Increase In Corn Yield Research Articles

Analysis of the beneficial effects of prior soybean cultivation to the field on corn yield and soil nitrogen content.

Corn-soybean rotation is a cropping pattern to optimize crop structure and improve resource use efficiency, and nitrogen (N) fertilizer application is an indispensable tool to increase corn yields. However, the effects of N fertilizer application levels on corn yield and soil N storage under corn-soybean rotation have not been systematically studied. The experimental located in the central part of the Songnen Plain, a split-zone experimental design was used with two planting patterns of continuous corn (CC) and corn-soybean rotations (RC) in the main zone and three N application rates of 0, 180, and 360 kg hm-2 of urea in the secondary zone. The research has shown that RC treatments can enhance plant growth and increase corn yield by 4.76% to 79.92% compared to CC treatments. The amount of N fertilizer applied has a negative correlation with yield increase range, and N application above 180 kg hm-2 has a significantly lower effect on corn yield increase. Therefore, a reduction in N fertilizer application may be appropriate. RC increased soil N storage by improving soil N-transforming enzyme activity, improving soil N content and the proportion of soil organic N fractions. Additionally, it can improve plant N use efficiency by 1.4%-5.6%. Soybeans grown in corn-soybean rotations systems have the potential to replace more than 180 kg hm-2 of urea application. Corn-soybean rotation with low N inputs is an efficient and sustainable agricultural strategy.

Modified Composite Biodegradable Mulch for Crop Growth and Sustainable Agriculture.

Using biodegradable films as a substitute for conventional polyolefin films has emerged as a crucial technology to combat agricultural white pollution. To address the shortcomings in the tensile strength, water vapor barrier properties, and degradation period of PBAT-based biodegradable films, this investigation aimed to create a composite film that could improve the diverse properties of PBAT films. To achieve this, a PBAT/PLA-PPC-PTLA ternary blend system was introduced in the study. The system effectively fused PBAT with PLA and PPC, as evidenced by electron microscopy tests showing no apparent defects on the surface and cross-section of the blended film. The developed ternary blend system resulted in a 58.62% improvement in tensile strength, a 70.33% enhancement in water vapor barrier properties, and a 30-day extension of the functional period compared to pure PBAT biodegradable films. Field experiments on corn crops demonstrated that the modified biodegradable film is more suitable for agricultural production, as it improved thermal insulation and moisture retention, leading to a 5.45% increase in corn yield, approaching the yield of traditional polyolefin films.

Historic corn yield, production, and economic value trends in Kansas

AbstractWorld corn (Zea mays L.) production has tripled since the 1960s. However, without new breakthrough innovations the trend is expected to plateau or decrease in the future. The objective of this study was to quantify Kansas corn production, economic value, productivity, annual production variation, yield gap trends, and in due course, identify future areas for research. Corn variety performance tests and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) data were used for this study. Results showed that the area planted to corn in Kansas increased from 0.5 million in 1880s to over 2 million ha by 2022, with an increase of 0.05 million ha year−1 between 1984 and 2022. The value of corn produced in Kansas also increased significantly from below $1 billion annually prior to 1990s to the current value of approximately $3–$4 billion. The average corn yield gain from 1972 to 2000 was 132 kg ha−1 year−1, which declined to 12 kg ha−1 year−1 during 2000 to the early 2020s. Also, a relatively high yield variability occurred from 1970 to the early 2020s compared with earlier years (1866–1970), and a 42%–68% gap between the potential and actual corn yields was identified. We concluded that there is a decrease in the rate of corn yield increase and developing farmer awareness and their adoption of new corn production technology, increasing longevity of the Ogallala Aquifer, and integrated research should be priorities to avert the decreasing trend of corn productivity and further increase corn economic value.

