Basics of crop production

Basics of Crop Production

Soil and Plant Soil and Plant FertilityFertility

Soil Quality

• This is the most important factor in This is the most important factor in farm crop production.farm crop production.

• Soils will determine which plant Soils will determine which plant species yields the most, the time of species yields the most, the time of harvest, and ultimately the harvest, and ultimately the investment a landowner must make investment a landowner must make to yield an acceptable economic to yield an acceptable economic return from management.return from management.

Soil Profile

The soil profile shows the layers, known as horizons that represent

the soil.

Horizons formed over the centuries due mostly form weathering.

A lettering system is used to name the different horizons.

Where can you find info on a farm’s soil?

• In the In the County SoilCounty Soil Survey MapSurvey Map..• There are Tables on several land There are Tables on several land

options such as options such as Woodland Woodland Management and ProductivityManagement and Productivity which provides a lot of valuable which provides a lot of valuable information on the potential for soil information on the potential for soil erosion, seedling mortality, species erosion, seedling mortality, species preference, and tree growth.preference, and tree growth.

County Soils Map

There is even a table in the Soil There is even a table in the Soil Survey Map that evaluates sites for Survey Map that evaluates sites for wildlife habitat.wildlife habitat.

Factors Controlling Plant Growth

• LightLight• Mechanical SupportMechanical Support• HeatHeat• AirAir• WaterWater• NutrientsNutrients• All except for light, involves soilAll except for light, involves soil

Major Components of Soil

Air

Water

Organ. Matter

Mineral

50%50%

Soil Terminology

• Soil textureSoil texture - concerns the - concerns the size of mineral size of mineral particles, particles, specifically the specifically the relative relative proportion of various proportion of various size size groups in a given soilgroups in a given soil

• Soil structureSoil structure - the - the arrangement of soil particles arrangement of soil particles

into groups of aggregatesinto groups of aggregates

Soil Texture

• Soil texture is separated into Soil texture is separated into three soil three soil separates based separates based on particle size.on particle size.

1 SandSand2 SiltSilt3 ClayClay

Soil Texture

• Silt, claySilt, clay- imparts a fine texture and - imparts a fine texture and

slow slow water and air water and air movement, also high movement, also high water water holding capacityholding capacity

• Sandy to gravellySandy to gravelly- are referred to as lighter - are referred to as lighter

soils with soils with lower water holding lower water holding capacitycapacity

Soil Texture

• Sandy soils are normally very well Sandy soils are normally very well drained and often lack nutrients drained and often lack nutrients due to constant leaching loss.due to constant leaching loss.

• Mostly clay soils are at the opposite Mostly clay soils are at the opposite end of the soil spectrum. They tend end of the soil spectrum. They tend to allow water to move through to allow water to move through more slowly and will stay wetter more slowly and will stay wetter longer. They will hold nutrients.longer. They will hold nutrients.

Soil Terminology

• Pore spacePore space - is that portion of the - is that portion of the soil occupied soil occupied by air and waterby air and water

- sandy soils have low soil porosity, - sandy soils have low soil porosity, while silt and clay soils have high while silt and clay soils have high

soil porositysoil porosity• Soil compactionSoil compaction- fine textured, wet - fine textured, wet

soils are more soils are more easily compactedeasily compacted

- compaction reduces pore spaces - compaction reduces pore spaces

Soil Terminology

• Soil depthSoil depth

- defined as that depth of soil - defined as that depth of soil material favorable for plant rootmaterial favorable for plant root

penetrationpenetration

- deep, well drained soils are the - deep, well drained soils are the bestbest

Soil TerminologySoil Terminology

• SlopeSlope- land topography largely - land topography largely

determines the amount determines the amount of of drainage, runoff, drainage, runoff, and erosionand erosion

- the steeper - the steeper the land, the more the land, the more management is requiredmanagement is required

Soil Terminology

• Organic matterOrganic matter - it consists of plant - it consists of plant and animal and animal residues in residues in various stages of decayvarious stages of decay

- adequate levels benefit soil by:- adequate levels benefit soil by: 1) improving physical condition1) improving physical condition 2) increasing water infiltration2) increasing water infiltration 3) improving soil tilth3) improving soil tilth 4) decreasing erosion losses4) decreasing erosion losses 5) supplying plant nutrients5) supplying plant nutrients 6) holding cation nutrients6) holding cation nutrients

