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Study Highlights Environmental And Seasonal Effects On Maize Hybrids

Study Highlights Environmental And Seasonal Effects On Maize Hybrids

Maize is a staple cereal across Africa that is also consumed globally. Rich in protein, the crop that is a significant source of dietary fiber in human nutrition is also one of the primary ingredients in animal feed production because of its high-energy content and digestibility.

However, for many years, farmers in rural Africa have lacked access to improved farming technologies, clean and pest-resistant seeds, and proper agronomic practices that will help reform the economic value of maize. Cultivated by rural farmers, maize has been identified as one of the crops that can combat global food shortages.

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Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.