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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lincoln, Nebraska » Agroecosystem Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #262189
Title: Management zone delineation techniques to aid in-season sensor based nitrogen application

Author
item Bereuter, Aaron
item SHANAHAN, JOHN - Pioneer Hi-Bred International
item FERGUSON, RICHARD - University Of Nebraska
item Schlemmer, Michael

Submitted to: North Central Extension Industry Soil Fertility Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/20/2010
Publication Date: 11/17/2010
Citation: Bereuter, A.M., Shanahan, J.F., Ferguson, R.B., Schlemmer, M.R. 2010. Management zone delineation techniques to aid in-season sensor based nitrogen application. In: Proceedings of the North Central Extension-Industry Soil Fertility Conference, November 17-18, 2010, Des Moines, Iowa. p.81-87.

Interpretive Summary: The increased efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer (N) use has been a long-term goal in reduction of nitrate contamination in the state of Nebraska. Preliminary research has shown sensor based in-season application of N has the ability to be economic and environmentally viable. There appears to be an opportunity for increased accuracy of N application through the use of preprocessed georeferenced management zones. In-season sensor based N application relies on the instantaneous crop canopy health to determine N recommendations. Yield potential is not only a factor of crop health but also of soil properties. Using soil electrical conductivity (EC) readings along with landscape attributes allow for a generalized estimation of soil properties and can allow for N recommendations to be based on crop status and with-in field yield potential.

Technical Abstract: The increased efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer (N) use has been a long-term goal in reduction of nitrate contamination in the state of Nebraska. Preliminary research has shown sensor based in-season application of nitrogen has the ability to be economic and environmentally viable. Although benefits have been published there is an opportunity for increased accuracy of N application through the integration of preprocessed georeferenced management zones. In-season sensor based N application relies on the instantaneous crop canopy health to determine recommendation. Yield potential in not only a factor of crop health but also of soil properties. Using soil electrical conductivity (EC) readings along with landscape attributes allow for a generalized estimation of soil properties and can allow for N recommendations to be based on crop status and yield potential.