Soil Terminology

• pHpH - expression of - expression of both acidity and both acidity and alkalinity on a alkalinity on a scale whose values scale whose values run from 0 to run from 0 to 14 with 7 representing 14 with 7 representing neutrality, <7 neutrality, <7 represents acidity, represents acidity, and and >7 >7 represents alkalinityrepresents alkalinity

• pH has a significant impact on the pH has a significant impact on the availability of soil nutrientsavailability of soil nutrients

• pH 6.5pH 6.5 - pH objective - pH objective for most ag cropsfor most ag crops

pH ScalepH Scale

The figure shows the break down of where acidity to alkalinity is on the pH scale. PH 7 is neutral.

pH Effect on Nutrient pH Effect on Nutrient AvailabilityAvailability

This graphic shows how the major plant nutrients change in availability with the increase and decrease of pH.

The wider the black band in this graphic, the more available the nutrient.

This has a direct impact on plant health. For most agricultural crop recommendations, the goal is to have a 6.5 pH. At this pH most of the essential plant nutrients are available.

pH Preferences by pH Preferences by PlantsPlants

This graphic shows the range in pH preferred by plants. This shows that it is important for producers to know the fertility and pH requirements of the plants they plan to grow.

As can be seen from the black bands, most plants prefer a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.

A pH below 5.5 is considered to be very acid and above 7.0 is alkaline.

.

Limiting Factors

• A layer which restricts the A layer which restricts the downward penetration of a downward penetration of a plant’s root system plant’s root system

will reduce growth in direct will reduce growth in direct relation relation

to the depth of the layer.to the depth of the layer.• On rare occasions, a limiting On rare occasions, a limiting

layer may increase site layer may increase site productivity, such as on sandy productivity, such as on sandy soils where the layer may retard soils where the layer may retard leaching of nutrients and leaching of nutrients and increase available moisture.increase available moisture.

Root

Subsoiling

There are farm implements available that can breakup soil hard pans and improve the crop production in otherwise limited soils.

Subsoilers have long shanks that physically dig down to break open the hard soil to form channels where plant roots can penetrate.

16 Essential Elements (part 1)

• PrimaryPrimaryNitrogen (N)Nitrogen (N)

Phosphorus (P)Phosphorus (P)Potassium (K)Potassium (K)

• SecondarySecondarySulfur (S)Sulfur (S)

Magnesium (Mg)Magnesium (Mg)Calcium (Ca)Calcium (Ca)

The primary elements are plant nutrients that are needed and most used by plants for growth. The primary nutrients can be found in commercial complete fertilizers as the fertilizer number reflects these three elements, i.e. 10-6-4.

Secondary elements are the next most needed plant nutrients. Magnesium and calcium are obtained from liming materials. During the Industrial revolution, most of our sulfur came from air pollution (sulfur dioxide).

In recent years, producers have had to routinely include supplemental sulfur to their crop fertility programs as the air around us becomes less contaminated with sulfur.


• Micro-nutrientsMicro-nutrientsIron (Fe)Iron (Fe)

Manganese (Mn)Manganese (Mn)Boron (B)Boron (B)

Chlorine (Cl)Chlorine (Cl)Zinc (Zn)Zinc (Zn)

Copper Copper (Cu)(Cu)Molybdenum (Mo)Molybdenum (Mo)


• The final three (3) essential The final three (3) essential elements to plant growth come elements to plant growth come mostly from air and water.mostly from air and water.

• They are:They are:Carbon (C)Carbon (C)

Hydrogen (H)Hydrogen (H)Oxygen (O)Oxygen (O)

The Primary Elements

• Nitrogen: It gives plants their green Nitrogen: It gives plants their green color, promotes above ground growth, color, promotes above ground growth, and regulates utilization of other and regulates utilization of other elements.elements.

• Phosphorus: It has favorable affect on Phosphorus: It has favorable affect on - cell division- cell division - stem strength - stem strength

- crop maturation - root development - crop maturation - root development - flowering/fruiting - disease resistance- flowering/fruiting - disease resistance

• Potassium (K)Potassium (K)- - It is essential for It is essential for

starch formation starch formation and and translocation of sugars. It is translocation of sugars. It is

also essential to the also essential to the development of development of chlorophyll. K helps plants chlorophyll. K helps plants

to over-winter.to over-winter.

The Primary Elements (con’t)

What is the nutrient What is the nutrient content of commercial content of commercial

fertilizers?fertilizers?• Expressed as a percent called the Expressed as a percent called the

“guaranteed analysis” or fertilizer “guaranteed analysis” or fertilizer grade.grade.