Effect of Class Act NG Adjuvant on Glyphosate Efficacy in Corn

There is little information on the effect of the co-application of glyphosate with Class Act NG adjuvant on weed control efficacy and corn yield under Ontario environmental conditions. This study consisted of 6 field experiments that were conducted in Ontario during 2021 and 2022 to determine if the addition of Class Act NG (2.5% v/v) to glyphosate at 450, 900 and 1350 g ae ha-1 would improve weed control and result in a concomitant increase in corn yield. The co-application of glyphosate with Class Act NG resulted in no visible corn injury at 1 and 4 weeks after herbicide application (WAA). The addition of Class Act NG to glyphosate at 450 g ae ha-1 improved control of common lambsquarters, velvetleaf, Powell amaranth, common ragweed, and barnyardgrass as much as 20, 14, 9, 8, and 7%, respectively but there was no improvement in control of giant foxtail, or green foxtail and there was no increase in corn yield. The addition of Class Act NG to glyphosate at 900 g ae ha-1 improved common lambsquarters control 6 and 5% at 4 and 8 WAA, respectively and improved barnyardgrass control 4% at 4 WAA. The addition of Class Act NG to glyphosate at 1350 g ae ha-1 provided no improvement in control of velvetleaf, Powell amaranth, common ragweed, common lambsquarters, barnyardgrass, giant foxtail, or green foxtail and there was no increase in corn yield. Based on this data the co-application of glyphosate with Class Act NG results in improved control of some annual broadleaf and grass weeds (common lambsquarters, velvetleaf, Powell amaranth, common ragweed and barnyardgrass) when glyphosate is applied at 450 or 900 g ae ha-1; however, when glyphosate is applied at 1350 g ae ha-1 there was no improvement in weed control. The addition of Class Act NG to glyphosate at 450, 900 and 1350 g ae ha-1 did not result in an increase in corn yield.

Soil properties affect crop yield changes under conservation agriculture: A systematic analysis

AbstractConservation agriculture (CA) has the potential to sustain soil productivity and benefit agroecosystems, yet it is not fully understood how yield responses of different cropping systems are affected by inherent soil characteristics, for example, texture and dynamic soil properties, such as aggregation, nutrients and erosion. In this study, we conducted a systematic review to compare crop yield from cropland with conventional management versus different CA practices, specifically reduced‐ or no‐tillage, agroforestry, organic farming and cover crops. The data were first analysed for different climatic regions, soil textures and cash crop types. We then quantified how yield responses correlated with soil properties change under different CA practices. The results showed that CA practices were associated with an overall mean crop yield increase of 12%. This response was primarily driven by corn, which had a mean yield increase of almost 41% after CA implementation, whereas other cash crops did not have significant yield responses or showed slight decreases, as rotation with mixtures of multiple cash crops had a mean decrease of 6% when using CA. The increase in corn yield after CA may be related to the enhanced ability of that crop to absorb nutrient elements (e.g. nitrogen) and reduce nutrient leaching. Agroforestry increased crop yield by 66% and cover cropping increased yield by 11%, likely due to increases in soil water content and nutrient availability and decreases in erosion and surface runoff. However, other agricultural systems showed no significant increase after CA compared with conventional row cropping practices. Using CA practices had the greatest yield benefit in tropical climates and when farming in coarse‐textured soils. In addition, legumes and grass‐legume mixtures resulted in significant cash crop yield increases, possibly because legumes promoted the increase of soil nitrogen and depleted soil moisture less compared with other cover crops. The results provide new insight into how interactions between soil properties and CA practices affect crop yield and at the same time can help guide the development of practical, evidence‐based guidelines for using conservation practices to improve yield in corn and other cash crops.

Spodoptera frugiperda MANAGEMENT IN Zea mays L. USING VINASSE AND CORN-MULBERRY MULCHING

