Researchers at the University of Maryland are inviting growers across the state to participate in their University of Maryland – Testing Ag Performance Solutions (UMD-TAPS) program this year. The program is supported by the Maryland Soybean Board and will run throughout the summer.
Piloted at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the TAPS program provides farmers with a zero-risk opportunity to advance their agricultural management skills and knowledge. It serves as a growing season contest and research framework, designed to uncover how producers’ management decisions drive crop yields, farm profitability, and input-use efficiency.
Growers must make decisions about variety selection, fertility, pest management, and irrigation and their management decisions will be executed in small plots at the Wye Research and Education Center. Decisions made by all participants will be executed in one field, in a true head-to-head competition. The goal is to identify which suite of management decisions will become the most profitable, efficient, and highest yielding.
Researchers at the Maryland Agricultural Experimentation Station (MAES) WYE Research and Education Center will lead the program and gather data on each plot to share with farmers.
When the season ends, growers will participate in an awards dinner where they will gain access to valuable data sets to help them enhance their agricultural operations.
The irrigated corn competition is limited to 20 teams and the irrigated soybean competition is limited to 15 teams. Due to limited availability, researchers urge teams to sign up as soon as possible.
Interested applicants can sign up by following this link: bit.ly/UMDTAPS25. For any questions, please reach out to Dr. Nicole Fiorellino at nfiorell@umd.edu.
Nicole Fiorellino, Assistant Professor & Extension Agronomist | nfiorell@umd.edu University of Maryland, College Park
With the recent dry weather, some corn sidedress applications have been delayed past the optimum application window, causing farmers to think about the necessity of a “late” sidedress application. Let’s discuss corn growth stages and nitrogen (N) utilization in the plant and summarize research findings of yield response to “late” sidedress applications. This information can be useful for farmers to decide how to make decisions based on profitability, which sometimes may mean foregoing a late application which may result in decreased yields.
What is the “short stave”?
I often quote Liebig’s Law of Minimum and the visual analogy of a barrel made of wooden staves to represent agronomic management decisions, specifically fertility decisions. The first step to correcting a growth problem, be it fertility or otherwise, is identifying the problem that must be corrected – determining the “short stave” of the barrel limiting its capacity. While the gut reaction to stunted corn that missed a sidedress application may be a N deficiency, the “short stave” could be dry soils. I have seen corn that visually improved this week just due to precipitation. If you have heavier soils, good organic matter, maybe used manure, your corn may improve as the soil is rewetted and some N in the soil makes its way to the plant, eliminating the need for a trip across the field. Further, a rushed N application without precipitation in the forecast is not useful, as the N will not reach the plant roots with water as its vehicle.
Defining a “late” application
Each farmer may have a different definition of “late” sidedress application, so we should clarify this term and translate it to corn growth stages. Corn sidedress application is recommended between V4 and V6, to provide N to the corn as it enters a rapid uptake phase through the rest of the vegetative growth stage, as depicted in Figure 1. As the plant tassels and enters reproductive growth, the plant shifts from soil N uptake to translocation of N stored within plant tissues to the grain [1]. Thus, VT is the “turning point”, where a sidedress application between V6 and VT could be characterized as “late” but one might categorize any application after R1 as “the point of no return.” Confirming the growth stage of your corn is an important point to consider when weighing the possibility of a late sidedress application.
Figure 1. Nitrogen utilization of corn crop by plant tissue across the growing season. Source: Iowa State University Extension.
Risks of a late sidedress
Beyond missing the optimum window of utilization of applied N by the corn plant, there are other risks to consider when weighing a late application. Taller corn with more canopy coverage runs the risk of physical damage to the corn as application equipment moves through the field. There is the risk of leaf burn with foliar product applied, although the use of drop nozzles could help minimize this. Moreover, the delayed application of N may have stressed the corn in the early growth stages, already decreasing your corn’s yield potential. This means that even with perfect conditions and unlimited nutrients moving forward in the growing season, the yield “ceiling” has already been lowered. So, the cost of an additional N application will not be realized in profit (increased yield) and the most profitable decision may to forego applying more nitrogen. Finally, no farmer wants to risk making an N application when there is potential for loss to the atmosphere or to nearby surface water. Including potential off-site losses of applied N not utilized by the crop into the decision-making process may help make a late application decision more clear.