• Nutrient content always appears in Nutrient content always appears in this order:this order:

% total nitrogen% total nitrogen

% available phosphate (P% available phosphate (P22OO55), or ), or phosphoric acid phosphoric acid

% soluble potash (K% soluble potash (K22O)O)

The Fertilizer Number

The fertilizer number refers to a ratio of N-The fertilizer number refers to a ratio of N-P-KP-K

5-10-5 (1-2-1 ratio) has:5-10-5 (1-2-1 ratio) has: 5% N 10% P5% N 10% P22005 5 5% K 5% K220 = 20%0 = 20%

The other 80% of the material is called The other 80% of the material is called the carrier. This is typically some inert the carrier. This is typically some inert material.material.

10 - 6 - 4 (2-1-1 ratio)10 - 6 - 4 (2-1-1 ratio)10 -10 -10 (1-1-1 ratio)10 -10 -10 (1-1-1 ratio)

Ag-Gro-Pro

5-10-15 50 lbs.

This bag contains: 5% nitrogen--10%

phosphate--15% potash or 2.5 lbs. nitrogen

5 lbs. phosphate

7.5 lbs. potash

What does a fertilizer guarantee mean?What does a fertilizer guarantee mean?

Common Fertilizers

• UreaUrea 46 - 0 - 046 - 0 - 0• Ammonium nitrateAmmonium nitrate 34 - 0 - 034 - 0 - 0• UANUAN 30 - 0 - 030 - 0 - 0• Ammonium sulfateAmmonium sulfate 21 - 0 - 021 - 0 - 0• Diammonium phosphateDiammonium phosphate 18 - 46 18 - 46

- 0- 0• Triple superphosphateTriple superphosphate 0 - 46 - 0 0 - 46 - 0• Muriate of potashMuriate of potash 0 - 0 - 60 0 - 0 - 60

Determining Fertilizer Need

Production Goal: Total lb/A N - P - KProduction Goal: Total lb/A N - P - K

soil reservesoil reserve - - N –P - N –P - K crop residueK crop residue - - N N

manuremanure - - N - P - K N - P - K

____________________________

Commercial fertilizer + lb/A N - P - KCommercial fertilizer + lb/A N - P - K

Example: Calculating the Quantity of Commercial Fertilizer Required to meet a Nutrient Recommendation

Jasper Little Farm:Jasper Little Farm:

• needs 60 lbs./A of potash (Kneeds 60 lbs./A of potash (K22O) O) on his soybean cropon his soybean crop

• broadcasts muriate of potash broadcasts muriate of potash (0-0-60) pre-plant(0-0-60) pre-plant

• see Example 4-1, p.18 in see Example 4-1, p.18 in training guidetraining guide

Calculating Quantity of Commercial Fertilizer

1) RECORD recommended quantity 1) RECORD recommended quantity of nutrient (see nutrient of nutrient (see nutrient management plan).management plan).

2) RECORD the percentage of 2) RECORD the percentage of nutrient in the preferred product, nutrient in the preferred product, muriate of potash.muriate of potash.

3) CONVERT the percentage of 3) CONVERT the percentage of nutrient to a decimal fraction by nutrient to a decimal fraction by multiplying the % by .01multiplying the % by .01

60 lbs./A

60%

60 x 0.01 = .60

Calculating the Quantity of Commercial Fertilizer

CALCULATE the quantity of muriate of potash required in lbs./A: divide the recommended quantity of nutrient by the nutrient content expressed as a decimal fraction.

Little needs 100 lbs. of muriate Little needs 100 lbs. of muriate of potash to supply 60 lbs. of of potash to supply 60 lbs. of potash.potash. Done!Done!

60 lbs./A ÷ 0.60 = 100 lbs./A

Determining Production Goal

• Cropping historyCropping history• Soil Survey Map/Soil Capability Soil Survey Map/Soil Capability

ChartChart• Investigate species/variety potentialInvestigate species/variety potential

- other growers- other growers - field days- field days- private and - private and

university trial resultsuniversity trial results• FSA recordsFSA records• ExperimentationExperimentation

MASCAP MARYLAND’S

AGRONOMIC SOIL CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT

PROGRAM

Va. A. Bandel, and E.A. Heger

Agronomy Department Cooperative Extension

Service University of Maryland

September 1994

Determining Yield GoalDetermining Yield Goal

• Take the average yield for typical Take the average yield for typical years that a crop is grown in a years that a crop is grown in a certain field.certain field.

