Keeping Nutrients In The Field And Out Of The Water

Oct 05, 2015

By Marilyn Thelen, Michigan State University Extension

Phosphorus, a macronutrient essential for plant growth, is also a contributor to water quality concerns.

Don’t guess, soil test!

The best way to know the fertility level of a field is to soil test. As soil test phosphorus increases, the dissolved phosphorus in runoff increases. This form of phosphorus is readily available as a food for algae and other aquatic weeds in lakes and streams. Optimal soil test phosphorus for field crops is about 25-35 ppm. Take a look at your soil test reports to see how your fields compare.

Soil tests should be taken a minimum of every three to four years. However, if you are just starting a soil testing program, sample every one to two years to get an idea on how nutrients change in your system.

Apply nutrients based on soil test results and crop needs

The soil test is the producer’s road map to nutrient management. Reports from the Michigan State University Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory include MSU fertilizer recommendations. However, if your soil test was from another lab and you would like to convert to MSU recommendations, simply enter the lab results into the MSU Fertilizer Recommendation Program. This program can also be used to get fertilizer recommendations when a crop has changed. Questions on interpreting soil tests can be directed to Michigan State University Extension field crop senior educator George Silva at silva@anr.msu.edu or 517-543- 4467. Additional information on MSU soil fertility research is available at the MSU Soil Fertility Research website.

Keep nutrients in the rootzone

Getting the right amount of fertilizer on the field is the first step. The next is keeping it there. Fertilizer that has escaped from the rootzone will not benefit the crop or the producers bottom-line. When manure is applied, injecting the manure or incorporating it within 48 hours will protect nitrogen and phosphorus. Fall applied dry fertilizers should also be incorporated. Soils with macrospores or large cracks can lose nutrients to the tile lines. This is a concern with no-till fields and liquid manure that has the consistency of water. Breaking up the soil macrospores prior to application can decrease nutrient movement to the tile lines. Banding commercial fertilizers instead of broadcasting can also decrease risk of nutrient loss.

Fall is a great time to soil test. Take a look at the fertility levels of fields, determine the optimal rate for the 2016 crop and examine the nutrient management options to identify any practices that can be adopted to keep the nutrients in the field and available to the crop.

Soil sampling summary

Sample uniform areas within the field that are 10 acres or less:
- Soil types, topography, management history.

Collect 20 cores from sample area at the appropriate depth using a zigzag pattern.
- Tilled systems, sample at tillage depth.
- Long-term, no-till, 6-7 inches and another sample at 2 inches for determining pH.
- Pastures with no tillage, 4 inches.

Thoroughly mix the soil cores in plastic bucket.
Fill a soil sample box with composite sample (about 1 cup).
Complete the MSU Soil Test Information Sheet.
Send samples to MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Lab, 1066 Bogue St. Room A81, East Lansing, MI 48824-1325
For more information visit the MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory website.

Source: msu.edu

Video: The FCDC and AgSmart Bring Plant Breeding to a Wider Audience

In the vast prairies of Alberta, Olds College’s Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC) stands as a beacon of innovation and research in the agricultural world. The institution has become a key player in advancing agricultural technologies and practices. The FCDC’s commitment to applied research has driven them to seek effective means of disseminating their findings and creating a positive impact on the farming community.

One such avenue that aligns with their mission is AgSmart, an event dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge agricultural technologies. The coming together of the FCDC’s annual Field Day and Ag Smart has proved to be a natural fit, fostering a synergy that benefits both parties and propels the agriculture industry forward. The FCDC Field Day took part in conjunction with AgSmart for the first time this week on Aug. 1-2 in Olds, Alta. FCDC Program Director Kofi Agblor and Olds College VP of Development Todd Ormann sat down for an interview with Marc Zienkiewicz to discuss the significance of the two events taking part together and what the future holds.

The Intersection of Research and Technology The essence of the FCDC lies in its dedication to plant breeding and new seed varieties, particularly barley and triticale. While conducting research is essential, it becomes meaningful when its benefits are shared with the wider community. This is where AgSmart steps in, providing a key venue for the FCDC to showcase their research. This union between research and technology creates a holistic and enriching experience for farmers, ranchers, and industry professionals, the pair said.

Seeds as Technology For the FCDC, the partnership with AgSmart goes beyond mere event collaboration. It is about creating an environment that bridges the gap between seeds and smart technology, Ormann said. The college believes that for technology to truly revolutionize agriculture, it must begin with a strong foundation — high-quality seeds. As the saying goes, “it all starts with a seed.” To demonstrate this critical aspect, the collaboration aims to showcase the seed value chain as an integral part of the smartphone.

The Birth of a Powerful Alliance The idea of joining forces emerged when staff realized the potential synergy between AgSmart and the FCDC Field Day. With just a few days separating the two events, a proposal was put forward to merge them. The marketing and communications teams from both sides worked seamlessly to ensure the essence of both events remained intact, creating a powerful alliance that leverages the strengths of each, Agblor said.

Driving Advancements in Breeding For Agblor, the partnership with AgSmart has tremendous potential to drive advancements in breeding and other technology. With technologies like drones and imaging becoming integral to phenotyping, breeding is no longer confined to vast fields to assess thousands of plants manually. Instead, it benefits from the data-rich insights brought about by smart technologies. These advancements make breeding more efficient, precise, and instrumental in shaping the future of agriculture.

Overcoming Challenges Together While the partnership between Olds College and Ag Smart has been a resounding success, there are challenges on the horizon. Securing stable funding for long-term breeding initiatives is crucial to sustain progress. The college is committed to navigating these challenges and investing in agriculture’s future sustainably, Agblor said.