<p class="Newparagraph"><strong>Background: </strong>Soil cover with crop residues is an ancient tradition that is gaining momentum in conservation agriculture´s current trends. <strong>Objective:</strong> The objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of soil mulching with corn-mulberry on <em>Spodoptera frugiperda</em> management in corn <em>Zea mays </em>variety Tuson after imbibition in vinasse. <strong>Methodology:</strong> The first part of the experiment evaluates the effect on germination with seed previously soaked in vinasse in 1:15 ratio under controlled conditions for 30 min. The second part was developed in the Unidad Empresarial de Base “Antonio Maceo” Yara, Granma, Cuba under field conditions, which consisted of two treatments: (T1) corn-mulberry soil mulching 2 t ha<sup>-1</sup> before planting and (T2) control group without cover. The percentage of maize plants were evaluated from 1 to 3 and from 4 to 5 degrees in damage at 30 days, in addition to agricultural yield at 150 days. Both experimental stages were performed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). <strong>Results:</strong> The results showed that germination percentages increased by using 1:15 vinasse, whereas the corn-mulberry soil cover decreased <em>S. frugiperda</em> incidence at the same time and increased agricultural yields. <strong>Implications:</strong> Future studies should find an equilibrium point that guarantees the use of crop residuals as agroecological practices in soil protection and conservation, as well as in animal feed sources in places and season where natural forage is affected. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Soil cover with corn-mulberry mulching from leaf waste before sowing decreases <em>S. frugiperda</em> incidence and corn yield increases. </p>

Corn Yield Increase Under Constant Fertilizer Did Not Reduce Nitrate Export

Highlights Corn yields increased from 1989 to 2021 in Iowa experimental plots at nitrogen fertilizer rates consistently just above current recommendations. Increased corn yields did not result in a decrease in drainage nitrate exports. Findings required long-term (>10 years) experiments and monitoring. Abstract. Aquatic problems from the export of nutrients, especially nitrate, from row crops are recalcitrant in the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin and globally severe. Previous studies have proposed to reduce these problems in part by improving crop yields, particularly corn, leaving less nitrate surplus to export. Simultaneous increases in fertilizer application rates and grain yields in recent decades have made testing this notion with large-scale agricultural statistics difficult. This experiment in Iowa featured a corn-soybean rotation with corn fertilized with nitrogen at a nearly consistent rate from 1989 to 2021. Corn yields increased at a rate not statistically distinguishable from the surrounding county’s (144 vs. 148 kg ha-1 yr-1), but drainage nitrate concentration and loading remained flat overall, oscillating with precipitation. Results suggest that increasing corn yield, and thereby partial factor productivity, with standard shifts in cultivars over time, cannot alone solve the U.S. Corn Belt’s nitrate surplus problem, supporting previous recommendations for active and multi-layered conservation efforts. Five- to ten-year positive and negative sub-trends in nitrate export within the longer dataset reaffirm the importance of truly long-term experiments and monitoring to accurately assess the impacts of management. Keywords: Keywords., Corn, Loading, Nitrate, Water quality, Yield.

Influence of soil cover and herbicide application on weed control and corn yield

Crop management and herbicide rotation have influenced the sustainability of production systems. The cover crops use and pre-and post-emergence herbicides are important tools that help farmers’ strategies and conserve the agricultural system. In this context, the objective of this research was to evaluate the dry matter production of different cover crops before the establishment of corn, the effect on decreasing weed population, and the increase in corn yield. In addition, the influence of pre-and post-emergence herbicides on summer cultivation, observing the behavior concerning weeds, crop injury, and crop yield. The experiment was conducted during the years 2018-2019 in Sertão/RS - Brazil. The experimental arrangement was of randomized blocks with four replications. The treatments used were three different winter cover crops preceding corn cultivation × four preemergence herbicides × four post-emergence herbicides, totaling 192 experimental units. Going through the results, atrazine and atrazine + simazine used in pre-emergence had more influence on weed number reduction, and the post-emergence ammonium glufosinate herbicide promoted the highest weed control in post-emergence. Amicarbazone and glyphosate resulted in the best combination for corn yield using in pre-and post-emergence, respectively. Rye + turnip + vetch as cover crop resulted in higher biomass production, more significant weed number reduction, and increase corn yield.

