PROGRESS REPORT
PROJECT TITLE: Mineralization Potential of Agricultural Soils and Canopy Sensing Technologies to
Predict Corn Nitrogen Needs after Fertilization in Minnesota
PROJECT NUMBER: 4114-14SP
REPORTING PERIOD: July 1-December 31, 2014
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Fabián G. Fernández
ORGANIZATION: University of Minnesota
PHONE NUMBER: 612-625-7460
EMAIL: fabiangf@umn.edu
1) PROJECT ACTIVITIES COMPLETED DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD. (Describe project
progress specific to goals, objectives, and deliverables identified in the project workplan.)
A related project (project number: 4094-13SP) “Nitrogen Fertilizer Management for Rain-fed Corn in
Minnesota if Spring Application is the only Option” was added to this project as I became the PI, thus this
report covers the activities performed for both projects.
I was successful at securing a MS graduate student for the project. He started this spring and has
successfully established all 19 to 20 treatments at all six locations. Soil and plant samples have been
collected, and canopy sensing has been done at all sites during various development stages. Harvest was
conducted and post-harvest soil samples were collected. All samples were processed and most have been
chemically analyzed at this time. The data is currently being analyzed and interpreted.
2) IDENTIFY ANY SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS AND RESULTS OF THE PROJECT TO DATE.
Preliminary results indicate that pre-plant applications can work very well relative to split applications of
nitrogen with some of the nitrogen applied pre-plant and the remainder at sidedress in fine-textured soils.
However, in sandy irrigated locations the split application was far superior to the pre-plant application.
We observed that pre-plant anhydrous ammonia, especially with N-serve performed well relative to the
same application with urea. The growing season was challenging because of excessive wetness early in
the season and some of our results clearly show this condition. The canopy sensing and soil samples
collected throughout the season tracked very well what nitrogen status the soil and plant had during the
growing season and helped explained what we observed at the end of the season in terms of yield. The
data illustrate the importance of measuring nitrogen status of the field during the season to understand
better how to manage nitrogen.
3) CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED. (Describe any challenges that you encountered related to project
progress specific to goals, objectives, and deliverables identified in the project workplan.)
The biggest challenge was to collect all the samples we proposed for six locations. However, we were
able to accomplish this large task because of very dedicated graduate student, field crew, and helpers. At
Waseca we had hail damage and at several locations early frost also affected the crop.
Canopy sensing with the drone was not possible at all development stages due to equipment availability
issues and less than ideal conditions (wind and cloud cover) during some of the scheduled sampling
times.
4) FINANCIAL INFORMATION. (Describe any budget challenges and provide specific reasons for
deviations from the projected project spending.)
The 15N analysis has not been performed yet as the lab that has the equipment to conduct this analysis is
being set up. Thus, we have not spent the funds designated for this portion of the study yet. A no-cost
extension will be needed to accomplish this portion of the project.
5) EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES. (Describe any conferences, workshops, field days,
etc attended and/or publications developed to disseminate project results.)
Preliminary results have been presented at the Agronomy Field Tour at the University of Minnesota
Southern Research and Outreach Center on June 24, 2014 (119 attendees), at the 8th Annual Crops Day in
Farmington, MN on March 18 (123 attendees), at the Stern's Co Soil and Water Conservation District
Spring 2014 CCA Update on March 19 in Paynesville, MN (48 attendees), and at the
Nitrogen:Minnesota’s Grand Challenge and Compelling Opportunity conference on March 6 in St Cloud,
MN. During December results were presented at the University of Minnesota’s CPM Short-Course.