Minimizing Nitrogen Loss And Maximizing Corn Yield With UAN

Presented by: Cullen Minter, Territory Business Manager, Koch Agronomic Services
Presented by:  Matt Fryer, Agronomist, Koch Agronomic Services

Nitrogen (N) loss in agricultural systems is inevitable, but with proper knowledge and technology, N loss and environmental detriment can be minimized while maximizing economic return. The potential to lose over 30% of the applied N in urea ammonium nitrate via ammonia volatilization is present if proper application methods and proven urease inhibitors are not utilized. Appreciable N loss potential via leaching is also present if proven nitrification inhibitors are not utilized. Proven technology is available to provide the most economic and environmental value to the farmer and retailer.

Sulfur Fertilization In Mississippi Corn

Presented by: Dr. Corey Bryant, Agronomist, Mississippi State University

Since the adoption of the Clean Air Act have reduced the amount of atmospheric sulfur deposition. This reduction has led to increased incidence of sulfur deficiency in corn, especially on sandier textured soils. In response to this we have established a study to determine the proper rate, source, and timing for corn sulfur fertilization in the Mississippi Delta. Sulfur rates evaluated included 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 lbs S per acre. Sources included no sulfur fertilizer, ammonium sulfate, MAP+MST, ammonium thiosulfate, and elemental sulfur. Timings included at planting, V4, V8, and tassel growth stages.

Using In-Season Tissue Tests To Help Manage Nutrients In Corn

Presented by: Dr. Trenton L. Roberts, Professor and Soil Fertility Extension, University of Arkansas

The number of acres dedicated to corn (Zea mays L.) in the south has been increasing for almost a decade presenting an opportunity for farmers to diversify their production systems. Nitrogen fertilizer and fertilization in general can represent the single largest input cost for corn production in the Mid-south. Newly developed in-season tissue tests can aid producers in nitrogen management to ensure that profitability and yield are not compromised.

Healthy Soil Results In Reduction In Chemical Nitrogen Fertilizer Inputs In Corn Production

Presented by: Dr. Steve Green, Professor of Soil & Water Conservation, Arkansas State University

Fertilizer nitrogen application is a substantial cost in corn production. Opportunities to reduce nitrogen fertilizer application rate will provide greater profitability and reduce excess nitrogen in soils. An on-farm study was conducted at 3 locations in the Arkansas delta region to assess nitrogen fertilizer requirements on fields with a history of minimum tillage combined with winter cover crops. This presentation will discuss the corn yield findings of this study that included seven site years and demonstrated that conservation managed fields don’t require as much chemical nitrogen fertilizer as is recommended on conventionally managed fields.

Healthy Soil Results In Increased Nutrient Availability

Presented by: Adam Chappell, Arkansas Farmer, Chappell Brothers Farms LLC

Fertilizer inputs are a substantial cost in crop production. Opportunities to reduce fertilizer inputs can provide greater profitability for producers and reduce potential nutrient runoff without reducing yield. The key to being able to reduce nutrient fertilizer inputs is having greater nutrient availability in the soil from better soil health and an active microbial population. Soil microorganisms cycle nutrients and are able to release nutrients from otherwise inaccessible forms. On-farm studies in Arkansas have shown that increased nutrient availability can result from improved soil biological activity and enhanced soil structure. This presentation will discuss 10years of observations in row crop systems showing reduced nutrient input requirements.

Practical Use Of Cover Crops In High Yielding Corn Systems

Presented by: Dr. Erick Larson, Professor & Extension Corn Agronomist, Mississippi State University Extension Service

Cover cropping is hot topic primarily driven by the goal of improving soil health and water quality. However, grower adoption of cover crops remains rather limited. Despite their conservation benefits, cover crops can challenge the dynamics with the subsequent cropping system, especially for corn. This is because corn is normally planted early in the spring and is very sensitive to stand issues. Consequently, cover crop growth coincides with key corn planting time, which is already limited in our high rainfall climate. Thus, we are investigating methods to successfully integrate cover crops into Midsouth corn systems without increasing production risk or sacrificing economic return. Our research has identified cultural practices and cover crop species which can reduce complications or interference with corn production systems.

Computerized Hole Selection And Implementation

Presented by: Will Hart, Mississippi Farmer

With irrigation, one trick for saving time and money is utilizing computerized hole selection. Hart has implemented and operated such a system for eight years and has been very pleased with the results. He will explain the initial application procedure, overall benefits, and provide a brief cost analysis. Hart attended Mississippi State University where he studied Agricultural Engineering and Technology Business. A lifelong farmer, he works for his grandfather, Terry Maxwell, on Hope So Farms Inc. which includes 3,000 acres, with one-third dedicated to corn and the additional two-thirds to soybean production.

Performance of Bt Corn Against Corn Earworm In Louisiana

Presented by: Dr. James Villegas, Assistant Professor-Field Crops Entomology, LSU AgCenter

Corn hybrids expressing pyramided Bt proteins were evaluated against corn earworms in field trials conducted in Central and Northeast Louisiana. Although non-Bt and 2nd generation Bt hybrids experienced higher ear and kernel injury than Vip hybrids, yields were generally unaffected. Corn earworms were collected for use in bioassays against commonly utilized Bt traits in corn and cotton. The implication of widespread adoption of Vip corn hybrids on corn earworm management in cotton will be discussed.

A Crop Consultant’s View On Corn Inserts

Presented by: Harold Lambert, Louisiana Consultant, Lambert Agricultural Consulting Inc.

Lambert will focus on insect pests commonly encountered in corn production in south-central Louisiana, and their detection and management. The gradual change in pest status of several insects will also be discussed. Lambert has been consulting for 41 years, presently helping farmers fight problems on about 20,000 acres. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and a master’s in entomology, both from LSU.