• Estimate yields goal by averaging Estimate yields goal by averaging the yield from the best 3 of 5 the yield from the best 3 of 5 growing seasons.growing seasons.

• When actual yield data is not When actual yield data is not available, estimated yields for the available, estimated yields for the soil type in the field can be found soil type in the field can be found in “MASCAP”.in “MASCAP”.

Soil Reserve

• Soil testSoil test- university lab- university lab- private labs- private labs

• Frequency of testingFrequency of testing- depends on crop and - depends on crop and

managementmanagement• Typical test looks at P, K, Ca, Mg, Typical test looks at P, K, Ca, Mg,

O.M., and pH. Minors are as O.M., and pH. Minors are as needed.needed.

Fig. 1-1: Phosphate Recommendation Fig. 1-1: Phosphate Recommendation (lbs/A)(lbs/A)as a function of soil fertility level (FIV-P)

for corn grain (yield goal-150 bu/A)

110

85

7065

45 4535

3020 20

0

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

10

30

50

70

90

11

0

FIV-P

Low Medium Optimum Excessive

# P205/A

Crop Residue

• Benefits left by a previous crop or cover Benefits left by a previous crop or cover cropcrop

• Previous crops leave little unless it was Previous crops leave little unless it was a leguminous cropa leguminous crop

• Leguminous crops leave nitrogenLeguminous crops leave nitrogen• The amount of N left depends on the The amount of N left depends on the

species of legume and the stand species of legume and the stand density and maturity.density and maturity.

• Cover crops are not harvested and will Cover crops are not harvested and will recover nutrients otherwise lost.recover nutrients otherwise lost.

ManureManure

Analysis is available from the University of Maryland’s Soil Testing Laboratory.

How much of the nitrogen How much of the nitrogen in manure is plant-in manure is plant-

available?available?

It depends on:It depends on:

** the nitrogen the nitrogen contentcontent

* * animal speciesanimal species

* * incorporation incorporation practicespractices

3

9

Ammoniumnitrogen

Organicnitrogen

Figure 2- 3b. Distribution of organic nitrogen Figure 2- 3b. Distribution of organic nitrogen & ammonium nitrogen in dairy manure& ammonium nitrogen in dairy manure

This dairy manure contains 12 pounds of total nitrogen per ton.

Available Organic NitrogenAvailable Organic NitrogenOnly part of the nitrogen in manure becomes plant-available -- through the process of mineralization -- the year it’s applied.

Nitrogen “Credits”Nitrogen “Credits”

• Organic nitrogen in organic sources Organic nitrogen in organic sources continues to break down or continues to break down or mineralize for several years after mineralize for several years after application.application.

• The largest proportion of this organic The largest proportion of this organic nitrogen breaks down and becomes nitrogen breaks down and becomes available in the year of application.available in the year of application.

• Organic sources include manure, Organic sources include manure, biosolids (sludge), and composts.biosolids (sludge), and composts.

Nitrogen “Credits”Nitrogen “Credits”

• Progressively smaller amounts of Progressively smaller amounts of the organic nitrogen break down the organic nitrogen break down and become available in the and become available in the subsequent years.subsequent years.

• Credit needs to be given to this Credit needs to be given to this available nitrogen from available nitrogen from previously applied manure to the previously applied manure to the current year’s nitrogen current year’s nitrogen recommendation.recommendation.

Ammoniumnitrogen

Availableammoniumnitrogen

AvailableorganicnitrogenOrganicnitrogen

Figure 2- 4b: Distribution of Available Nitrogen Figure 2- 4b: Distribution of Available Nitrogen from Organic and Ammonium Nitrogen from Organic and Ammonium Nitrogen Components in Dairy ManureComponents in Dairy Manure

This dairy manure contains 12 pounds of total nitrogen and 5.4 pounds of available nitrogen per ton

2.4 lb

0.6 lb

3 lb

6 lb

Don’t Overload!

A funny slide to breakup the class. This could be an Iraqi surface to air missile.

Manure Mineralization FactorsManure Mineralization Factors

•Vary by animal species.

•See Table 2-1 in the Nutrient Applicator Guide.

The mineralization rate of manure varies between animal species. A table explaining these differences can be found in the Nutrient Applicator Guide on page 10.

