Strip Tillage Fall Nitrogen Application

We designed this study to demonstrate differences in nitrogen rates and yields under different application times of the same nitrogen product, in an area where the producer planted corn for two consecutive growing seasons.

• demonstrate strip till application of anhydrous ammonia, a  proven conservation practice

• demonstrate how the farmer can conduct his own on-farm NUE  using field-scale equipment with minimal disruption of his normal field operations

• show how RTK guidance and variable-rate application equipment can improve nitrogen application efficiency

• show how RTK yield monitoring  equipment works at harvest time

• show how the farmer and his advisers can collect data and make management decisions during the winter months.

 

John Traub prepares to apply anhydrous ammonia.

 

We created a fertilizer application map for the whole field (below). Marked areas indicate replicated plot locations and their assigned application rate.

 

The farmer applied anhydrous ammonia fertilizer in the fall, in a strip-tilled area. He harvested the plots with his yield-monitor-equipped combine.

We analyzed his yield data along with fertilizer rate and other data including field observations and soil and plant analysis.

 

 

We used the Crop Nutrient Response Tool* to determine the maximum economic rate of nitrogen, 212 pounds per acre.

Take Home Lessons

 

• Spring application afforded the highest yields

• Spring application revealed most efficient nitrogen use

• Fall application displayed lower economic return on nitrogen, due to nitrogen losses

• Fall timing had lowest yield

• Split timing was better than fall but not as good as spring application

 

We encourage other farmers in the watershed to adopt this approach to collecting  information critical to making fully informed nitrogen management decisions.