Partnering with:

Ag Logic Distributors

The effects of a humic product on corn growth are being evaluated under field conditions to test limited reports of an on-farm grain yield boost in 2008. Grain yield, nutrient uptake at harvest, and soil properties are being measured in test strips on farmers’ fields across Iowa as a survey of the humic product efficacy across soil types and crop management strategies. These same measurements plus in-season plant growth characteristics are also being monitored on research plots near Ames and Radcliffe, IA, that evaluate timing of product application.

 

Can Tho University, Can Tho, Vietnam

To expand on previous research of ARS staff, aerobic decomposition of crop residues is being evaluated in screenhouse and field conditions since 2004 as an alternative to the conventional practice of anaerobic decomposition for improving soil nitrogen cycling and grain yield in continuous rice systems of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Rice uptake of nitrogen, grain yield, and amounts of soil phenols are being monitored. Limited field results on the rich Mekong soils have shown grain yield increases as high as 26% with aerobic decomposition.

 

Cooperating with:

Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute (part of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University), Adutherai, Tamil Nadu, India

To expand on previous research of ARS staff, aerobic decomposition of crop residues is being evaluated in a long-term field experiment since 2005 as an alternative to the conventional practice of anaerobic decomposition for improving soil nitrogen cycling and grain yield in continuous rice systems of the Cauvery Delta, Tamil Nadu, India. Aerobic decomposition is being evaluated in conjunction with organic fertilizers and improved timing of nitrogen fertilizer applications. Rice uptake of nutrients and grain yield are being monitored. Results on the carbon-depleted soil show a nearly 20% increase in grain yield when aerobic decomposition is combined with organic fertilizers and optimal timing of nitrogen fertilizer application.