• NHNH4 4 is a plant-available form of N.is a plant-available form of N.• When manure is left on the soil surface When manure is left on the soil surface

after application, it can be lost through after application, it can be lost through the process of the process of volatilizationvolatilization..

Nitrogen Loss Nitrogen Loss

Available Ammonium Available Ammonium NitrogenNitrogen

Estimated Manure Values

• Dairy (fresh, spread daily)Dairy (fresh, spread daily)89% moist. 7 - 3 - 6 (lb/T)89% moist. 7 - 3 - 6 (lb/T)

• Dairy (stored outside, leachate lost)Dairy (stored outside, leachate lost)87% moist. 3 - 2.5 - 4 (lb/T)87% moist. 3 - 2.5 - 4 (lb/T)

• Poultry (layer stored in pit)Poultry (layer stored in pit)65% moist. 25 - 27 - 24 (lb/T)65% moist. 25 - 27 - 24 (lb/T)

• Swine (storage tank beneath slotted Swine (storage tank beneath slotted floor)floor) 95% moist. 2.5 - 3 - 5 (lb/T)95% moist. 2.5 - 3 - 5 (lb/T)

• Beef (bedded manure pack under roof)Beef (bedded manure pack under roof)80% moist. 5 - 4 - 8 (lb/T)80% moist. 5 - 4 - 8 (lb/T)

Example: Calculating Quantity of Example: Calculating Quantity of Dairy Manure to Meet Crop Nutrient Dairy Manure to Meet Crop Nutrient RecommendationRecommendation

Ralph Gonzales Farm• PAN content of semi-solid dairy PAN content of semi-solid dairy

manure is 6 lbs./Tmanure is 6 lbs./T• wants to supply the N for his corn wants to supply the N for his corn

cropcrop• yield goal is 120 bu/Ayield goal is 120 bu/A• incorporates the manure the same incorporates the manure the same

day as applicationday as application• see Example 4-2, p.19 in training see Example 4-2, p.19 in training

guideguide

Calculating Quantity of Dairy Calculating Quantity of Dairy Manure to Meet Manure to Meet RecommendationRecommendation

Note: The nitrogen Note: The nitrogen recommendation for corn grain is recommendation for corn grain is 1 lb./A of PAN per bushel of yield.1 lb./A of PAN per bushel of yield.

1) RECORD nitrogen 1) RECORD nitrogen recommendation (lbs./A) from recommendation (lbs./A) from the nutrient management plan.the nutrient management plan.

2) RECORD PAN of manure 2) RECORD PAN of manure (lbs./T)(lbs./T)

120 lbs./A

6 lbs./T

Calculating Quantity of Dairy Calculating Quantity of Dairy Manure to Meet Manure to Meet RecommendationRecommendation

CALCULATE the quantity of manure required in T/A: divide the nitrogen recommendation by the PAN of manure.

Twenty tons of a dairy manure Twenty tons of a dairy manure with this PAN are needed to with this PAN are needed to provide 120 lbs./A of PAN.provide 120 lbs./A of PAN.

Done!Done!

120 lbs./A ÷ 6 = 20 T/A

Use of Raw Manure

• Heavy applications can throw off Heavy applications can throw off nutrient balance nutrient balance

• Excess available N can lead to excessive Excess available N can lead to excessive growth and nitrate buildup in plantgrowth and nitrate buildup in plant

• Plants with high nitrates do not store as Plants with high nitrates do not store as well and attract insectswell and attract insects

• Nitrogen and phosphorus are pollutantsNitrogen and phosphorus are pollutants• Weed seeds pass through animalsWeed seeds pass through animals

Often Forgotten Sources of N

• Carryover from past manure/biosolids Carryover from past manure/biosolids • Cover crops ( fixed & recycled N)Cover crops ( fixed & recycled N)• N released from soil organic matter N released from soil organic matter

(40-80 lb/A) (40-80 lb/A)• Nitrates in rain & irrigation waterNitrates in rain & irrigation water• Weeds, plowed down have slow-release Weeds, plowed down have slow-release

N, 85 lb/T pigweed, 80 lb/T N, 85 lb/T pigweed, 80 lb/T lambsquarterlambsquarter

• Crop residues, humus, bedding, and Crop residues, humus, bedding, and compostscomposts

The Nitrogen CycleAtmospheric

nitrogen

Atmosphericfixation

and deposition

Animalmanures

and biosolids

Industrial fixation(commercial fertilizers)

