Winter cereals nursery, Parma, ID

Planting: October 7, 2020

Emergence: October 28, 2020

 

Virtual ICPA 2020: Nitrogen Community Webinar

Nitrogen Community Webinar

October 8, 2020 - Nitrogen Community

Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the most important crop nutrients. Because it is affected by temperature, moisture and other factors it is also one of the most difficult to manage. This webinar will focus on research by the ISPA Nitrogen Management Community to improve spatial and temporal management of nitrogen.

 Join us on October 8th, 2020 at 13:30 Central Daylight Time (UTC -5). 

  Register now!  

Dr. Raj Khosla and Dr. Athyna Cambouris - Welcome and Housekeeping

Dr. Newell Kitchen - A Proposed Framework for Corn Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendations Balancing Economic and the Environmental Outcomes

The question to be addressed is how should N fertilizer recommendations balance economics (i.e., producer income) and the environment (i.e., public interests). The objective of this presentation will be to provide a new approach for integrating NUE into corn N fertilizer recommendations and provide a better balance between economic and environmental outcomes. Data from several regional projects will be used to illustrate this new approach.

Dr. Olga Walsh - Precision Nitrogen and Water Management for Optimized Sugar Beet Yield and Sugar Content

The study objective was to 1) To analyze the effects of water and nitrogen fertilizer rates on sugar beet yield and quality, 2) To explore the potential of using aerial-based (UAVs) data for sugar beet nitrogen and water content monitoring, and 3) To access the feasibility of predicting sugar beet root yield and recoverable sugar using UAV-based sensors.

Dr. Subash Dahal - Bridging the Data-Gap in Sensing and Precision Nitrogen Application: Biodegradable Soil Sensors

Owing to recent advances in digital technology and the “fourth industrial revolution”, producers now have access to sophisticated farm equipment and tools for precision application of N fertilizer at fine spatial and temporal scale. The major challenge now is to develop tools for inexpensive and precise measurement of soil N during the crop growing season to understand the dynamic N requirement at a fine spatial and temporal resolution. Miniature biodegradable soil N sensors have tremendous potential to bridge the data-gap between measurement and precision application of Nitrogen fertilizer for improving N use efficiency and yield, however scientific studies focused on the development and assessment of such sensors are limited to none.

Dr. Athyna Cambouris -  In-Season Nitrogen Fertilizer Application under Potato Production

Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) has a high nitrogen requirement, especially when grown in sandy soils. Variable rate application of nitrogen fertilizer can avoid zone of under- and over-fertilization, but uniform application of nitrogen fertilizer still remains the most common practice for the potato production. Soil management zone approach can help growers to achieve a part of this in coupling with in-season nitrogen fertilization. Results and the approach used will be presented during the webinar.

Nitrogen Community Business Meeting

Agenda

Leader Report

Election of the Vice-Leader

Adjourn

Moderator: Dr. Raj Khosla, Colorado State University and Dr. Athyna Cambouris, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

2020 Spring Wheat and Barley Variety Performance Results

2019-20 Winter Wheat and Barley Variety Performance Results

 

Nutrient Cycling, Soil Health & Food Safety Conference

Stripe rust in Western Idaho, 2020

By Dr. Juliet Marshall.

Stripe rust has found its way to western Idaho, reported yesterday (with accompanying picture) on UI Magic CL+ (Oliver Neher).

The growth stage of winter wheat in that area is past the window of fungicide application, and is currently in grain fill.  Spring wheat is still vulnerable and susceptible varieties should be scouted for the appearance of stripe rust.

In the Magic Valley and into eastern Idaho, winter wheat is heading and susceptible varieties are still vulnerable to significant yield loss associated with stripe rust infection.  Stripe rust reaction of last year’s varieties in the Extension Variety Trials is reported in the 2019 Small Grains Report available online.

Please note that while some varieties were reported as resistant in 2019, race changes were reported in California by Dr. Mark Lundy (UC Davis pathologist) in this year’s crop; therefore scouting of all varieties is recommended this season. Please report observations so we can keep track of the in-season spread.