Long‐term yield response of corn, wheat, and double‐crop soybean to tillage and N placement

AbstractOn claypan soils of the eastern Great Plains, yield of no‐till crops often lags yield of crops grown with tillage, especially cereals requiring sound N management. The objective of this 14‐yr study was to determine the yield response of corn (Zea mays L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and double‐crop soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in a 2‐yr rotation to tillage system and N fertilizer placement. Tillage, N placement, or their interaction affected corn yield in all seven‐corn crop‐years. Corn yields averaged about 25% lower with no‐till than with conventional or reduced tillage and were never greater with no‐till in any year. Nitrogen fertilization increased corn yield by increasing kernels per ear; however, corn yield increase to subsurface band (knife) N applications compared with surface (broadcast or dribble) applications was only about 10%. In the lower‐yielding no‐till system, corn yield increase to knifed N fertilization was greater than in tilled systems and may partially ameliorate the no‐till yield decline. Average wheat yield was unaffected by tillage. Adding N more than doubled wheat yield, but differences in wheat yield between preplant N placements methods were small. Average double‐crop soybean yield was unaffected by tillage with few, inconsistent differences by year. Compared with no‐till, tillage tended to increase soil P and K, but soil organic matter was just redistributed with no net increase with no‐till. Thus, tillage and N placement treatments may affect corn but have lesser effects on wheat and double‐crop soybean and soil properties in this rotation.

Does the Inclusion of Atrazine in S-Metolachlor/Mesotrione/Bicyclopyrone Improve Glyphosate-Resistant Canada Fleabane Control in Corn?

A total of seven field studies were conducted in southwestern Ontario from 2018 to 2020 to evaluate S-metolachlor/mesotrione/bicyclopyrone (Acuron Flexi®) and S-metolachlor/atrazine/mesotrione/bicyclopyrone (Acuron®) for the control of glyphosate-resistant (GR) Canada fleabane in corn. Acuron Flexi® and Acuron® applied preplant (PP) controlled GR Canada fleabane 90-97% and 99-100%, respectively. Commonly used PP herbicides in Ontario, dicamba/atrazine + glyphosate and tolpyralate + atrazine + glyphosate controlled GR Canada fleabane 97-99%. Acuron Flexi® and Acuron® applied postemergence (POST) provided 75-92% and 92-99% control of GR Canada fleabane, respectively. Dicamba/atrazine + glyphosate and tolpyralate + atrazine + glyphosate applied POST provided 84-97% and 94-98% control of GR Canada fleabane, respectively. Glyphosate applied POST at 900 ae ha-1 provided only 35-38% control of Canada fleabane in corn. Orthogonal contrasts indicated that herbicides applied PP provided up to 10% greater control of GR Canada fleabane than POST. There was no significant difference between the low and high rates of Acuron® or Acuron Flexi® in controlling GR Canada fleabane. Acuron® controlled GR Canada fleabane 14, 9 and 7% greater than Acuron Flexi® at 4, 8, and 12 WAA, respectively. GR Canada fleabane interference with corn reduced yield up to 42%. However, there was no difference in corn yield between herbicides treatments evaluated. Orthogonal contrasts indicated that reduced GR Canada fleabane interference with PP herbicides evaluated provided 0.9 t ha-1 greater corn yield than the POST herbicides evaluated. There was no significant difference in corn yield with Acuron® or Acuron Flexi® at the lower rate or higher rates. Additionally, Acuron Flexi® applied PP provided a similar corn yield as when applied POST. Based on these results, the use of Acuron® results in improved GR Canada fleabane control than Acuron Flexi® but this did not result in an increase in corn yield. The study concludes that there is potential for Acuron Flexi® for GR Canada fleabane control in corn especially in areas where atrazine use is restricted, however additional weed control tactics may be required for acceptable control.

