This proposal is intended to test the nutrient analysis of hog manure in order to adjust application rate on a load-by-load basis with a goal of applying the manure using a variable rate prescription. Building on the information learned through nitrogen management trials in 2017, this project will focus on improving the precision of application rates of injected liquid hog manure to minimize risk of nitrogen losses.
Research Category: 2018
Eliminating Soil Erosion Using a Three Crop Rotation and Extensive Cover Crops
The objective of this project is to develop a crop rotation that significantly reduces nitrate loss and soil erosion compared to the traditional corn-soybean rotation while maintaining profitability in Southeastern Minnesota. A proven method to decrease soil erosion and nitrate loss is through the use of cover crops.
In-season Potassium and Nitrogen Applications Based on Crop Demand Curve, Soil and Tissue Sampling
As an essential nutrient potassium (K) plays a critical role in corn plant development and chemical processes. As a result of the number of roles it plays in the plant, potassium uptake and utilization often interacts with the availability and uptake of other nutrients.
Economic and Agronomic Study of Various VRN Programs
The purpose of this project is to evaluate some of the Variable Rate Nitrogen programs against a check to see if they can reduce the amount of N per bushel of corn produced and to see if there is enough economic return to pay for the program.
Evaluating Optimum Inter-seeding Dates for Soil Health and Weed Control
The goal of this project is to evaluate the optimal time to inter-seed cover crops while simultaneously applying nitrogen. While this practice has become more popular, very little field-scale research has been conducted to determine how early we can inter-seed cover crops to maximize their benefit while still maintaining yield.