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agKnowledge Newsletter

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What’s in This Issue

Current News and Updates | 1

Spring Time Nitrogen | 1

Climate Corporation Technology | 2

Planter Adjustments for Corn | 2

ILeVO® Seed Treatment for SDS Protection | 4

Current News and Updates

Spring Time Nitrogen Nitrogen applications planned for the fall of 2014 may not have occurred because of weather or late harvest. Anhydrous ammonia, the most used nitrogen (N) source, should be used with caution this spring if an application and planting must happen within a short time period.

Prior to any N applications, an evaluation should be made to determine the amount of N to apply based on previous crop, manure applications, and residual N. Soil tests and information from online sources such as Climate ProTM can help provide decision making information. Additional information on Climate ProTM can be found on page 3.

When an anhydrous ammonia (NH3) application occurs just prior to planting, caution is required as NH3 can injure plant tissue. Planting should be delayed a minimum of 3 to 5 days after NH3 is applied to reduce the potential for seed and seedling injury. The majority of ammonia is converted to ammonium (NH4+) within 8 to 10 days after application and should not be damaging to seed or seedlings. Anhydrous ammonia, a compressed gas, is 82% nitrogen by weight and must be injected into the soil to minimize loss (Figure 1). However, if soils are too wet or dry, the potential for atmospheric N loss increases because the soil may not seal satisfactorily behind the knives.

To maximize the distance between the NH3 application band and the seed, farmers or applicators with guidance systems should orient applicator knives parallel to future planted rows but offset 15 inches. Those without guidance systems should consider applying NH3 at an

Please contact your local agronomist for more information

Hurry up and wait! With the wet weather and the frost exiting the ground, it seems we have entered that time between when we want to get to the field and when we can get to the field! This is a great time to complete a few things that might save us some time later. Number one, SAFETY. Our chosen profession has a lot of inherent risk. We need to work to minimize that for ourselves and our families. Moving big equipment around the farm and on busy roads is a daunting task. We need to do everything to make it as safe as possible.

Since efficiency means profitability, now is a great time to get to those fields that might need some logistical attention. Field entrances and exits may need a little touching up, checking drainage tile outlets and standpipes for proper function, checking out your fencerows and wooded borders for brush and down trees can also save you critical planting time. Lastly, it has been warm enough in most areas that we have started to see some of our weed seed germinating. So while we are checking out those other issues, a little preliminary field scouting for early weed pressure might help us target some problem areas.

Looking forward to a safe and profitable planting season!

Territory Agronomists

(continued on page 3)

ISSUE 1503

Northern Indiana

Central Indiana

Figure 1. Anhydrous ammonia application.

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Maximizing Yield Potential and Planter Recommendations

Maximizing corn yield potential is dependent on many controllable and non-controllable agronomic factors. Determining the appropriate setting and adjusting for seed drop is one factor that can be controlled. Research through the years has shown that seed size has very little effect on yield potential.1

Worn or broken parts (sprockets, discs, bearings, etc.) and improper adjustments (vacuum settings, tire pressure, etc.) can alter expected seed drop.

Soil condition (no-till, conventional till, different soil types) can impact planter performance.

Field topography (flat vs. hill sides) can influence seed drop.

Setting and Adjusting the Planter

When purchased seed is on hand, the seed tags or bags should be reviewed for planting recommendations. The bag weight and seeds per bag are commonly printed on the tag or bag. If seeds per pound does not appear, divide the total seeds by the weight i.e 80,000 seeds per bag/55.4 pounds = 1470 seeds/pound. The planter manufacturer’s manual should be referenced for their recommended equipment settings and planting speed to obtain the desired planting rate. After planting a short distance, seed spacing should be checked to determine if adjustments are required.

General Planting Equipment Guidelines

Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual before performing any maintenance.

Plateless Planters (Air, Vacuum, and Finger Pickup)

GRAPHITE should be used in finger pickup planters. TALC should be used in vacuum planters.

Additional GRAPHITE/TALC should be used with seed-applied insecticides.

Maximum levels of GRAPHITE/TALC should be used on high applications of seed-applied insecticides.

Air pressure/vacuum should be adjusted and monitored continually for desired planting rate.

The proper drum or disc should be used based on the seeds per pound and seed shape.

Electronic monitors should be utilized to help achieve desired planting rates and detect problems.

Treated seed does not flow as freely as untreated seed. Adjustments should be made to compensate for restricted seed flow to prevent lower than desired seeding rates.

ISSUE 1503

Planter Adjustments for Corn

Source: 1 Elmore, R. and L. Abendroth. 2005. Do corn kernel size and shape matter? Corn Production. Iowa State University. http://www.agronext.iastate.edu Web site verified 03/30/2015

The Climate Corporation aims to help farmers protect and improve their farming operations through the application of unique measurement technologies, data science capabilities and tools. Beginning in March 2015, farmers can experience the value of advanced field-level insights through the upgraded Climate Pro™ service. Upgrades include:

A new mobile experience to help farmers more easily access the tools anywhere, anytime

An increased focus on the tools farmers value most, specifically Nitrogen Advisor and Field Health Advisor

A field-by-field user interface to maximize the value of the service, providing farmers with a comprehensive field-by- field view of their farm with both nitrogen and field health information

Nitrogen Advisor helps farmers track the level of nitrogen in their soil across the entire corn-growing season. Field Health

Advisor provides field-level insights that help farmers make scouting and management decisions.

If you want to experience Climate Pro on some of your acres, including the Nitrogen Advisor for corn today and Field Health Advisor for any crop, contact your Climate Pro dealer, with the online locator, or call Climate’s support line at 1-855-810-7244 to be connected with a local dealer. To learn more about Climate Pro visit www.climatepro2015.com.