The weather forecast for this and especially next week is very conducive to stripe rust spread and infection.  Fungicide application recommendations developed through NCERA-184 pathologists, coordinated by Dr. Erick De Wolfe Kansas State University, is also attached.

ADJUSTING CROPPING SYSTEMS AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19

Walsh, O.S., Cropping Systems Agronomist, University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center

Thornton, M., Plant Scientist, University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center

Marshall, J.M., Cereal Cropping Systems Agronomist and Pathologist, Aberdeen R&E Center

Morishita, D., Weed Scientist, University of Idaho, Kimberly R&E Center (retired)

Felix, J., Weed Scientist, Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station

and Hatzenbuehler, P.L., Agricultural Economist, University of Idaho, Twin Falls R&E Center

The agricultural sector has begun to struggle with the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic shocks on Idaho and Oregon agricultural industries have hit dairy, beef onion, and potato producers particularly hard. This is partially driven by the school and restaurant industry closures, where mass quantities of these products are typically utilized. Thus, the impact has been more immediate and direct compared to other commodities.
Following the shelter-in-place orders in Idaho and Oregon, the negative effects of the reduction in food consumption are now coming to light. Most crop producers implement yearly rotations – alternating the annual crops grown on a specific field in a planned pattern in successive crop years. Many Idaho and Oregon growers have been forced to cut their planned potato, barley and onion acreage due to loss of processing contracts for the 2020-21 crop year. With planting under way, many farmers are looking for ways to sustain their productivity.
Adjusting crop rotations may enable producers to stay profitable. Planting different crops such as small grain cereals, beans or corn are some options that may be appropriate for acres initially intended for potatoes and onions. Agricultural practices such as fertilization, herbicide and other pesticide applications already completed last fall and/or this spring are some of the key practices that must be considered. Agricultural inputs that have already been applied could have a significant impact on the alternative crops eventually planted in those fields.  Finally, there may be serious implications if the fields are replanted to the same crop as in the previous year. To help growers make more informed planting decisions this spring, the University of Idaho and Oregon State University researchers put the following guidelines in place. 

Nutrients/soil fertility
Situation:
• Most onion and potato fields receive relatively low rates of nitrogen fertilizer (less than 100 pounds per acre) prior to planting.
• Both crops traditionally receive high applications of phosphorus and potassium at the time of  bedding in the Fall.
Recommendations:
• Take a new soil sample (2 ft depth) now to determine the current levels of nutrients in each field. For soil testing instructions, please refer to Soil Sampling guide.
• If the soil contains more than 150 pounds of nitrogen per acre in 2 ft sample – beans are not recommended (excessive nitrogen in the soil will hinder nodulation in bean roots). If soil nitrogen levels suggest that a bean crop may be successful in a field, levels of phosphorus and potassium must be considered. If the soil contains at least 120 ppm of potassium in the 12 inch-sample – no additional potassium fertilization is required. Furthermore, soils containing more than 30 ppm (12-inch sample, Olson) require no additional phosphorus, even at the highest free lime content. For complete information regarding bean crop nutrient management, please refer to the Southern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Beans.
• Spring wheat may be a good choice for the fields relatively high in nitrogen. An irrigated soft white spring wheat crop with a yield potential of 120 bushels per acre (typical for southern Idaho) requires a total of 240 pounds of nitrogen per acre. As a rule of thumb, two pounds of available nitrogen per bushel are required for irrigated soft white spring wheat. Hard red and white spring wheat requires additional nitrogen, in the range of 2.5 to 3.0 pounds of nitrogen per bushel with additional nitrogen top-dressed at heading to flowering to meet protein requirements. For detailed information on spring wheat nutrient management, refer to Southern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Irrigated Spring Wheat. Please note, that high levels of phosphorus (above the 20 ppm in the top 12-inch soil sample) may reduce wheat yields. Although addition of potassium to wheat is not required at more than 75 ppm (12-inch soil sample), higher potassium levels should not cause issues for wheat growth.
• Silage corn may be another good option for fields high in nitrogen. For a silage yield of 40-50 tons per acre, at least 100 pounds of nitrogen in the soil (based on the 2 ft soil sample) are recommended. Higher levels of potassium and phosphorus are not an issue for most corn hybrids. For complete information, please refer to Nutrient Management for Field Corn Silage and Grain. Sileage varieties of wheat, triticale and barley are also available.

