Systems Approach to Nitrogen Management Precision Nutrient Management

Systems Approach to Nitrogen Management Precision Nutrient Management Extension Specialist D. Brian Arnall

About myself � 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

My Work � 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

Research � 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 � N 2 O emission reduction � P use by wheat � Precision Technologies in Horticulture

NUE in the Midwest � 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

NASS � 125 lbs N/ac over 6. 7 million acres ◦. 65 lbs N /bu ◦. 75 assuming 50% following beans � 420, 000 tons of N applied. � Increase NUE by 1% from 62. 5 to 63. 5 ◦ 08 Randall & Vetch 51 -72%NUE ◦ 4000 tons N ◦ $4 million (@. 5) : ◦ 9 million Bushels : $. 54 / ac 1. 2 bu/ac

Systems Approach � 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

To Begin � 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

Research Areas � 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 KFGO. com Agsource. crinet. com

Research Areas � 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

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

UM Expectations � Potential � Products � Impacts

What Can I Bring � Experience with Fertilizer Check-off � Product Based Approach � New Perspective � Team oriented � Visibility � People

Thank you!!! www. extensionnews. okstate. edu Brian Arnall 373 Ag Hall 405 -744 -1722 b. arnall@okstate. edu Presentations available @ www. npk. okstate. edu Twitter: @OSU_NPK Facebook. com/OSUNPK You. Tube Channel: OSUNPK