Yield impacts with late sidedress – pre-tassel
Yield benefits with sidedress through late vegetative growth compared to no application has been observed in other areas of the country; with researchers at Purdue University demonstrating sidedress at V15 and even up to R1 showed improved corn yield compared to no sidedress application, but still significantly less than corn sidedressed at V4 or V6 [2,3]. Research performed at Ohio State demonstrated an N application up to V10 minimized yield loss [4] and results from Cornell indicated significantly decreased corn yield with sidedress at V10 compared to sidedress at V4, V6, or V8 but significantly better than corn yield with no sidedress application [5]. In Minnesota, where the growing season is shorter, a sidedress application at V12 did not result in increased corn yield compared to no sidedress or sidedress prior to V8, with the researcher attributing this to compromised yield potential from early season N deficiency [6]. While these data are not local, they illustrate the potential for rescuing a corn crop from total loss with a sidedress application while the corn is still in the vegetative growth stage.
Yield impacts with late sidedress – post-tassel
Limited research findings exist to evaluate corn yield response to N application post-tassel [7]. There is a potential for rescue with a post-tassel sidedress application where severe N deficiency is observed, but this decision should be balanced with the potential return [6]. The lack of research findings of a post-tassel sidedress application should indicate this practice may not be recommended to optimize corn yield, farmer profitability, or environmental benefits.
Conclusions
Multiple factors should be considered when weighing a late sidedress application, first, determining the “short stave” and considering it could be drought, not N deficiency, and second, confirming the growth stage of the corn. While there are risks associated with late sidedress application, namely physical damage to corn with application equipment or increased potential for N loss off-site, data support sidedress application up to the end of vegetative growth can result in corn yield between optimum sidedress application and no sidedress application. There is no research to support yield benefits with sidedress applications post-tassel. Farmers should understand that early season N deficiency may have limited corn’s yield potential and consider this point when making profitable, late season sidedress decisions.
Nicole Fiorellino, Extension Agronomist | nfiorell@umd.edu University of Maryland, College Park
Have you thought about how you might incorporate newly-available biological products into your operation? Maybe you are interested, but skeptical about the return on investment? I will briefly define “biologicals” then provide my thoughts on how to navigate the old adage, “to use or not to use.” I operationally define biological products as commercially-available amendments that are adding a living organism to your growing system, either to the soil or directly to the plant. Generally, these products are meant to replace a fertilizer application by unlocking nutrients stored in the soil or amplifying natural processes that harness nutrients, namely nitrogen (N), from the atmosphere. While a variety of products from different brands can be broadly categorized as biologicals, it is important to take the time to understand the specific “mode of action” of individual biological products and compare that to your field conditions as a first step towards deciding if you will use a product.
Most biological N products aim to increase the mineralization of organic N stored in your soil to inorganic forms that are plant available. The mineralization step of the N cycle is mediated by microorganisms that spend energy to digest organic N and transform it to inorganic, plant-available N. When there is ample inorganic N present in the soil, like after a fertilizer application, for example, the microorganisms are “signaled” that ample N is present and they conserve energy by slowing down, or even stopping, mineralizing organic N. So biological products aim to “block” the signal to microorganisms that instructs them to cut off mineralization and they signal microorganisms to increase the organic N that is mineralized; hence adding more N to the soil with additional fertilizer application.
