Carl R. Crozier

Nutrient and pH stratification with conventional and no‐till management

Abstract This study investigated changes in soil test results associated with sampling depths in fields managed with conventional tillage, no‐till for less than 3 years, no‐till for 3 to 6 years, and no‐till for more than 6 years. Soil samples from depths of 0–5, 0–10, 0–20, and 10–20 cm were collected from 59 fields with different tillage histories from several geologic regions, and analyzed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture soil test laboratory. Some nutrient stratification was noted in all tillage categories. Soil test phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn) concentrations were significantly higher in the 0–10 cm depth than in the 10–20 cm depth. Stratification probably results from the prevalence of tillage with disks, chisel plows or subsoilers, which do not mix the soil thoroughly. With the adoption of no‐till methods, stratification becomes even more pronounced. Our data suggest that stratification in pH, calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), and sulfur (S) is more likely for fields in t...

In-Season Optimization and Site-Specific Nitrogen Management for Soft Red Winter Wheat

application up to 70% without a reduction in grain yield compared to a grower’s practice. Site-specific N management based on an in-season assessment of Stone et al. (1996) used an on-the-go sensor measurcrop N status may offer producers increased grain yield, profitability, ing plant N spectral index to create submeter siteand spring N fertilizer use efficiency (SNUE). The goal of this study specific N management units based on an estimate of was to determine the distinct contributions of (i) in-season N rate optimization and (ii) site-specific N management. Our objective was in-season crop N status in wheat. This site-specific N to compare site-specific and field-specific N management with typical management system reduced N fertilizer by 32 and 57 growers’ practices to determine if site-specific N management (i) kg N ha 1 at two of three sites without a reduction in increased soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield, grain yield compared with a typical grower’s practice. (ii) reduced N inputs, (iii) increased SNUE, and (iv) reduced withinThey also reported that the site-specific N application field grain yield variability. Research was conducted at eight sites in reduced spatial variation in wheat forage and grain yield 2000, 2001, and 2002. A randomized complete block design with two compared with the grower’s practice. or five N management systems was used at two and six sites, respecSimilarly, Raun et al. (2002) used a multispectral optitively. Site-specific management did not improve grain yield compared cal sensor to create 1-m2 site-specific N management with field-specific management when based on the same in-season units in wheat. A N fertilizer optimization algorithm estimation of optimum N rates. At sites where site-specific or field(NFOA) that estimates in-season crop N status and specific systems were compared with typical growers’ practices, grain potential grain yield was used to adjust N rates. They yield benefits of in-season N optimization (up to 2267 kg ha 1) were reported that by using NFOA, it might be possible to apparent. For grain yield, in-season optimization of N rate was more important than site-specific management. A large reduction in N inset more efficient and profitable fertilization levels and puts (up to 48.6%) was also attributed to in-season N rate optimizaincrease N use efficiency compared with typical growtion. After incorporating in-season optimization, a further reduction ers’ practices. in N inputs (up to 19.6%) was possible through site-specific applicaMulla et al. (1992), Bhatti et al. (1998), Stone et al. tion. Site-specific N application maximized SNUE compared with (1996), and Raun et al. (2002) compared site-specific N either field-specific or typical growers’ practices at all sites and reduced management based on either a preor in-season estiwithin-field grain yield variance at four sites. mate of the crop’s N requirement to a typical grower’s practice. Consequently, the reduction in N rates compared with growers’ practices might not have been the S N management is the adjusting of withinresult of site-specific application but could instead be field N fertilizer rates based on spatially variable due to using a preor in-season estimation of the crop’s factors that affect optimum N rate (Sawyer, 1994). This N requirement. practice may offer producers the ability to increase grain In the southeastern USA, Scharf and Alley (1993), yield, profitability, and N fertilizer efficiency by applyAlley et al. (1994), Weisz and Heiniger (2000), and ing N only where required for optimum plant growth. Weisz et al. (2001) developed a field-specific N manageSite-specific management may also be environmentally ment system for soft red winter wheat based on an inbeneficial to producers. season evaluation of the crop’s N requirement (Fig. 1). Mulla et al. (1992) created site-specific management This system first determines the whole-field tiller density units (18.3 m by 564–655 m) based on preseason soil N at Zadoks’ Growth Stage (GS) 25 (Zadoks et al., 1974). (nitrate N and ammonium N) tests and available soil When GS-25 tiller density is below a critical threshold water content. Similarly, Bhatti et al. (1998) created (540 tillers m 2), a GS-25 N application is made to insite-specific N management units based on crop produccrease tiller development (Ayoub, 1974; Power and tivity. In both cases, site-specific N reduced N fertilizer Alessi, 1978; Lutcher and Mahler, 1988; Scharf and Alley, 1993; Weisz et al., 2001). A GS-25 N application can stimulate tiller development in southeastern areas M. Flowers, USDA-ARS, Air Quality–Plant Growth and Dev. Res. because winter wheat does not enter a dormant state Unit, 3908 Inwood Rd., Raleigh, NC 27603; R. Weisz, Dep. of Crop in these southern latitudes. If GS-25 tiller density is Sci., North Carolina State Univ., Box 7620, Raleigh, NC 27695-7620; above the threshold, a GS-25 N application is not necesR. Heiniger, Dep. of Crop Sci, North Carolina State Univ., Vernon James Res. and Ext. Cent., 207 Research Rd., Plymouth, NC 27692; sary. At GS 30, a field-averaged tissue test is used to D. Osmond, Dep. of Soil Sci., North Carolina State Univ., Box 7619, optimize N application rates (Alley et al., 1994). This Raleigh, NC 27695-7619; and C. Crozier, Dep. of Soil Sci., North system resulted in an increase in estimated profit of