EFFICACY OF TRICHODERMA VIRIDE STRAIN WITH HIGH ANTAGONISTIC AND CELLULOLYTIC ACTIVITY

Objective. To study the efficacy of the use of a new strain of Trichoderma viride IMB F-100076 with high antagonistic and cellulolytic activity, in particular its effect on the photosynthetic apparatus and the yield of corn plants. Methods. Study of the effect of T. viride IMB F-100076 on corn94 yield was performed under the conditions of a three-year small-plot field experiment on sodmedium-podzolic soil. The content of chlorophyll a and b in the plants of the experimental variants was determined by spectrophotometry. Methods of mathematical statistics were used in processing the obtained data. Results. Data from a three-year field experiment showed that the application of straw had a negative effect on the yield of corn, which averaged 7.72 t/ha that is 12.3 % less than in the variant without the application of straw (control). Application of the antagonist fungus T. viride IMB F-100076 to the soil simultaneously with straw allowed to obtain an average yield of 9.5 t/ha during three years of study, which is 23 % higher than in the variant with straw. In the control variant (without application of straw and fungal suspension), the yield averaged 8.8 t/ha, which is 14 % higher than in the variant with straw not treated with fungus. It was shown that the content of chlorophylls in corn leaves increases under the influence of T. viride IMB F-100076. For instance, the total content of chlorophyll a and b was 261.04 mg/100 g of leaves, which is 39.0 % higher than in the variant with straw not treatment with a suspension of the fungus, and 15.3 % higher than in the control variant. The obtained results highlight that the treatment of straw with the fungus T. viride IMB F-100076 had a positive effect on the formation of the photosynthetic apparatus of corn plants. Conclusion. Simultaneous application of wheat straw and T. viride IMB F-100076 micromycete, which is characterized by high antagonistic and cellulolytic activity, provides a significant increase in corn yield versus the variant with straw not treated with fungus. The content of chlorophylls a and b in the leaves increases.

EFFICIENCY OF USING RARE OIL FOR BIOLOGIZATION OF FERTILIZATION SYSTEMS OF CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL CULTURES OF ESPC UKRAINIAN SCIENTIFIC-EDUCATIONAL CONSORTIUM

The article presents the results of studying the effectiveness of options for biologizing the fertilization system and related factors of the impact of options for using post-harvest green manure in the technology of growing grain corn on gray forest and chernozem soils. The effectiveness of the use of cruciferous green manure crops, such as white mustard, oil radish and spring rape, has been investigated. Evaluation of the effectiveness of green manure was carried out both by the species factor and by the method of sowing green manure plants, in particular, the usual row and wide-row methods. The features of the influence of late autumn post-harvest green manure on the formation of agrophysical soil properties, such as the duty cycle in its categories and soil density, taking into account the optimization of the air properties of the soil and the restoration of its structure in the technologies of adaptive cultivation of agricultural crops, have been studied. The role of green manure crops in providing herbicide-free control of the level of weed infestation was assessed both from the standpoint of controlling the number of various types of weeds and from the standpoint of regulating their development and prevalence. The formation of segetal vegetation in crops of corn for grain was investigated in the format of determining the effectiveness of the aftereffect of green manure on the formation of the level of weediness in the late phenological phases of growth and development of corn. The features of the formation of leafy mass of green manure were investigated, taking into account the temperature and moisture regime.Based on this, an assessment was made of the adaptability of various types of green manure crops depending on the limiting factors of moisture and low temperatures in the variant of summer-autumn use. Conclusions are made about the expediency of using this criterion of the studied cruciferous crops. The influence of green manure crops on the formation of corn yield for grain is shown, taking into account different types of soils and their fertility potential, as well as taking into account the method of sowing green manure. Increases in corn yield were determined in comparison with unfertilized control and their level was assessed in relation to a possible effective alternative replacement of existing options for fertilizing corn with grain. Conclusions are made about the most productive green manure option based on cruciferous species, and prospects for further research and problematic aspects of the use of cruciferous green manure plants are outlined.

