About this Session

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.