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ARS Home » Plains Area » Mandan, North Dakota » Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #184669
Title: SITE-SPECIFIC FARMING AND SOIL SAMPLING IN WESTERN NORTH DAKOTA

Author
item HOFMAN, VERN - NDSU EXTENSION AGRI ENGIN
item NOWATZKI, JOHN - NDSU, GEOSPATIAL SPECLST
item Tanaka, Donald

Submitted to: North Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Bulletin
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/20/2005
Publication Date: 1/6/2005
Citation: Hofman, V., Nowatzki, J., Tanaka, D.L. 2005. Site-specific farming and soil sampling in western North Dakota. AE-1291. North Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Bulletin. North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND.

Interpretive Summary: Agricultural producers need to reduce production costs to remain economically viable. Site-specific farming is one way to reduce production costs by applying fertilizer to a yield based on production capacity, proven yields, and crop needs. Research at Mandan, ND shows that producers can apply high fertilizer rates to increase yields to above-average precipitation years and if weather conditions result in below-average precipitation, the fertilizer is still available in the soil profile to be used for the next years crop. If high levels of fertilizer are found in certain areas of a yield, variable rate applications can take that into consideration and reduce the total amount of fertilizer based on yield goal, soil type, soil nutrient status, and moisture availability. With this technology, potential environmental contamination can be reduced.

Technical Abstract: Site-specific farming has potential to reduce production costs by applying fertilizer to a field based upon production capacity and proven yields, and reduce the pollution potential in lower-value crops with dryland farming in western North Dakota. The research has shown that producers can apply high fertilizers rates to increase yields in good rainfall years. If weather conditions reduce crop fields, the fertilizer is still available in the soil profile to be utilized for the next crop year. If some residual N moves to lower levels, sunflowers in the following year will retrieve those nutrients. Variable-rate application can also reduce potential environment contamination. If high levels of fertilizer are found in certain areas, variable-rate application for the next year’s crop can take that into consideration and reduce the rate so the total amount of fertilizer is based upon a yield goal for soil type and moisture availability.