Influence of Treated Wastewater Irrigation on Soil Nutritional-Chemical Attributes Using Soil Quality Index

Dwindling water resources have drawn global attention to the reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) for irrigation. However, the impact of continuous TWW applications on soil quality and the proper quantification and monitoring frameworks have not been well-understood. This study aims to provides an insight into the impact of flood irrigation of urban TWW on soil nutritional-chemical attributes and the potential application of multiple soil quality indices for a corn cropping system. To achieve that goal, we pursued the Total Data Set (TDS) and Minimum Data Set (MDS) approaches, as well as the Integrated Quality Index (IQI) and Nemoro Quality Index (NQI) models. A total of 17 soil nutritional-chemical indicators (0–50 cm depths) were determined for the soils irrigated with TWW (five sites) and well water (one site as control) in West Azerbaijan province in northwestern Iran. Results revealed a significant difference in the majority of soil nutritional-chemical attributes, IQI-TDS, NQI-TDS, IQI-MDS, NQI-MDS, and corn yield between the TWW-irrigated and well-irrigated soils. Irrigation with TWW resulted in a significant increase in the amount of organic matter and cation exchange capacity by 9–17% and 17–26%, respectively, macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) by 22–164%, and the majority of trace metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) by 17–175%, suggesting an improvement in soil nutrients and an increase in productivity. Comparing to the soil in control sites, the TWW irrigation caused a notable increase in the values of IQI-TDS, NQI-TDS, IQI-MDS, and NQI-MDS models ranging 14.6–29.5%, 19.1–25.5%, 21.7–33.3%, and 18.4–23.7%, respectively. This implies that soil quality was ameliorated to a significant extent with TWW irrigation. These improvements resulted in a remarkable increase in corn yield ranging from 12.5% to 28.1%. The regression equations revealed that up to 78%, 47%, 72%, and 36% of the variance in the IQI-TDS, NQI-TDS, IQI-MDS, and NQI-MDS models, respectively, could be captured by corn yield. The results of the regression and correlation analyses showed that the IQI-MDS model was more accurate than the other models in assessing soil quality and predicting crop yield. These findings may be an effective and practical tool for policy making, implementation, and management of soil irrigated with TWW.

The effect of corn straw return on corn production in Northeast China: An integrated regional evaluation with meta-analysis and system dynamics

Northeast China (NEC) is the corn granary of China, with average 38% of corn sowing area, 41% of corn production and over 80% corn commodity rate, which makes a great contribution to China's food security. Straw return is the primary way for disposal after harvesting. However, it is controversial in the effect of corn straw return on corn yield, the optimal amount of corn straw return is still unclear. Furthermore, NEC farmers are unwilling to adopt, so these issues require comprehensive regional evaluation. To begin with, this paper studied effects of corn straw return on corn yield increase with meta-analysis. The results illustrated that corn straw return has positive effect on corn yield increase. Secondly, in order to find optimal proportions, n-fold cross-validation method was implemented, and an inventory of corn straw return on corn yield in NEC was compiled. The optimal scheme of corn straw return is 48% of corn straw could bring 5.83% corn yield increase. Finally, results from system dynamics with Monte Carlo (MC) simulation revealed that such production increase potential (around 6.1 million tons of corn) was being blocked by the unaffordable cost for farmers under ordinary scenario. Interestingly, this paper contrived an extreme scenario that corn straw return could be profitable. The flexible adjustment of subsidy could become the motivation for measurement adaptation. This paper concludes that, corn straw return is a sustainable safeguard that can promote corn production in NEC, thus to China's food security in the long run.

Annual ryegrass control prior to seeding corn with glyphosate plus group 2 herbicides

AbstractControl of fall‐seeded annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) cover crops with spring‐applied herbicides prior to seeding corn (Zea mays L.) has been variable. Improved herbicide options are needed in order to increase the consistency of annual ryegrass termination prior to seeding corn. Four field experiments were conducted over a 2‐yr period (2018, 2019) in Ontario, Canada, to evaluate the control of fall‐seeded annual ryegrass cover crops with various corn herbicides, applied prior to seeding corn in the spring. Based on visual estimates, glyphosate alone controlled annual ryegrass 80% at 6 weeks after application (WAA). Acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor herbicides, foramsulfuron, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, and nicosulfuron/rimsulfuron controlled annual ryegrass 82, 71, 88, and 88%, respectively, at 6 WAA. The tankmix of glyphosate with foramsulfuron, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, or nicosulfuron/rimsulfuron controlled annual ryegrass 94–98% at 6 WAA. Glyphosate reduced annual ryegrass density 73%; in contrast, foramsulfuron, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, and nicosulfuron/rimsulfuron did not reduce annual ryegrass density compared to the weedy control. The tankmix of glyphosate plus an ALS inhibitor herbicide reduced annual ryegrass density 88−94%. Reduced annual ryegrass interference with glyphosate applied alone resulted in an increase in corn yield of 86% compared to the control. Reduced annual ryegrass interference with foramsulfuron, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, and nicosulfuron/rimsulfuron applied alone resulted in an increase in corn yield 61, 61, 93, and 91%, and 98, 105, 95, and 98% when co‐applied with glyphosate, respectively. The tankmix of glyphosate with an ALS inhibitor herbicide resulted in excellent (>90%) annual ryegrass control and increased corn yield.