Crop harvest

Volatilization

Denitrification

Runoff anderosion

Leaching

Organicnitrogen

Ammonium(NH4)

Nitrate(NO3)

Plant residues

Biologicalfixation by

legume plants Plantuptake

Immobilization

Immobilization

Mineralization

Mineralization

Input to soilComponent Loss from soil

-+

The Phosphorus CycleAnimal

manuresand biosolids Mineral

fertilizers

Crop harvest

Runoff anderosion

Leaching(usually minor)

Organic phosphorus•Microbial•Plant residue•Humus

Primaryminerals(apatite)

Plant residues

Plantuptake

Soil solutionphosphorus•HPO4

-2

•H2PO4-1

Secondarycompounds

(CaP, FeP, MnP, AlP)

DissolutionDissolution

PrecipitationPrecipitation

Mineralsurfaces

(clays, Fe and Al oxides,

carbonates)W

eath

erin

g

Wea

ther

ing

AdsorptionAdsorption

Mineralization

Mineralization

Immobilization

ImmobilizationDesorptionDesorption


Atmosphericdeposition

The Potassium CycleAnimal

manuresand biosolids

Mineralfertilizers

Crop harvest

Runoff anderosion

Leaching

Soil solution potassium (K+)

Plant residues

Plantuptake

Mineralpotassium

Fixedpotassium

Exchangeable potassium


The Sulfur Cycle

Animalmanures

and biosolids

Mineralfertilizers

Crop harvest

Runoff anderosion

Leaching

Absorbed ormineral sulfur

Plant residues

Plantuptake

SulfateSulfur(SO4)

Atmosphericsulfur

Elementalsulfur

Organicsulfur Immobilization

Immobilization

MineralizationMineralization

Bacterial reduction

Bacterial reduction

Bacterial oxidation

Bacterial oxidationOxid

atio

n

Oxid

atio

n

SOSO22 gas gas

Reduced sulfur


VolatilizationAtmosphericdeposition

-

Fertilizer Application Terms

• BroadcastBroadcast - - fertilizer is applied uniformly to fertilizer is applied uniformly to

entire field before crop emergesentire field before crop emerges• TopdressTopdress - -

fertilizer is applied uniformly to fertilizer is applied uniformly to entire field after crop emergesentire field after crop emerges

• Plowed down or tilled inPlowed down or tilled in- fertilizer is applied to field then - fertilizer is applied to field then

is is tilled in with a disk or a plowtilled in with a disk or a plow

Fertilizer Application Terms

• BandedBanded - - fertilizer is applied directly over fertilizer is applied directly over

the top of the crop row, generally the top of the crop row, generally before the crop emerges, before the crop emerges,

omitting omitting the area between the the area between the rowsrows

• Side-dressedSide-dressed- fertilizer is applied directly to - fertilizer is applied directly to

growing crop, generally in a growing crop, generally in a band band at the base of the plantat the base of the plant

Calibrating Nutrient Calibrating Nutrient Application EquipmentApplication Equipment

• Calibration is a way to set your Calibration is a way to set your application equipment to apply application equipment to apply material uniformly at the desired rate.material uniformly at the desired rate.

• It insures application of the required It insures application of the required amount of nutrients without over-amount of nutrients without over-fertilizing.fertilizing.

• Two common methods are used:Two common methods are used:- weight-area method- weight-area methodload-area methodload-area method

Basics of Calibration

Width

Area = Length x Width

Length

Width

Length

Determining the square feet in an area is basic to the calibration of farm equipment. The size of an area can be determined by multiplying length X width.

How to Calibrate Nutrient How to Calibrate Nutrient Application EquipmentApplication Equipment

• Measure the actual rate of Measure the actual rate of application.application.

• Compare actual application rate to the Compare actual application rate to the recommended application rate.recommended application rate.

• If the application rate is substantially If the application rate is substantially greater or less than the recommended greater or less than the recommended rate, try:rate, try: -- changing equipment settings, orchanging equipment settings, or

- changing ground speed of the - changing ground speed of the tractortractor

Load-Area MethodLoad-Area Method

Know:Know:• capacity of the spreadercapacity of the spreader• size of the area where manure size of the area where manure

is spreadis spread

Apply nutrient supplying Apply nutrient supplying material, then measure area of material, then measure area of application. Project rate of application. Project rate of application to a per-acre basis.application to a per-acre basis.

