Title:

G97-NPS-07 Precision Farming Demo and Outreach

Sponsor:

University of Missouri-Columbia/Downing

Project Manager:

Dan Downing
Office of Sponsored Programs
310 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211

Project Period:

7/15/1996 - 9/30/2002

319 Grant Funds:

$505,209

Project Description:

Precision Farming Demo and Outreach

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A major component of the project is to develop a holistic educational program for delivery to the target audiences: farmers and landowners. The project
coordinator will lead in the development of instructional and implementation plans for teaching and demonstration of the fundamentals of site-specific
fertilizer management. The advisory group will be involved in the development of the educational program. The educational programs will include in-service education for University Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, ag-service personnel and crop producers.

PRODUCTS AND OBJECTIVES

The objective is to accelerate the dissemination of information and adoption of site-specific fertilizer management through efforts in the field. This will necessitate developing appropriate course outlines, agendas, syllabi and lesson plans for instructional products and educational activities. Demonstrations of an integrated nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and lime variable-rate application plan based on grid soil sampling and soil productivity variations will be conducted on farmers' fields at various locations throughout the state. A minimum of five demonstration sites of 20 acres each or more will be located in the major crop producing areas of the state. Each site will show the differences between variable-rate and single-rate fertilizer inputs in side-by-side comparisons. A sign explaining the soil variability and fertility plan for the variable-rate and single-rate treatments will be posted at each site for season-long exposure of the project. Variable- and single-rate treatment areas will be harvested separately for yield and economic analyses.

After harvest, soil will be sampled and analyzed for residual soil nitrate. Additional measurements to compare precision fertilizer application to conventional applications will be conducted at the demonstration sites with in-season tissue sampling for plant nutrient analysis and chlorophyll meter readings (nitrogen health indicators). Also, for those demonstration sites with soils conducive to lysimeter measurements, suction-cup lysimeters will be installed and water samples taken periodically during the growing season to assess nitrate concentrations at the lower portion of the rooting zone. This latter measurement along with the post-harvest soil nitrate sampling can help quantify the environmental benefits of variable rate nitrogen applications. Management at each individual demonstration site will include as practical other proven BMPs that protect water quality. An annual report comparing the yields, economics and post-harvest soil nitrate levels of the demonstration sites will be written and distributed statewide.

PROJECT SPONSOR

University of Missouri - Columbia/Carpenter

COOPERATING AGENCY

EPA/DNR

CONTACT

University of Missouri- Columbia
Office of Sponsored Program Administration
310 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Robert Broz 573-882-0085
brozr@.missouri.edu