Herbicides and other pesticides
Situation:
• Most potato fields should not have received herbicides yet. Many onion fields would have had Dual Magnum applied last Fall and may have gotten an application of a soil residual herbicide (Ex. Prowl or Nortron) this Spring. 
• Furthermore, fumigants may have already been applied last Fall or this Spring.
Recommendations:
• Make sure to check the label for all pesticides that have been applied to determine plant back restrictions.  
• Fields that have received Dual Magnum are suitable for both beans and corn (forage, grain or sweet) planting. Herbicides such as Dual Magnum and Prowl would eliminate the possibility of planting small grain cereal crops like spring wheat or barley.
• Fumigants should not impact subsequent crops. If fumigants have been applied, there should be no damage to the crops themselves, just the additional expense associated with application.

Additional considerations
• For cereals, expect a reduction in yield associated with soil-borne pathogens. Use certified seed with appropriate seed treatments, and plant to a uniform seed depth of about 1 to 1.5 inches in good moisture to allow rapid emergence. Make sure volunteer grasses (including cereals) are removed two-three weeks prior to planting.
• Regarding farm management, the Farm Bureau has several resources available online to help keep you and your staff stay safe and physically and mentally healthy. Such resources include draft email templates to send to staff to inform them of protocols and procedures that are being and/or will be instituted to ensure the safety and health of all is maintained throughout the growing and harvest seasons (https://www.fb.org/land/impact-covid19-on-ag).
• Ensuring that best practices for crop and commodity storage are maintained may help provide opportunities for sales later in the current crop year or early in the 2020-21 crop year as supply chains are re-established or alternative supply chains emerge. 
• For cash flow considerations, USDA ARC/PLC program payments for the 2019-20 crop year are expected to be made in October 2020. PLC payments for producers with base acres in wheat remain likely despite an upward change in the estimated marketing year average (MYA) price 2019-20 in the USDA WASDE report for April 9, 2020 from the March report (from $4.55/bu to $4.60/bu, with a reference price of $5.50/bu). The 2019-20 barley MYA remained unchanged at $4.60, and a PLC payment is still expected due to a reference price of $4.95/bu. The MYA price for corn was revised downward from $3.80/bu to $3.60/bu, so a PLC payment may now also be made for corn (reference price of $3.70/bu).
• Uncertainty remains regarding eligibility, payment rates, and timeline for USDA administered agricultural producer payments under several bills enacted by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the payments made under the discretion Office of the Secretary of the USDA are likely to be allocated to specialty crops (including potatoes) and other agricultural industries (such as cattle) not covered under Farm Bill Title I (except dairy is expected to be included in both). More details will be provided by the USDA will be forthcoming, but payments may likely occur around October 2020 as is planned with the PLC/ARC programs (https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2020/04/17/usda-announces-coronavirus-food-assistance-program).

Research Note: Soil Testing and Fertilizer Management

By Olga S. Walsh, Research Associate Professor, Cropping Systems Agronomist, University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center

For the Idaho Wheat Commission Newsletter

Soil testing is the key component of successful and sustainable fertilizer management for wheat. In a survey conducted in 2015-16, 60 percent of wheat growers listed fertilizer as the costliest input in their farming operation. Growers know their fields are not uniform and require changing fertilizer management from field to field and year to year.

“Idaho wheat growers would need a yield increase of 4.5 bushels per acre to cover the cost of an additional 50 pounds of applied nitrogen.” – Dr. Patrick Hatzenbuehler, University of Idaho Agricultural Economist

Dr. Olga Walsh, Cropping Systems Agronomist at the University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center, is conducting field trials to quantify the typical residual nitrogen and phosphorus in Idaho fields prior to planting wheat. Soil testing helps growers apply fertility needed for optimum profitability.