The increased availability of the soil storage of organic N or the provision of N to plants without fertilizer is accomplished through the introduction of novel N-fixing bacteria that allow a cereal crop, like corn, to fix N like a legume; by providing a stimulant to native soil bacteria to kick-start mineralization; or by infecting the corn plant with an N-fixing bacteria that fixes N from the atmosphere with no additional available N present in the soil – each of these examples represents the mode of action of a different biological product. While it seems like these products have the potential to supply nearly unlimited amounts of N to your crops, they should be viewed as fertilizer replacements, not necessarily as bonus N on top of your current fertility plan. Moreover, despite some marketing claims that yield benefits would be observed across all acres of a farm, a farmer might be more likely to observe a yield response where fertility is low, maybe on marginal acres where fertilizer applications or field operations are delayed due to logistics and timing. Finally, beyond the cost per acre of the product itself, you may want to consider the ease of use of the product and the cost in time associated with product use, including restrictions on tank mixing, application timing, and extra trips across the field.
Once your head is spinning from those considerations and you think you may want to try a new product, your next step may be to see out local research data on a product’s efficacy or maybe even check with your neighbor to learn about their experience with the product. The specific nature of the individual biological products and their interaction with soil nutrient concentration means that University data or even data from your neighbor may not represent the results you might expect on your farm. Unlike the universally-expected yield response with increased fertilizer application across the spectrum of soil and environmental conditions, the potential yield response to the use of biological products varies greatly with location, soil type, and weather conditions – meaning in the same location across multiple years, there may be a different response to the use of these products.
We recommend performing trials on your farm to aid your decision to use biological products. A first step to determine a yield response will be to understand how efficiently you are using N fertilizer on your field. This can be accomplished with a simple field-length strip plot protocol using multiple N fertilizer rates and up to two biological products of your choice. The Agronomy Program at University of Maryland has launched an On-Farm Trials program, with funding support from the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board. We encourage farmers to sign up to participate in the trials, one protocol is a biological product comparison. As we enter our second field season in 2024, more information for how to sign up for the trials and brief results summary from 2023 can be found at https://bit.ly/UMDOnFarmTrials or you can email Dr. Nicole Fiorellino at nfiorell@umd.edu or Mr. Gene Hahn at ghahn@umd.edu for more information. We offer a payment to offset potential yield loss and to compensate you for your time spent working with our team to execute the trials. If you have not planted corn yet, there is still time to sign up! Check back to the November research summary issue of Agronomy News for 2024 Field Trials results.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture today announced that farmers who planted small grains for harvest last fall may “top dress” these crops with commercial fertilizer in accordance with their nutrient management plans, beginning February 15, provided that crop and field conditions remain favorable.
University of Maryland researchers have determined that crop growth stages vary across the state. The Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland and Southern Maryland appear to have met the appropriate time to top-dress. However, the Maryland Department of Agriculture has given approval to all Maryland farmers to begin applying fertilizer to small grains, as long as crops have reached the “green-up” stage before applying fertilizer. The University recommends split applications of spring nitrogen with the first application occurring at “green-up” and the second application when the crops begin to joint. Check individual field conditions and avoid running heavy equipment across saturated soils.
The determination follows Maryland’s nutrient management regulations. As a reminder, manure may not be applied to fields until March 1.
For additional information on Maryland’s nutrient application requirements, contact the MDA’s Nutrient Management Program at 410-841-5959.
University of Maryland Extension Peak Plan Writing and Implementation Reports Due
The University of Maryland Extension (UME) Nutrient Management Advisors are diligently working on nutrient management plans as farmers make critical decisions for the upcoming 2024 growing season. Balancing crop needs with input costs is a major decision, making nutrient management planning an essential tool in optimizing agricultural practices. Farmers requiring a plan for the 2024 season are urged to contact their local Extension office promptly. Collecting necessary information and documents early will ensure timely plan development.
For farms February marks a busy reporting season including federal and state taxes, crop insurance, and nutrient management. Alongside financial preparations, it is important not to overlook the completion of Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs). These reports, documenting nutrient applications for the 2023 calendar year, are due by March 1, 2024. Farmers can submit their reports conveniently through mail or online via the MD OneStop Portal. Most information required for AIR completion can be found in nutrient management plans and fertilizer records. For more information on AIRs visit https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation.
