- Starter and foliar fertilizers
- Genotype x nutrient interactions
- Fertilizer efficiency in varied environments
- Ιrrigation and liming tests
These are a few of the types of tests we have been involved with over the years. As we move to high plant populations where we are now at 38,000 plants/A we see a need for balancing fertility, and a need for more nitrogen to feed more plants. The sustainability of the increased plant material with fertility depends on good rooting and water availability. It becomes valuable for the plants to establish a good root system to sustain them through stress periods with low rainfall. All tests are replicated four or more times and often with six replications to measure small differences. Analyses are run via ARM (agricultural research manager from Gyllings) and reports issued in an ARM format unless requested in excel or pdf formats to provide you with an electronic data base. Starter materials can be placed in-furrow in four of six center rows of the six-row 7100 mounted John Deere planter. This planter has an electronic pump that can be calibrated with different flow rates. A number of studies have involved materials that prevent the loss of nitrogen from various forms of nitrogen like ammonia at 82%, urea at 46%, and urea ammonium nitrate at 28% nitrogen. Studies have also included phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur plus others with micronutrients often applied as foliar materials.
Foliar applications of nutrients or plant growth regulators are also tested as we see these are useful to agricultural production. We also work with non genetically modified crops and organic materials because there is a need for those using such products.