Influence of seedpiece spacing and population on yield, internal quality, and economic performance of Atlantic, Superior, and Snowden potato varieties in eastern North Carolina

73 Carolina State Univ., Vernon James Res. and Ext. Cent., 207 Research ha 1 across 20 site-years (Scharf and Alley, 1993). Rd., Plymouth, NC 27692. Received 5 Dec. 2002. *Corresponding author (mike_flowers@ncsu.edu). While this system (Fig. 1) has been tested and adopted Published in Agron. J. 96:124–134 (2004).  American Society of Agronomy Abbreviations: GS, growth stage; SNUE, spring nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency. 677 S. Segoe Rd., Madison, WI 53711 USA

Potato production on wide beds: Impact on yield and selected soil physical characteristics

In recent stand assessment surveys on North Carolina farms, potato plant stands averaged only 67% of target populations. In response to these findings, this study was designed to determine the effects of seed-piece spacing and varying seedpiece populations on yield, internal quality, and economics of three potato varieties commonly grown in North Carolina: Atlantic; Snowden; and Superior. The three varieties responded differently to changes in spacing and population. Atlantic was sensitive to differences in spacing and populations, with reduced yields of grade A tubers as spacing increased above 23 cm. Atlantic was not able to compensate for wide (46 cm) spacing, even when seed-piece populations were high (doubles planted every 46 cm). Yield of B tubers was greater for 15 cm spacing and decreased significantly as spacing was increased. Yield of Superior was affected less by increases in spacing than decreases in population. Superior was able to compensate for wide gaps in spacing if seedpiece populations were high. Superior produced more B tubers at the 15 cm spacing, and less at the 46 cm spacing. Yield of grade A Snowden tubers did not differ with spacing or population; however, there were more B tubers in the 15 cm, 23 cm, and 46 cm (doubles) treatments than the wider spacing treatments. Incidence of hollow heart and heat necrosis increased in Atlantic in treatments that tended to have larger tubers. Economic analyses of data suggest that growers can significantly increase profit/hectare by optimizing spacing and populations with Atlantic and seedpiece populations in Superior.

Roller-Crimper Termination for Legume Cover Crops in North Carolina: Impacts on Nutrient Availability to a Succeeding Corn Crop

Planting three rows of potatoes in a bed the width of two conventional rows offers an easily managed way to increase seed piece populations, with the potential of increasing tuber yield and enhancing tuber quality. A wide bed production system (3 rows of potatoes planted on a 1.9 m flat-topped raised bed) was compared to a conventional-ridged system (1 row of potatoes in sharply sloped ridges on 96 cm centers) in 1996 and 1997 on a Norfolk sandy loam soil and a Portsmouth fine sandy loam soil in eastern North Carolina. Potato plant stands, leaf area index at approximately 9 WAP, yield, and quality were measured. Soil temperature, soil moisture, and cone index, as a measure of soil penetration resistance, were also measured, wide beds were more moist than conventional ridges early in the season. Cone index was greater throughout the root profile in wide beds in two of three tests. The row on the west side of an individual wide bed was most similar to conventional ridges in daily soil temperature fluctuations between minimum and maximum temperatures, and had greater fluctuations than the middle and eastern rows of the wide bed. Total yield and yield of grade A potatoes were not significantly different between wide beds and conventional ridges at either site. At one site, yield of grade B potatoes was significantly less in the wide bed; among the three rows in the wide bed, the eastern row had significantly lower yield of grade B potatoes. Conventional ridges had a higher percent of green grade A potatoes than the wide beds in one of three trials. Under North Carolina conditions, changing production systems would be unadvisable for most growers because wide beds do not increase yield enough to justify spending the money for more seed and to change equipment.