In 2019 demonstration plots at Parma, showed the response of wheat to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer. Soft white spring wheat (Seahawk) was fertilized with five nitrogen and five phosphorus rates. Results showed that addition of phosphorus fertilizer did not improve any of the measured wheat parameters. In fact, phosphorus application above 50 ppm resulted in a significant yield decline. This becomes important when using manure or compost. Application rates need to consider both nitrogen need and phosphorus content.

An economic study showed nitrogen applied at 150 pounds per acre rate may be enough to optimize yield of soft white spring wheat while balancing yield against fertilizer cost. Addition of nitrogen beyond 150 pounds per acre did not increase yield or grain quality.

According to Dr. Patrick Hatzenbuehler, University of Idaho Agricultural Economist, Idaho wheat growers would need a yield increase of 4.5 bushels per acre to cover the cost of an additional 50 pounds of applied nitrogen. This estimate is based on the current nitrogen fertilizer price of $0.4 per pound, and the national wheat price for market year 2019-2020 of $4.5 per bushel.

Dr. Walsh recommends taking soil samples across all fields prior to planting wheat. Understand the levels of nutrients already in the field’s soil. If using manure or compost, know the Nitrogen and the Phosphorus levels of the product. Use the UI Extension Crop Enterprise Tool  for wheat to find the sweet spot between fertilizer application, yield and cost of inputs, compared to price/bushel at harvest. Highest yield doesn’t necessarily equal profitability at the end of harvest.

Idaho wheat grower’s assessment dollars helped fund the Improving Nutrient Management for Wheat Through Comprehensive Soil and Crop Survey project.

Do you want to learn more? Contact Dr. Olga Walsh, Parma Research and Extension Center, 29603 U of I Lane, Parma ID, 83660, (208) 291-6218 or owalsh@uidaho.edu.

Research at University of Idaho, Parma Research & Extension Center

LEARN ABOUT RESEARCH CONDUCTED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO, PARMA RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER - VIDEO.

The University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center provides critical information to growers across different crops grown throughout Idaho. The 200-acre center focuses on research and UI Extension programs in production, storage and related issues of vegetable, forages, cereals, hop, mint, fruit and seed crops. Like, Favorite and SHARE this video Subscribe using the link below for more videos from University of Idaho CALS Follow Us!: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uicals/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uicals/ Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/uicals Check out the Parma Research and Extension Center resources For more UI CALS information visit: https://www.uidaho.edu/cals Click here to apply today! https://www.uidaho.edu/admissions

Nitrogen Response, Uptake and Use Efficiency of Spring Wheat Cultivars

One of the most common questions asked by wheat producers is how to manage nitrogen (N) fertilizer depending on what variety they chose to grow. Previous work has shown that wheat cultivars may vary in N requirements, N uptake, and N use efficiency (NUE).

One of the main reasons why many producers like to plant older varieties is the fact that they are very familiar with them, even though they may be substantially lower yielding, may not have the best grain quality and may not perform as well under various biotic and abiotic stresses associated with disease, water or nutrient limitations or pest or weed pressure.

Increasing the knowledge about newly released varieties will help to improve the adaption of these varieties by growers. 

Field experiments were established at Parma R&E Center in Spring of 2019. Six spring wheat varieties – hard red spring (hard red spring – SY Basalt, Jefferson) and hard white spring (hard white spring – UI Platinum, Dayn), and (soft white spring – UI Stone, Seahawk) – were planted. Each variety was evaluated under 7 N rates (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 kg N ha-1) applied as granular urea (46-0-0).  Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications.
The following data were collected from the research area (a dedicated 0.2 m2 section within each plot) at Feekes 5, and Feekes 10:

• plant height (by measuring height of 10 randomly selected plants per plot)
• chlorophyll content estimate (using SPAD meter)
• biomass production estimate- as Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI, using GreenSeeker handheld optical sensor)
• biomass weight (by hand-harvesting all above ground biomass within the 0.2 m2 area)
• biomass N content (laboratory analysis)
• biomass N content and final grain yield were estimated using multispectral camera mounted on a UAV

The performance of each variety was evaluated using multispectral camera mounted on a UAV
At maturity, the following data was obtained:
crop yield – preliminary results are reported in Figure 1.
grain nutrient content (grain will be analyzed for N content) – newly purchased Perten Grain Analyzer will be utilized.
Wheat grain quality will be assessed: 1) baking quality analysis (mixing time, water absorption, loaf volume, crumb grain score), 2) solvent retention capacity (SRC) will be carried out at the University of Idaho Wheat Quality Lab, 3) viscosity (Hageberg Falling Number test) will be performed at the Aberdeen R&E Center lab.
OBJECTIVES:

• To assess response of newest University of Idaho, other best-performing wheat cultivars, and traditional “check” varieties to N, to quantify their N uptake magnitude and its’ pattern throughout the growing season, and NUE, and
• To evaluate N uptake and NUE of spring wheat varieties currently tested in extension nurseries using ground- and aerial-based data.

Nutrient Management for Wheat

Improving Nutrient Management for Wheat

through Comprehensive Soil and Crop Survey

Olga S. Walsh,  and Jordan R. McClintick-Chess, University of Idaho, Plant Sciences Department

Sanaz Shafian,University of Idaho, Department of Soil and Water Systems,

 Juliet Marshall,University of Idaho, Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology

Soil testing is a necessary component of successful and sustainable soil nutrient management for crop producers. Proper soil testing is essential to ensure optimal fertilizer usage resulting in maximum economic and agronomic returns with minimal environmental impact.

Local growers, extension educators, and crop consultants have expressed the need for enhancing their knowledge of sustainable soil nutrient management by boosting their understanding of soil sampling/testing. Despite substantial educational efforts, many growers do not test their soil’s fertility on a regular basis. This is especially true for many wheat growers in southern Idaho, where other crops such as potatoes produce the highest revenue, and nutrient management for wheat is often overlooked.

Improving grower understanding of on-farm soil fertility and soil residual nutrient levels as well as being aware of what kind of response can be expected from N and P fertilizer application are key to making informed and wise nutrient management decisions.

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate response of wheat to N and P fertilizer.

Nitrogen (P) and phosphorus (P) response plots were established at the University of Idaho Parma R&E Center. On April 3, 2019, soft white spring wheat (Seahawk) was planted with H&N Equipment small plot drill using 276 plants m2 seeding rate. At planting, 5 N 5 P levels were applied, each treatment was replicated 3 times. The research plots were hand-harvested on August 22, 2019, and data on wheat biomass and grain production was analyzed. Grain production was calculated as a product of kernels head-1 and kernel weight. The Duncan's Multiple Range Test was used in the SAS 9.4 statistical software to determine the differences between treatments at the 95% confidence level.

In general, plant height increased with increased N rates. Plant height was optimized at 250 lb N ac-1, increasing N rate to 300 lb ac-1 did not further enhance plant height.

Biomass production (weight), number of wheat heads 3 ft-1, kernels head-1, kernel weight, and grain production was maximized with 300 lb N ac-1.

No statistically  significant differences were associated with any other N rates.

All assessed wheat biomass and grain parameters, including  kernels head-1, kernel weight, and grain production were numerically greater at 150 ppm P.

 All evaluated P rates were not statistically significantly different for any of the assessed wheat biomass and grain parameters.

 Positive linear relationship was observed for biomass weight and plant height with wheat grain production.

