Grower Knowledge Important For Nutrient Management Program Success

Near the rural town of Downs, Ill., Jason Webster, central Illinois practical farm research director, manages 165 acres of replicated research plots for Beck’s Hybrids. The plots serve the needs of Beck’s marketing area in several states; and the research focuses on practical farm trials, with the grower in mind. Webster has worked with farm research for more than 20 years and has a passion for nutrient management, particularly research involving nitrogen (N).

Profitable Knowledge
At the research center, Webster currently is working on several tests that focus on N management. Webster believes N management is a huge concern because he sees nutrient losses each year resulting in low corn yields.

“N is a key nutrient that corn needs to achieve high yields. I feel growers need to know how to be efficient N users, but at the same time know what is happening regarding nitrate losses in relationship to applied N and application timing,” says Webster.

Nitrogen isn’t the only nutrient deficiency Webster studies; he uses several techniques to research ways to combat different nutrient problems. One such technique is AVAIL^® Phosphorus Fertilizer Enhancer and NutriSphere-N^® Nitrogen Fertilizer Manager to help growers get the most out of their applied fertilizers.

“Practices such as multiple application timings with fertilizer enhancers like AVAIL and NutriSphere-N, side-dressing corn and soil nitrate/tissue testing can tell growers a great deal about their current nutrient position each year,” Webster adds.

Research Results
Each year, Webster’s research produces various results that he shares with local growers. This research helps them decide how to best manage their programs.

“In our 2009 and 2010 tests, AVAIL offered yield increases near 6.3 bu./A and helped solidify a successful starter fertilizer program,” says Webster. “NutriSphere-N offered yield increases of just over 9 bu./A.”

Switching Techniques
Growers in Webster’s area practice different farming methods, and some are more popular than others. He has observed growers switching to more conservative methods such as no-till, but it can’t be an overnight switch.

“I think no-till is an excellent tool for growers who want to preserve or protect soils or those looking to reduce the amount of tillage, labor and fuel on their farms,” says Webster. “However, growers need to fully understand no-till corn practices before making the switch. Sometimes, strip-till corn has allowed growers to have a happy medium between no-till and conventional tillage, and it works out very well for them.”

It has taken Webster many years to understand the differences in nitrogen and other nutrient needs by crops in relation to tillage practices, split applications and hybrid responses. Ensuring crops have sufficient nutrients takes a great deal of scouting, testing and understanding.

Setting Up For Success
Part of a good nutrient management program is soil testing and other techniques to gauge soil health. Webster recommends a soil testing cycle of at least a four year rotation. If production is variable and soil test results are erratic, then he prefers two year cycles. Additionally, Webster believes soil health is important in determining the nutrient and pH levels to calculate the amount of fertilizer needed.

“By managing nutrients correctly, we set the stage to ensure a large crop and a successful year,” Webster concludes.

To learn more about the practical farm research, visit beckshybrids.com or contact Webster directly.
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