Weight-Area Method for Weight-Area Method for ManureManure

1. Arrange at least 3 plastic sheets in 1. Arrange at least 3 plastic sheets in the center of the spreader’s path.the center of the spreader’s path.

2. Drive the spreader over the center 2. Drive the spreader over the center of the sheets at a known speed of the sheets at a known speed with specific equipment settings.with specific equipment settings.

3. Collect & weigh the manure on 3. Collect & weigh the manure on each sheet.each sheet.

4. Average the quantity applied to 4. Average the quantity applied to the sheets and project to T/A.the sheets and project to T/A.

Weight-Area Method

• Works well with calibrating fertilizer Works well with calibrating fertilizer spreaders and planters.spreaders and planters.

• Works well with calibrating both dry Works well with calibrating both dry and liquid manure spreaders.and liquid manure spreaders.

- pans can be used to catch liquid - pans can be used to catch liquid manuremanure

- plastic sheets can be used to catch - plastic sheets can be used to catch dry manuredry manure

Basics of CalibrationUsing Sheets and Pans

1 2 3

91 7

84 6

5

10

2

3

Spread manure

Spread manure

This diagram shows how pans and sheets can be arranged in a field to calibrate a spreader.

Refer to your “Nutrient Applicator’s Training

Guide “ for additional help

Let’s take a quick look at some other materials we

apply to our soils.

Limestone Limestone

• Supplies calcium and magnesiumSupplies calcium and magnesium• Mined calcium carbonate is the Mined calcium carbonate is the

principle liming material, typically principle liming material, typically 50% oxides50% oxides

• CaCOCaCO33 equivalent is the basis for equivalent is the basis for liming material recommendation liming material recommendation ratesrates

• Comes in various forms and gradesComes in various forms and grades

Effective Neutralizing Value Effective Neutralizing Value E.N.V.E.N.V.

This is a comparative value that refers to This is a comparative value that refers to the ability of a liming material to modify the ability of a liming material to modify soil pH within a year.soil pH within a year.

Reference Standard:Reference Standard:

Calcium carbonate (CaCOCalcium carbonate (CaCO33))E.N.V.= 100E.N.V.= 100

Comparing Liming Materials

This means that liming materials are compared (greater than or less than) to the neutralizing ability of calcium carbonate. E.N.V. can be found on the labels of liming materials and fertilizer as an indicator of the products impact on soil pH.

LimestoneLimestone

• Mesh size determines how Mesh size determines how quickly it reacts in the soilquickly it reacts in the soil

• Good quality ag lime is typically Good quality ag lime is typically 80% 90-100 mesh and 20% 40 80% 90-100 mesh and 20% 40 meshmesh

• Ground dolomite (dolomitic lime) Ground dolomite (dolomitic lime) is over 10% magnesium; it is a is over 10% magnesium; it is a good source of Mg when neededgood source of Mg when needed

Other Liming AgentsOther Liming Agents

• These are typically industrial These are typically industrial byproductsbyproducts

• These include stack dust, sludge These include stack dust, sludge lime, and river mudlime, and river mud

• Domino Sugar lime is a new sourceDomino Sugar lime is a new source• Solubility and % oxides vary, so get Solubility and % oxides vary, so get

an analysisan analysis• These contain mostly Ca and traces These contain mostly Ca and traces

of other elements and materialsof other elements and materials

Liming Liming RecommendationsRecommendations

• Know the analysis, especially % oxidesKnow the analysis, especially % oxides-Application rate is based on -Application rate is based on

lb/A lb/A oxidesoxides• % calcium and magnesium% calcium and magnesium

- may not need additional Mg- may not need additional Mg• Oxide form of calcium (CaO) is readily Oxide form of calcium (CaO) is readily

availableavailable• Mesh size of carbonate form of CaMesh size of carbonate form of Ca

(CaCO(CaCO3 3 )) reflects its availabilityreflects its availability - smaller particles work faster- smaller particles work faster

Liming NotesLiming Notes

• Limestone recommendations are Limestone recommendations are based on raising the pH of the plow based on raising the pH of the plow layer (top 7-9”) to 6.5; except for layer (top 7-9”) to 6.5; except for special crops; i.e. alfalfa.special crops; i.e. alfalfa.

• Limited to 1,500 lb/A oxides/year Limited to 1,500 lb/A oxides/year when not incorporating; i.e. pastureswhen not incorporating; i.e. pastures

• Avoid applying liming products and Avoid applying liming products and fertilizer at, or around the same time.fertilizer at, or around the same time.