Nitrogen & Water Management for Sugar Beets

Nitrogen and Water Management for Optimized

Sugar Beet Yield and Sugar Content

Olga S. Walsh, and Jordan R. McClintick-Chess, University of Idaho, Plant Sciences Department

Sanaz Shafian, University of Idaho, Department of Soil and Water Systems

Sugar beet (SB) production profitability is based on maximizing three parameters: beet yield, sucrose content, and sucrose recovery efficiency. Efficient nitrogen (N) and water management are key for successful SB production. Nitrogen deficits in the soil can reduce root and sugar yield. Overapplication of N can reduce sucrose content and increase nitrate impurities which lowers sucrose recovery. Application of N in excess of SB crop need leads to vigorous canopy growth, while compromising root development and sugar production.

Changes in SB varieties and management practices warrant re-evaluation of N management. The Amalgamated Sugar Company and the USDA-ARS found that in 60% of evaluated SB fields, application of N did not increase sucrose yield. This suggests that residual soil N from past applications and in-season N mineralization was adequate and indicates that growers could maximize sugar yield and save money by applying less N. Due to recommendation to have all N applied and plant-available by 4-6 leaves, it is imperative to determine the appropriate N application rates for N responsive fields early in the season. Appropriate irrigation amount and timing can optimize SB yields while minimizing disease pressure, water costs and N leaching. Excessive irrigation can increase SB root weight, but lower sugar content.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of water and N fertilizer rates on yield and quality.

Location: Parma R&E Center; SB variety: BTS 2570;

Planting: April 2019; 5 inch seed spacing; 0.75 inch seeding depth
Plots: 4 rows per plot with 22 inch row spacing; 40 ft long at planting, 35 ft at harvest (cut 5 ft alleys between replications)
Treatment set-up: Split split-plot design with 4 replications; 4 blank rows between the plots to minimize water and/or N carryover
Nitrogen: 100, 200, and 300 lb N/ac (total: soil residual + added fertilizer); applied as urea (46-0-0) and incorporated into the soil immediately prior to planting using light tillage
Water: 100% ET and 50% ET; applied using subsurface drip irrigation system (7-inch depth). Daily reference grass-based ET (ETo) were calculated using data from the Parma AgriMet weather stations. Daily ETc was estimated by multiplying ETo by the SB crop coefficient (Kc).
Data collection: at 40 and 60 days after planting, and prior to harvest: 1) Plant height - 15 plants per plot; top leaf to the soil; 2) Plant dry matter determination (oven-dried at 220◦F for 24 h and weighed) and N content – 15 leaves and tops (0.8 in of taproot).
Harvest: In October, SB were scalped to a silver dollar sized disc and harvested for yield and root sugar content determination.

Plant height increased from early to mid-season as plant stand was establishing and biomass production accelerated, then declined late season due to changes in plant architecture as SB matured. Taller plants were associated with higher water and N inputs.
Biomass dry weight increased from early to mid-season as plants grew and developed. Early season biomass production was lower for 100 N treatments (50 and 100 ET); all treatments with higher N and water were statistically equal. Mid-season biomass increased as N and water inputs increased, with slight decline beyond 300 N + 50 ET.
Biomass N content early season was increased with higher N rates, and were comparable for 50 and 100 ET. N content declined throughout the growing season, as the taken up N got distributed among the developing plant biomass volume. Mid and late season biomass N content was comparable for all treatments.

Sugar beet root yield was maximized with 200 N + 100 ET treatment. Increasing N rate to 300 kg ha-1 did not enhance yield at 50 or at 100 ET level. Lower water inputs significantly reduced yield, especially at lower N rate. Lowest yield was obtained with lowest N + water input.

Sugar content was higher for 50 ET treatments, irrespective of N rate. Sugar content was lowest at 100 N + 100 ET, and maximized with 200 N + 50 ET treatment. Sugar content for 100 N + 50 ET was comparable to that of 200 N and 300 N treatments watered at 100 ET level.

Estimated recoverable sugar (combination of sugar beet root yield and sugar content) was maximized with 200 N + 100 ET; as with yield, increasing N rate to 300 kg ha-1 did not further enhance estimated recoverable sugar.

Early season biomass N content and plant height was strongly positively correlated with sugar content.