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Optimum nitrogen fertilizer management strategies for modern corn hybrids in Manitoba

Crop Types
  • Corn
Collaborating Locations

Background

This study looks at the four "R's" of "4R Nutrient Stewardship" framework for nitrogen fertilization of modern corn hybrids in Manitoba. Right rate, right source, right place, right time. The objectives were to determine appropriate rates for N fertilization based on soil levels and yield goals, determine the most effective and efficient combinations of N fertilization timing, placement and source, Evaluate innovative pre-plant soil tests for measuring the amount of organic soil N that can be released by mineralization during the growing season. Develop decision tools like pre-sidedress and post harvest soil nitrate testing, plus late season leaf colour ratings and stalk nitrate testing for evaluating nitrogen sufficiency at various stages throughout and after the growing season.

Objectives

  1. Determine appropriate rates for N fertilization, based on pre-plant soil test reserves of nitrate-N and a realistic range of yield goals for modern corn hybrids.
  2. Determine the most effective and efficient combinations of N fertilization timing, placement and source, especially for supplemental applications during the growing season.
  3. Evaluate some innovative pre-plant soil tests for measuring the amount of organic soil N that can be released by mineralization during the growing season.
  4. Develop decision tools such as pre-sidedress and post-harvest soil nitrate testing, plus late season leaf colour ratings and stalk nitrate testing for evaluating nitrogen sufficiency at stages throughout the season.

Results

Past results are also available, including work with John Heard, Crop Nutrition Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture and Curtis Cavers, Research Agronomist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada out of Portage la Prairie. Click on the links if you missed their talk at CropConnect 2018 – (CropConnect Talk on Corn N) or if you want another look at the Research Results Poster that John put together (Nitrogen for Manitoba Corn: Rates and Splits).

Key Takeaways

  • There are pros and cons to each method of determining the optimum rate of N, but for typical yields of corn in Manitoba, which are approximately 140 bushels/acre, a total N supply (soil test N plus applied N) of 1.1 to 1.3 lb N per bushel of target yield appears to be appropriate.

Project Details

Principal Investigator
Don Flaten and John Heard
Project Status
Completed
Start Date
2016
Completion Date
2020
Funding Partners
 N/A
Total Project Cost
210137
MCA Funding
210137

Field Issues

  • Soil

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