• Liming materials laying on the Liming materials laying on the surface will neutralize pesticides.surface will neutralize pesticides.

CompostCompostDecomposed Plant & animal Decomposed Plant & animal

MatterMatter• When correctly done:When correctly done:

- pH is near neutral- pH is near neutral

- C:N ratio is 15:1- C:N ratio is 15:1

- Majority of weed seeds & disease - Majority of weed seeds & disease organisms are deadorganisms are dead

- Offers a well balanced slow release - Offers a well balanced slow release supply of nutrientssupply of nutrients

- As much as 1/4 of compost weight is - As much as 1/4 of compost weight is microbes (dead & alive)microbes (dead & alive)

Principles of Principles of CompostingComposting

• Best composts come from piles Best composts come from piles with the highest microbial with the highest microbial activityactivity

• Temperature is easiest sign of Temperature is easiest sign of microbial activitymicrobial activity

• Good composts heat to Good composts heat to approximately 140 - 160approximately 140 - 1600 0 F F within the first 3 or 4 dayswithin the first 3 or 4 days

Principles of Principles of CompostingComposting

• Small particle size makes a Small particle size makes a greater surface area available to greater surface area available to microbesmicrobes - particles that - particles that are too small are too small however however can pack a pilecan pack a pile

• Adequate volume, or size of pile Adequate volume, or size of pile keeps it from cooling too quicklykeeps it from cooling too quickly

- piles 4 x 4 x 4 ft. - piles 4 x 4 x 4 ft. do welldo well

Unfinished CompostsUnfinished Composts

• Can hurt cropsCan hurt crops• Chemicals formed in process are Chemicals formed in process are

toxic to plantstoxic to plants• N can be tied upN can be tied up• Good composts take 12 - 18 monthsGood composts take 12 - 18 months• Moisture must be adequate (50 - Moisture must be adequate (50 -

70%) similar to a squeezed sponge70%) similar to a squeezed sponge• C:N ratio in initial pile should be C:N ratio in initial pile should be

30:130:1

Common C:N RatiosCommon C:N Ratios

• Undisturbed top soilUndisturbed top soil 10:110:1• AlfalfaAlfalfa 13:113:1• Rotted barnyard manureRotted barnyard manure 20:120:1• Corn stalksCorn stalks 60:160:1• Small grain strawSmall grain straw 80:180:1• OakOak 200:1 200:1• SpruceSpruce 1000:1 1000:1

Compost Problem Compost Problem SolvingSolving

• Bad Odor Bad Odor

- not enough air- not enough air

- turn the pile more - turn the pile more frequentlyfrequently

• Center of pile too dryCenter of pile too dry

- not enough water- not enough water

- moisten while turning- moisten while turning

Compost Problem Compost Problem SolvingSolving

• Pile is damp & warm in center, but Pile is damp & warm in center, but nowhere elsenowhere else - pile - pile is too smallis too small - - collect more material and mix the old collect more material and mix the old

ingredients into a new pileingredients into a new pile• Pile is damp and sweet smelling, but Pile is damp and sweet smelling, but

will not heat upwill not heat up - lack - lack of nitrogenof nitrogen - mix - mix in N-rich material like fresh in N-rich material like fresh grass, grass, manure, or ureamanure, or urea

Crop Rotation and Cover Crop Rotation and Cover CropsCrops

• Benefits crop fertilityBenefits crop fertility- fixed and recaptured nutrients- fixed and recaptured nutrients

• Benefits soil structure (tilth)Benefits soil structure (tilth)- cover crops add organic - cover crops add organic

mattermatter - variability in root - variability in root growth growth improves soil pores improves soil pores and water and water penetrationpenetration

• Pest managementPest management- breaks the parasite life cycle- breaks the parasite life cycle

• Harvest vs. cover crop is the decisionHarvest vs. cover crop is the decision

Some Parting AdviceSome Parting Advice

• Seek help when you are not sure Seek help when you are not sure about what you are doing. There are about what you are doing. There are a lot of resources out there for you.a lot of resources out there for you.

• Don’t be like the old farmer who told Don’t be like the old farmer who told the County Agent that he did not the County Agent that he did not need any advice. He told the Agent need any advice. He told the Agent that he has already worn out two that he has already worn out two farms and that he had his own way farms and that he had his own way of doing things.of doing things.

THANK YOUTHANK YOU

Food

Basics of crop production