Real Time Modeling of Soil N Incorporating Seasonal Weather Forecasts.

There is ever increasing pressure on agricultural producers to increase crop production with limited land and resources and reduce environmental impacts while facing variable weather conditions. We have developed the NLOS model and implemented a web based version to better assist professionals and farmers to better manage nitrogen (N) resources on dairy farms in real-time. The model provides a management tool that incorporates weather data, farm soil data and management information allowing a farmer to track N on their farm. A farmer can then see in real-time the consequences of management decisions and use this information to help with further decisions in-season or with the next cropping season. Current information of N status and the dynamics over time enable the farmer to better interpret both snap-shot soil test and crop analysis results. Recent model developments incorporate seasonal weather forecasts predicting soil N status and N losses allowing farmers to adjust their in-season N application timing and amounts as well as plan irrigation management. Introduction of seasonal weather forecasts will improve decision making leading to better N management on dairy farms.