From Factory to Field: Effects of a Novel Soil Amendment Derived From Cheese Production on Wheat and Corn Production

To meet the nutritional demands of a rapidly growing population in the face of increasing climate variability, innovative tools are needed to rapidly regenerate soil health in agricultural systems. Using food wastes to improve soil health presents a viable opportunity to improve soils and efficiently manage waste. In a previous laboratory study, we found that potassium lactobionate, a byproduct of cheese production, greatly enhanced soil water holding capacity and nutrient availability. To further explore its potential as a soil amendment, we conducted an agronomic trial in winter wheat and corn at the USDA-ARS Central Great Plains Research Station in Akron, Colorado. Lactobionate was applied using different application modes (broadcast and subsurface banding) and rates in the field and soil health indices were measured at two soil depths (0-5 cm, 5-15 cm). Four weeks after the broadcast application, we observed a significant increase in soil moisture and microbial biomass in the 5-15 cm-depth and a decrease in soil nitrate for the wheat trial at both soil depths and across rates (p<0.1). We also saw a non-significant 14% increase in corn yield with subsurface banding of lactobionate but no observed changes in soil health parameters in the corn trial. We found no significant changes in soil pH, total soil carbon and nitrogen, and soil ammonium concentration between treatments for both trials. Our observations suggest the potential for lactobionate to modify soil water content, microbial biomass, nitrate, and yield varied by crop trial, amendment rates, and year. This implies that timing, mode and frequency of application needs to be optimized for maximal effects of lactobionate on soil health. It is also clear that the benefits of soil amendments may vary among years depending on weather and other factors.

Are We Getting Better in Using Nitrogen?: Variations in Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Two Cereal Crops Across the United States

AbstractSpatial variation and temporal trajectory of crop nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) have important implications for nitrogen management and environmental conservation. Previous studies have examined cross‐nation divergences in crop NUE but often overlooked its spatial heterogeneity and cross‐crop differences at subnational scales. We examined the relationship between state‐level NUE and nitrogen fertilizer use for two major fertilizer‐consuming crops, corn and winter wheat, which account for over half of national N fertilizer use in the United States. Since 1970, as N fertilizer use rates have changed, the responses of crop yield and NUE have exhibited large temporal and spatial variations. It is evident that NUE of corn begins to decline when N fertilizer application rate exceeds ~150 kg N ha−1 yr−1, and that yield response of winter wheat slows down with annual N fertilizer input above ~50 kg N ha−1 yr−1. State‐level NUE in both crops has risen in recent decades, which could potentially reduce N loss from agricultural production. Across the United States, some major corn‐producing states demonstrate a shift from an increasing trend of NUE during the period 1970 to 1999 to a decreasing trend after 2000, whereas winter wheat‐producing states present an opposite pattern. Furthermore, this study indicates that annual dynamics of N surplus in corn is closely tied with grain yields, while that in winter wheat significantly correlates with N fertilizer input. A larger proportion of N loss would be anticipated if no further increase in corn yield was obtained or fertilizer use kept rising in winter wheat.