The Climate Corporation Technology

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Spring Time Nitrogen (cont from pg.1) angle to future corn rows to help minimize the potential for seedling injury as the likelihood of placing a number of seeds into the NH3 knife slot is reduced (Figure 2). If soil temperatures are greater than 50° F, a nitrification inhibitor may be beneficial.

When working with and applying NH3, always wear protective clothing and goggles. A water source should be readily available for emergency use to flush eyes.

Other sources of N to consider for late or sidedressed applications include, urea, urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN), ammonium sulfate (AMS), and components of other fertilizer compounds, such as diammonium phosphate (DAP). Sidedressing NH3 can be an excellent way to provide N for healthy growth because of its application near the peak of the N requirement for the crop. If a sidedress application is the only N source, it should occur near the V3 growth stage. However, if it is a supplement to previous N applications, sidedressing can occur through V8 growth stage. Relying completely on sidedress applications comes at the risk of poor environmental conditions—muddy fields can prevent application and if completed, proper slot sealing. Additionally, NH3 escaping from knives at field ends or through poor soil sealing can burn corn leaves.

Urea, a combination of NH3 and carbon dioxide, has an N content of 45% to 46% and is in the form of dry granules. It is typically broadcast and should be incorporated within 2 to 3 days after application with tillage or 1/2 inch of water (rain or irrigation) to minimize N loss from volatilization. When applied, urea rapidly converts to NH3 and then to NH4+. During the conversion process, unincorporated urea is subject to loss due to volatilization, which is promoted by heavy surface residue, warm windy days, and high pH values on the soil surface. Ammonium applied to the soil via urea becomes readily available for microbial conversion to nitrate (NO3

-), which is at risk for leaching or denitrification. Ammonium applied through NH3 requires about 4 to 7 weeks to be converted to NO3

- (soil temperature < 50° F) whereas NH4+ from urea can be converted to NO3- in 7 days.

Spring urea applications are common, particularly when top dressing wheat. Applications over-the-top of a growing crop can be done; however, risks include non-uniform application, equipment traffic on existing crop, and difficulty with incorporation.

Urea-Ammonium Nitrate (UAN), created by dissolving urea and ammonium nitrate in water, is 28% to 32% N by weight. UAN solutions contain 50% urea, 25% ammonium, and 25% nitrate; therefore, losses commonly associated with each N form apply with UAN solutions. Fall

applications are not feasible due to potential N loss through volatilization and leaching. Spring applications, either by broadcast or injection, are common and many preemergence herbicides are applied with UAN as the carrier. UAN can be applied sidedress through injection or dribbling. Injection or incorporation through tillage or rainfall is critical to help minimize N loss, regardless of application timing.

Ammonium sulfate (AMS) can occur in two forms. Conventional AMS is a dry product containing 21% N by weight that is a fit for farmers who are looking for supplemental sulfur or are desiring to reduce the pH in alkaline fields. It is generally applied in early spring or preplant. Post applications are not common due to application difficulties and potential crop injury.

A manufacturing byproduct, which is typically a liquid and only about 6% N, is also referred to as AMS. The byproduct is most often applied in the winter or early spring to minimize compaction and facilitate the volume requirements. Applying a product that is only 6% N requires a large number of gallons to reach the desired N rate.

Other sources of N can include the N component of fertilizers such as DAP, and the N credit from legume crops and manure.

The bottom line is to make sure the crop has adequate N when trying to maximize yield potential. Benefits and risks of different N application timings and sources should be considered.

ISSUE 1503

Sources: Dorn, T. Nitrogen sources. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. 288-01. Sawyer, J. and Creswell, J. 2002. Nitrogen applications. Iowa State University Extension. NMEP7. Hoeft, R.G., Nafziger, E., Johnson, R.R., and Aldrich, S.R. 2000. Modern Corn and Soybean Production. MCSP Publications. Erickson, B., Miller, A., and Dobbins, C. 2009. Producing the 2010 crop: Input cost projections & analysis. The Top Farmer Crop Workshop Newsletter. Purdue University. www.agecon.purdue.edu/topfarmer/update.asp Smith, D. 2010. Understanding nitrogen. AG WEB. Farm Journal. www.agweb.com. Web sites verified 3/24/15. 150305131616

Figure 2. Failed emergence from an anhydrous ammonia application within two days of planting..

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ILeVO® seed treatment is a new product that protects soybean root systems against the fungus that causes Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) (Figure 10). When combined with Poncho®/VOTiVO®, the two products provide control of nematodes, insects, and the SDS fungus.

The causal agent of SDS is Fusarium virguliforme, a soil-borne pathogen. Initial infections can occur on the roots and crowns of seedling soybean plants. First noticeable SDS symptoms usually appear at R2 growth stage when foliar necrosis and chlorosis occurs.

Soybean growers with a history of SDS in their fields are encouraged to try introductory amounts of ILeVO® treated seed. Management of SDS should include an integrated approach of Poncho®/VOTiVO® + ILeVO®, resistant products, and cultural practices, such as reducing compaction. 150330213419

ILeVO® Seed Treatment for SDS Protection

Individual results may vary, and performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Asgrow and the A Design®, Asgrow®, DEKALB and Design® and DEKALB® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. The Climate Corporation®, Climate Basic™, and Climate Pro™ are trademarks of The Climate Corporation. Leaf Design® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Company. ILeVO®, Poncho® and VOTiVO® are registered trademarks of Bayer. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2015 Monsanto Company.150330203332 03302015KY Figure 3. Sudden Death Syndrome