequent corn crop performance. 2023 American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America International Annual Meeting. St. Louis, MO, USA. [Oral paper]. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2023am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/148812
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Naasko*, K.; Zakolski, E.; Martin, T.; Mann, M.; Malacrino, A.; Lindsey, A.; Sprunger, C. (2023). Soil microbial responses to flooding across the corn growing season. 2023 American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America International Annual Meeting. St. Louis, MO, USA. [Oral paper]. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2023am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/149243
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Novais* ; Lindsey, A. (2023). Assessing various N sources and water excess on corn growth and yield. Proceedings of the 74th Northeastern Corn Improvement Conference, p. 6-7. Wooster, OH, Feb. 23-24.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Lindsey, A.; Blair, A.; Menzel, K.; Schulze Esking, P. USA  Improving climate resilience of arable agriculture [Panel discussion]. Agritechnica. Hanover, Germany. November 17, 2023.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Lindsey, A. (2023). Connecting climate change and crop research  current projects update. State of Ohio Legislative Staffer Update. August 22, 2023, Columbus, OH, USA.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Lindsey, A.; Ortez, O. (2023). What can be done when the weather turns weird? Management considerations for corn. 2023 Indiana Certified Crop Adviser Conference, December 20, 2023, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Londo, A.; Lindsey, A.; Lindsey, L.; Lopez-Nicora, H.; Novais, W. (2023). Smoke from wildfires affecting Ohio agriculture? Or some other stressors? Crop Observation and Recommendation Network Newsletter, vol. 2023-22. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2023-22/smoke-wildfires-affecting-ohio-agriculture-or-some-other


Progress 01/02/22 to 01/01/23

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audience was agricultural producers in the U.S. corn belt region and peer researchers within The Ohio State University. Changes/Problems:Two RC1 forage harvester were added to our equipment fleet for use at Northwest, NorthCentral and Wooster Research Stations. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?We were able to train two undergraduate students through summer internships and one PhD student through these trials. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Multiple presentations at professional conferences, seminar series, and extension events have been made (see Products). A review article has been submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and one Extension newsletter article has been published. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Conducting Research: Specific Aim 1: Winter survivability and flooding is planned for Spring 2023, followed by corn planting after flood termination. All planned metrics are still planned for collection. Specific Aim 2: The same procedure implemented in 2023 to ensure two field sites are planted and all measurements collected. Specfic Aim 3: The same procedure implemented in 2023 to ensure two field sites are planted and all measurements collected. Dissemination: -Student proposal presentation outlining this research is planned to communicate these projects to academic peer audience -One extension talk isplanned focusing on these research trials -Two student presentations at academic conferences are planned to reach academic peers