Effects of drainage water management on crop yields in North Carolina

Nitrogen (N) release from roll-killed legume cover crops was determined for hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), and a hairy vetch + rye (Secale cereale L.) biculture in an organic corn production system in North Carolina, USA. Cover crops were planted at two locations in fall 2008 and 2009, roll-killed in May, and no-till planted with corn (Zea mays L.). Inorganic soil N and mineral N flux were determined using potassium chloride (KCl) extractions and ion-exchange resin (Plant Root Simulator, PRS) probes at 2-week intervals for 12 weeks and compared to fertilized controls of 0 and 168 kg N ha−1. In 2009, greater plant available N under hairy vetch than under either 0 N control or crimson clover was found, with peak soil N occurring between 4 and 6 weeks after roll kill. Available soil N under crimson clover mulches was less than or equal to 0 N, suggesting net immobilization.

Influence of soil calcium, potassium, and pH on development of leaf tipburn of cabbage in eastern North Carolina

Research studies on a wide range of soils, crops, locations, and climates have shown that drainage water management (DWM), or controlled drainage (CD), can be used to substantially reduce the loss of nitrogen (N), and in some cases, phosphorus (P) from drained agricultural lands to surface waters. The adoption and widespread application of DWM depends on a variety of factors including its impact on crop yields. This paper presents results from a long term field study on the effect of DWM or CD on crop yields in a three-crop, two-year corn/wheat–soybean rotation. Yields were measured on replicated field scale plots under CD and conventional or free drainage (FD) treatments for a total of 18 crops on two experimental sites during the period from 1990 to 2011. Data were collected on 7 corn (Zea mays L.) crops, 5 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crops, and 6 soybean (Glycine max L.) crops. Controlled drainage had no significant effect on yields of winter wheat, which in North Carolina is grown in the wettest, coolest part of the year. Controlled drainage increased corn yields compared to FD in all seven years. The average yield increase for corn was 11%. Controlled drainage also increased soybean yield in all years with an average increase of 10% compared to FD. Such yield responses will promote the application of DWM, which will result in both economic and environmental benefits.

Influence of Cultural Practices and Crop Rotation on Kenaf Yield in North Carolina

Abstract Three hypotheses that involved manipulation of soil calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and pH in relation to the occurrence of leaf tipburn of cabbage in eastern North Carolina (NC) were formulated and tested: 1) adding K to soil will increase (induce) leaf tipburn; 2) adding Ca and K together to soil will block K‐related tipburn induction, and 3) raising soil pH to levels of 6.0 to 6.5 will decrease leaf tipburn. Six experiments were conducted in commercial cabbage production fields in eastern NC in 1996 and 1997 to test these hypotheses. Hypothesis 1 was accepted since higher rates of K significantly (p<0.05) increased leaf K concentration, soil K content and leaf tipburn incidence compared with the control. Total cabbage yield increased as K rates increased, however, significant differences were only observed between the control and the highest rate (365 kg K ha‐1) in 1996. Hypothesis 2 was accepted since adding increased amounts of Ca and K. did not significantly increase leaf tipburn incidence. Hypothesis 3 was rejected since a range of soil pH from 5.3 to 6.6 did not increase or decrease leaf tipburn incidence, nutrient uptake or total yield. These data suggest that leaf tipburn of cabbage can be increased (induced) with excessive K fertilization and that this practice may be associated with the disorder observed in NC. Also, the addition of Ca with K may potentially reduce the risk associated with K‐related leaf tipburn of cabbage.

Effects of Drainage Water Management on Crop Yields

Kenaf is a relatively new crop to North Carolina and its impact on cropping systems has not been clearly determined. The impacts of crop rotation on kenaf, as well as the impacts of kenaf on rotation crops were examined. Crops preceding kenaf included corn, soybean, cotton, and peanut while crops following kenaf or corn included corn, soybean, cotton, peanut, and tobacco. Experiments were also conducted to define interactions among kenaf planting dates, row width/plant population systems, and cultivars. In one of two years, kenaf yield was lower when kenaf followed peanut or soybean compared to following cotton. Peanut and soybean yield were similar when following either corn and kenaf. However, corn and cotton yield was lower in one of two years when following corn compared to kenaf. Tobacco yield was similar when planted following either corn or kenaf. The interaction of planting date, row width/plant population, and cultivar was not significant for kenaf yield. No yield differences were observed between kenaf cultivars Everglade 41 and Tainung 2. Kenaf yield was higher when planted May 15 rather than June 15 and when kenaf was planted in rows spaced 8 inches apart (total plant population of 261,000 plants per acre) compared to rows spaced 36 inches apart (total plant population of 174,000 plants per acre).

Evaluating Inorganic Nitrogen and Rye-Crimson Clover Mixture Fertilization of Spring Broccoli and Lettuce by 15Nitrogen Tracing and Mass Balance

The purpose of all drainage systems is to increase the efficiency and reliability of production. This should be accomplished by taking advantage of the resources naturally available. Controlled drainage conserves water by managing the drainage outflow from the system. This conservation of naturally available water saves energy and increases crop yields.