UME is committed to supporting farmers through February and March with regional agronomy, fruit, and vegetable production meetings. Many of these sessions offer Nutrient Management voucher credits. Interested individuals are encouraged to connect with their local UME office or refer to the Extension calendar for upcoming events: UME Events Calendar https://extension.umd.edu/news-events/events/.
UME continues to expand its team and is actively hiring advisor positions available across various counties. Interested individuals are encouraged to explore these opportunities at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/115994. Additionally, the UME ANMP team is excited to welcome four new advisors. The new hires are: Zoe Askew in Baltimore County, Andrea Uphold in Garrett and Allegany Counties, Rashmi Sahu in Anne Arundel County and Sabrina Summers in Frederick County. We are very happy to have them as part of the team and begin their training as UME ANMP advisors.
University of Maryland Extension Strengthens Agricultural Expertise with Four New Nutrient Management Advisors
The University of Maryland Extension announces the addition of four Agricultural Nutrient Management Advisors to its statewide team. These hires strengthen the organization’s commitment to advancing sustainable and efficient agricultural practices across the region.
The newly appointed advisors bring a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of nutrient management, aligning with the university’s dedication to environmental stewardship and enhanced farm productivity. Dr. Darren Jarboe, Agriculture and Food Systems Program Leader at University of Maryland Extension, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions to the team stating, “We are thrilled to have such accomplished individuals join our Extension team. Their diverse backgrounds and deep knowledge in nutrient management will significantly contribute to our mission of supporting farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.”
The four new advisors include:
Zoe Askew, Baltimore County, is a recent graduate of Delaware Valley University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Farming. She has had several years of hands-on experience working on various vegetable and livestock farms.
Andrea Uphold, Garrett and Allegany Counties, is a 2013 graduate of West Virginia University where she obtained her bachelor of science degree in Animal and Nutritional Sciences as well as Agribusiness Management and Rural Development. She grew up and lives on her family’s dairy farm where she is actively involved in its daily operations. She is certified and has been writing nutrient management plans for her family’s farm and extended family and friends for ten years and recently worked as an hourly coordinator for the University of Maryland throughout the state before being hired full time.
Rashmi Sahu, Anne Arundel County, earned a master of science degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Penn State University. She has extensive work experience in agricultural operations.
Sabrina Summers, Frederick County, is a Frederick County native, representing the seventh generation of farmers in her family. Her agricultural experience stems from growing up on a dairy farm, and she now assists with her brother’s crop farming operation, and has her own operation raising pastured pigs and chickens.
The University of Maryland Extension remains committed to addressing the evolving challenges faced by farmers and the agriculture industry. The addition of these talented advisors enhances Extension’s ability to provide cutting-edge solutions and support to farmers in nutrient management planning. For more information about the program visit go.umd.edu/anmp.
Are you contemplating a transition to organic production, currently undergoing the transition process, or just curious about organic farming?
The University of Maryland Extension invites you to register for a half-day seminar from 8 am to 2 pm on March 19, 2024 at the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center – Chesapeake College. The agenda for the day includes presentations by Klaas Martens, Chris Johnson and Brian Kalmbach covering key topics such as the direction and future of organic production, insights into organic grain markets, and navigating certification, regulations, and requirements. Additionally, there will be a farmer roundtable discussion featuring panelists representing various aspects of organic farming, including grain, vegetable, animal, and research. Light breakfast refreshments and lunch will be served.
The registration for 2023 Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School is live! Registration is through Eventbrite this year and all information about the event, including program booklet and registration link, can be found here: https://bit.ly/MidAtlanticCropSchool. New for 2023 the Mid-Atlantic CCA Board will be hosting an off-site evening reception on Tuesday November 14th. Please register for this limited seating reception when you register for the event.