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? A total of three research trials were each implemented at two locations in Ohio (Wooster, and Custar OH). Specific Aim 1: These trials were measured in 2022 for spring biomass, flooding was implemented, and corn was planted and harvested. A second round was planted in September 2022 in Wooster and Custar locations. Fall biomass was collected in November. Specific Aim 2: These trials were planted in May at Wooster and Custar locations. All N treatments were hand-applied at the pre-designated timings at each site. Researchers successfully collected planned measurements in both locations. Fall grain yield from 2021 was also harvested in Custar in January 2022. Specific Aim 3: These trials were planted in May at Wooster and Custar locations. All N treatments were hand-applied at the pre-designated timings. All trials were conducted at each location.All planned measurements were collected throughout the season, and grain yield was collected at both sites in November.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Novais* , W.; Sprunger, C.; Lindsey, L.; Khanal, S.; Mann, M.; Lindsey, A. (2022). Elucidating how N management practices and excess water conditions affect corn N uptake and grain yield. 52nd North Central Extension-Industry Soil Fertility Conference. [Poster]. https://northcentralfertility.com/proceedings
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Novais* , W.; Sprunger, C.; Lindsey, L.; Khanal, S.; Mann, M.; Lindsey, A. (2022). Assessing various N sources and water excess on corn growth and grain yield. 2022 American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America International Annual Meeting. [Oral paper]. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2022am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/142585
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Novais* , W.; Sprunger, C.; Lindsey, L.; Khanal, S.; Mann, M.; Lindsey, A. (2022). Elucidating how N management practices and excess water conditions affect corn N uptake and grain yield. 2022 American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America International Annual Meeting. [Rapid talk and poster]. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2022am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/142573
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Sprunger, C.D. 2022. Linking soil food web structure and function to soil health in agroecosystems. Special Session: The Microbiome of Soil Health. ASA-CSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings. Baltimore. November 2022. Invited Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Sprunger, C.D. 2022. Enhancing soil health: Opportunities for climate mitigation and adaptation in agroecosystems. North Central Climate Collaborative Webinar Series. Invited Speaker.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Sprunger, C.D. 2022. Advancing soil health assessments for enhanced agronomic performance and ecological function. Pacific Northwest Laboratory. Environmental, Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) Exchange. Invited Speaker.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Sprunger, C.D. 2022. Lessons from the Rhizosphere: Opportunities for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation in Agroecosystems. University of Missouri Interdisciplinary Plant Group Symposium. Invited Speaker.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2022 Citation: Sprunger*, C.; Lindsey, A.; Lightcap, A. (2022). Above and belowground linkages during extreme moisture excess: Leveraging knowledge from natural ecosystems to better understand implications for row-crop agroecosystems. Journal of Experimental Botany [In review].
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: How do flooded field conditions affect corn N management? (1.0 hr) Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference; 80 attendees.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Corn management in the face of flooding (0.5 hr) Ohio Seed Improvement Association Seed School; 25 attendees.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Corn and pennycress research update (0.5 hr) Northwestern Agronomic Field Day; 40 attendees.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Lindsey, A.; Sulc, M.; Lindsey, L.; Ortez, O.; Thomison, P. (2022). Crops under water  crop stage is critical for recovery. Crop Observation and Recommendation Network Newsletter, vol. 2022-18. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2022-18/crops-under-water-%E2%80%93-crop-stage-critical-recovery


Progress 01/02/21 to 01/01/22

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audience was agricultural producers in the U.S. corn belt region and peer researchers within The Ohio State University. Changes/Problems:Flooding for Aim 2 and Aim 3 was not effectively achieved due to failure of the groundwater irrigation pump at the Wooster field site. Efforts were made to induce flooding using large tankers, but volume applied was not sufficient to induce intended flooding. All pumps at the site were repaired and should be operational for the 2022 growing season. While flooding was not achieved effectively, we were able to collect data associated with the N source treatments applied and varied N application practices to establish a baseline yield response function for this research location (which will aid in future comparsions from the site). What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two graduate students were involved with data collection and measurements for the duration of the experiment. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?One video was released on YouTube in September highlighting these research activities to reach farmer target audience. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Conducting Research: Specific Aim 1: Winter survivability and flooding is planned for Spring 2022, followed by corn planting after flood termination. All planned metrics are still planned for collection. Specific Aim 2: The same procedure implemented in 2021 is planned for 2022 to ensure two field sites are planted and all measurements collected. Specfic Aim 3:The same procedure implemented in 2021 is planned for 2022 to ensure two field sites are planted andall measurements collected. Dissemination: -Student proposal presentation outlining this research is planned to communicate these projects to academic peer audience -Two extension talks are planned focusing on these research trials -Two student presentations at academic conferences are planned to reach academic peers

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? A total of three research trials were each implemented at two locations in Ohio (Wooster, and Custar OH). Specific Aim 1: These trials were planted in September in Wooster and Custar locations. Fall biomass was collected in November. Specific Aim 2: These trials were planted in May at Wooster and Custar locations. All N treatments were hand-applied at the pre-designated timings at each site. Researchers successfully collected planned measurements in Custar, aside from final grain yield. We are waiting for soil to freeze to facilitate mechanical harvest within that field. In Wooster, all planned measurements were collected and grain yield was quantified in November. Specific Aim 3: These trials were planted in May at Wooster and Custar locations. All N treatments were hand-applied at the pre-designated timings aside from the repeated flood duration treatments at Wooster due to issues with irrigation pumps. All planned measurements were collected throughout the season, and grain yield was collected at both sites in November.

Publications

  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Hawkins, E.; Hartschuh, J. (Directors). (2021). Flooding impacts to corn and field pennycress as a new crop [Video]. Custar, Ohio: (Ohio State University Agronomic Crops Team, Ohio State University Extension, Columbus, Ohio, United States). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9w5TpXEho8