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Submitted to: Progressive Forage Grower
Publication Type: Trade Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 8/18/2017 Publication Date: 12/20/2017 Citation: Franzluebbers, A.J. 2017. Use the nitrogen on your farm – then fertilize if needed!. Progressive Forage Grower. 9 (Oct 2017):18-20. Interpretive Summary: Nitrogen is often the most limiting nutrient in agricultural systems. Fertilizer nitrogen gives potentially high return to farmers through greatly enhanced yield. However, if soil is nurtured with management to accumulate soil organic matter and develop highly functional nutrient cycling, then the need for fertilizer nitrogen can be greatly reduced. Soil testing does not currently account for these changes in soil health, leading to potential over-application of nitrogen and deterioration of water quality. An ARS scientist in the Plant Science Research Unit in Raleigh NC discussed some of the preliminary research findings of a research project aimed at improving economic return from fertilizer application to stockpiled tall fescue in the Mid-Atlantic region. Technical Abstract: Nitrogen is often the most limiting nutrient in agricultural systems. Fertilizer nitrogen gives potentially high return to farmers through greatly enhanced yield. However, if soil is nurtured with management to accumulate soil organic matter and develop highly functional nutrient cycling, then the need for fertilizer nitrogen can be greatly reduced. Soil testing does not currently account for these changes in soil health, leading to potential over-application of nitrogen and deterioration of water quality. An ARS scientist in the Plant Science Research Unit in Raleigh NC discussed some of the preliminary research findings of a research project aimed at improving economic return from fertilizer application to stockpiled tall fescue in the Mid-Atlantic region. |
