Systems Approach to Nitrogen Management

Precision Nutrient Management Extension Specialist

D. Brian Arnall

My Family Upbringing was not Ag. Ok State University 70% Extension 30% Teaching 60% Research Responsibilities' described as:

If it is a commercial crop that receives commercial fertilize, you handle both

About myself

Extension:◦ From Liming to Variable Rate Applications

Teaching:◦ Soil Nutrient Management ◦ Precision Agriculture

Crops:◦ Wheat, Corn, Sorghums, Alfalfa, Canola, Sesame,

Cotton◦ Research: focus on applied research ◦ Product/deliverable oriented

My Work

Cross Discipline: 13 PSS, 8 DASNR N application methods and products Sensor based N rate technologies

◦ Large scale ◦ Sensor development and advancement◦ Expansion into other crops

NUE improvement in wheat Breeding Fertilizer Management and Weed control N2O emission reduction P use by wheat Precision Technologies in Horticulture

Research

Nitrogen losses from agricultural landscapes in the Midwestern United States◦ Production and Environment

Close ties to Chesapeake Bay Counterparts◦ Mississippi River + Corn + Tile Drainage =

Minnesota is a Target◦ Commodity groups know it.

The Battle: Improve NUE & Improve Yield

NUE in the Midwest

125 lbs N/ac over 6.7 million acres◦ .65 lbs N /bu◦ .75 assuming 50% following beans

420,000 tons of N applied. ◦ 08 Randall & Vetch 51-72%NUE

Increase NUE by 1% from 62.5 to 63.5◦ 4000 tons N◦ $4 million (@.5) : $.54 / ac◦ 9 million Bushels : 1.2 bu/ac

NASS

Systems approach is a result of my Extension Experience

Not all gains are made with new tech. Large gains possible from small things Education on interaction’s increases

adoption

Systems Approach

Start with No-Assumptions Initiation of a few studies Spend time (weeks/months) with Producers

◦ What is the current system/situation◦ Where do they see the future◦ Understand the Producer and Educator mentality

To Begin

Timing and Method Time with Producers and Educators

Cropping Systems◦ Rotations◦ Cover Crops

Time with Peers

Research Areas

Nitrogen sources and ect. ◦ As needed◦ Currently active◦ Due to Extension Responsibility

Respect from Clientele

Research Areas

In-season cues

Research Areas

KFGO.com

Agsource.crinet.com

Resolution of application area◦ Driven by Producer and Landscape

Research Areas

In-Season Sensors Four Keys to Algorithm (Stanford Equation)

◦ Yield Prediction Via Sensor

◦ Responsiveness Via N-Rich Strip

◦ Nitrogen Use Efficiency Via BGE

◦ N content in grain or forage Via the Book

Research Areas

Close ties to those who can design and build are important.

Ties to Engineers

Potential Products Impacts

UM Expectations

Experience with Fertilizer Check-off Product Based Approach New Perspective Team oriented Visibility People

What Can I Bring

Thank you!!!

Brian Arnall373 Ag Hall405-744-1722b.arnall@okstate.eduPresentations available @ www.npk.okstate.eduTwitter: @OSU_NPKFacebook.com/OSUNPKYouTube Channel: OSUNPK

www.extensionnews.okstate.edu