2008 Joint Annual Meeting (5-9 Oct. 2008): Use of Soil Moisture Data to Refine GreenSeeker Sensor Based N Recommendations in Winter Wheat.

588-12 Use of Soil Moisture Data to Refine GreenSeeker Sensor Based N Recommendations in Winter Wheat.



Monday, 6 October 2008
George R. Brown Convention Center, Exhibit Hall E
Olga S. Walsh, Plant and Soil Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74074, William R. Raun, 044 N. Ag Hall, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma State University, Dept. of Plant & Soil Sciences, Stillwater, OK 74078-0507, John B. Solie, Oklahoma State University, 111 Ag Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078-6027, Arthur R. Klatt, 368 Ag Hall, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma State University, Dept. of Plant & Soil Sciences, Stillwater, OK 74078, Chad B. Godsey, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma State University, 368 Ag Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, Brian D. Arnall, Oklahoma State University, 2605 W. 6th, Agronomy Farm Bld 615, Stillwater, OK 74078, Daniel E. Edmonds, Oklahoma State University, 051 Ag Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, Brandon B. England, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma State University, 051 Ag Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, Cody M. Daft, OK State Agronomy Club, 2818 W 4th Avenue, Stillwater, OK 74074 and Yumiko Kanke, Oklahoma State University, 368 Ag. Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078
The Sensor Based Nitrogen Rate Calculator enables producers to estimate yield potential and obtain N fertilization rates based on GreenSeeker sensor measurements and the response index, number of days where GDD (growing degree days)>0, agronomic maximum yield, expected grain price, and fertilizer price. Soil moisture levels can vary significantly both site to site and year to year. Furthermore, soil moisture is known to significantly affect both yield potential and fertilizer use efficiency. The objectives of this trial are: to determine the effect of mid-season soil profile moisture on prediction of yield potential in winter wheat and corn using comprehensive Mesonet weather data, and to establish the functional relationship for adjusting fertilizer N recommendations based on profile moisture and to refine the on-line Sensor Based Nitrogen Rate Calculator. The current Sensor Based Nitrogen Rate Calculator does not take in account profile soil moisture at the time of sensing. Limited soil profile moisture leads to overestimation of yield potential and, low fertilizer use efficiency. At-sensing knowledge of the amount of water present in the soil profile will help to more accurately predict yield potential. This will in turn reduce the risk of applying N when it is not required, and to identify years when sufficient moisture is present in the soil profile to produce near maximum yields where more N is needed.