Economics of the Greenseeder Hand Planter

Core Ideas Break‐even corn yield increase for a US$50 Greenseeder hand planter is 1.12%. A US$50 Greenseeder hand planter needs to use 12.19% fewer seeds, and reduces labor man‐days by 38.66%. If used for fertilization, the Greenseeder hand planter could increase corn yields up to 10.82%. The Greenseeder hand planter would pay for itself if used to apply fertilizer alone. Corn (Zea mays L.) yields in developing countries are lower than in developed countries, in part due to planting methods that involve hand dropping of multiple seeds per hill. The Greenseeder hand planter (GHP) was developed to reduce seeding rates and long‐term health risks from using bare hands to drop pesticide‐treated seeds. When used to apply fertilizer, it can prevent loss of N from ammonia volatilization. This research determines economic break‐even levels of seed and labor savings, increases in corn yield, and reduced loss of N through reduced ammonia volatilization. A GHP used to plant 3 ha yr–1 that costs US$50 would need to increase corn yields on average by about 1.12%, use 12.19% fewer seeds, or reduce labor man‐days by 38.66% to equal expected net returns from traditional methods. Using the GHP to apply fertilizer would on average increase corn yields up to 10.82% ha–1 due to reduced N loss from ammonia volatilization and thus fertilization alone could be enough to pay for the planter.

Does Cover Crop Radish Supply Nitrogen to Corn?

Core Ideas Radish as a cover crop does not supply nitrogen to the subsequent corn crop. Radish can result in neutral, negative, and positive effects on corn yield. Radish can have substantial nitrogen uptake in the fall, but effects on spring soil nitrogen are variable. Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) grown as a cover crop can accumulate a significant amount of N when planted by late summer. However, it remains unclear if the N in the radish biomass can supply N to a subsequent corn (Zea mays L.) crop. The objectives of this project were to: (i) measure radish growth and N uptake, (ii) determine the effect of radish growth on plant available N content in soil throughout the subsequent growing season, and (iii) determine the effects of radish on corn yields and response to N fertilizer. This study was conducted across nine site‐years in northeastern and southern Wisconsin, with radish planted mid‐August following winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) harvest. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, split plot design, with cover crop as the whole plot factor and N rate as the split plot factor. Radish N uptake was ranged from 19.7 to 202 kg ha−1 across all site‐years. The effect of radish on in‐season plant available N (PAN) content differed across growing seasons, with radish both increasing and decreasing PAN. The ANOVA and regression analysis showed mostly neutral effects of radish on corn yield, although corn yield increases and decreases following radish occurred. This research supports the use of radish as a trap crop for fall N, as environmentally meaningful yields of N were contained in plant biomass, but also demonstrates that radish has no N fertilizer replacement value to the subsequent crop.

Impact of a New Deep Vertical Lime Placement Practice on Corn and Soybean Production in Conservation Tillage Systems

Agricultural soils utilized for corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) production in the Midwestern U.S. are often managed to have adequate surface soil pH for crop growth, but the presence of acidic subsoils may limit crop production. Subsoil acidity may inhibit root growth, leading to decreased drought tolerance and grain yields. Application of aglime can increase soil pH, improve soil structure, and provide calcium and magnesium to the soil, but surface amendments that often occur in no-till systems rarely affect the subsoil, resulting in potential chemical and physical barriers to root growth. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of surface and a new deep vertical lime placement practice, at three application rates, on corn and soybean plant growth and yields in a conservation tillage system. Field trials were conducted from 2012 to 2016 in Northeast Missouri on a poorly-drained claypan soil with treatments of lime (0, 3.4, and 6.7 Mg ha−1) broadcast on the soil surface or applied as a deep vertical band to a depth of 51 cm. When precipitation was below average, compared to control plots, deep vertical placed lime at 6.7 Mg ha−1 significantly raised corn yields by 1.3 Mg ha−1 four years after treatment. In years with adequate precipitation, no significant increases in corn yield were observed with deep lime placement treatments compared to the control. Lime treatments had a greater effect on corn yield than soybean. Deep vertical placement of lime resulted in no significant increase in soybean yield compared to the controls for all trials. Longer observation time may be needed to fully evaluate the effects of these lime placement treatments.