Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Idaho Metal Contaminants and Water Quality Lake Coeur dAlene (CDA) in Idaho is a major collecting bed for contaminated sediments produced during mining and ore processing activities. We characterized the lake sediments and made use of a novel approach in which contaminated ponds along the CDA River were used as mesocosms. Soil Management and Cropping Systems " Spring barley vs. spring wheat response to P. Spring wheat and barley did not differ in P requirements. " Alfalfa Seed Yield Response to Residual P. Biomass increased but seed yield decreased with increasing available P. " Nutrient cycling with biofumigants used for onion production. N release from fall incorporated biofumigants occurred mostly before spring planting of onions. " Triticale P concentrations in manured fields. P concentrations in boot stage triticale ranged widely from NRC values and were related to Olsen P. " PNW on-line offering of testing for CCA credits. Soil Fertility and Potato Cropping Systems " P banding in Sugarbeets. Compared 3 depths of banding, surface, 3 and 6 below the seed, at planting. Yield response when banded deep. " Nitrogen management in winter wheat with reduced irrigation. Four irrigation schemes and 5 rates of N. No N Rate response in limited irrigation schemes, reduce N application to zero. Protein levels increase as water as limited. " Variable N Management in Potatoes. Compared 4 methods of determine pre-season N rate in potatoes. Used aerial photography and ground truthing for yield potential yielded highest and had a greater return. " N Management in malting Barley. Determine optimal N rates in barley for eastern Idaho. Determine effectiveness of Greenseeker for in season N management. Greenseeker is effective in differentiating between plots with sufficient N and those with insufficient N. " P timing and rate in Potatoes. Evaluated method of P application and various timings. P application as a band and broadcast together at planting yields the same or higher and was easiest and least expensive method. " Silage corn N rates. On farm rate studies with and without starter. N rates are consistent with recommendations and starter showed no effect. Oregon Spring Chloride application for grass Evaluating if spring K and Cl application increases yield or seed weight in perennial cool season grass grown for seed. Also evaluating Cl soil test and tissue concentration. Found no predictable yield or seed weight increase from either K or Cl applied in spring. Rhubarb Final year to sample rhubarb for nutrient uptake. Plan this year is to sample crowns. We have four years data and will assemble and publish/use data in some manner. Nitrogen rate prediction in grass for seed Ten field sites established to evaluate the nitrogen mineralization soil test. Not successful in using test to predict spring N rate. Blueberries and raspberries Continue working on nutrient accumulation and movement in red raspberries; Also evaluating N rates and mulch on newly planted blueberries. Hawaii 1. The Phosphorus Run-off Risk Evaluator (PRRE): The Phosphorus Index for Hawaii The PRRE is a computer system for desktop and hand-held computers. The PRRE provides a consistent field method of assessing P contamination potential considering local conditions, and assists land manager with decision making. The system has been incorporated into NRCS conservation plan protocols, and 25 NRCS field staff have received training in its correct use. 2. Riparian Composition and Function in a Small Watershed in Hanalei, Hawaii. The purpose of this study is to investigate microbial and nutrient transport through riparian areas. 3. The Use of Mycorrhizal Fungi for the Sustainable Production of Vegetable Crops in Hawaii. This project seeks to determine the extent of vegetable crop dependence on mycorrhiza with the intention of applying the technology with predictable results. 4. Land Application of Livestock Manures in Hawaii and the American Pacific Results after two years are summarized as follows: (i) composition of manures in Hawaii similar to the mainland U.S., except higher Cu levels found in Hawaii manures, (ii) an Oxisol retained much more P against run-off than a Mollisol and the amounts of P released to the run-off watervaried with P source and time, (iii) tropical forage grasses have high nutrient uptake and year round growth in Hawaii which indicates potential for very high manure and effluent application rates, and (iv) suveys of Hawaii livestock producers showed high water use, accumulation of effluent in earthen lagoons, and limited land application of manures and effluents. 5. Nutrient Management for Wetland Taro Production Field trials have shown that wetland taro farmers have been over-applying fertilizers. Results showed that farmers could reduce N inputs to 400 lbs/acre. Most farmers were applying high levels of even when soil P tests showed high P. Results from the experiments showed that taro yields could be improved by withholding P fertilizer when soil P test was between 80-100 mg/kg. The highest yields were observed when K was added at 600 lbs/acre. Farmers have begun to adopt the new fertilizer recommendations obtained through this research. 6. Optimizing the Soil Environment for Diversified Crops in Hawaii This project will help increase the production of diversified crops (e.g., coffee, papaya, taro) in Hawaii by improving the soil environment, crop monitoring parameters, and the farmers management knowledge and skills. 7. Nitrogen Management and Conservation Decision-aids Development The Nitrogen Management and Conservation Decision-aids Development project seeks to improve the diagnosis and detection of agricultural and non-agricultural situations where improper N management may be leading to environmental degradation, excessive costs, and generally decreased productivity. This work may provide the framework for developing a soil nitrate test suitable for our tropical island environment. 8. Upgrading the Fertilizer Advice Consulting System (FACS) Work has begun on revising and upgrading the FACS to achieve better fertilizer recommendations for the state of Hawaii. Revisions will include: (i) improving nitrogen fertilizer recommendations; (ii) conduct field trials to validate criteria for Truog and Bicarbonate P; (iii) provide options for fertilizer application timing in recommendation; (iv) improve user friendliness of software and tailor FACS to client needs; and (v) implement web-access system. 9. Improving Phosphorus Management through Farmer Adoption of Soil and Tissue Testing The purpose of the project is to upgrade and improve the soil nutrient management recommendation procedure currently used by the Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center (ADSC) at the University with the goal of increasing farmer adoption of soil and tissue testing as a guide to better fertilizer management. Utah Primary themes arising from initial efforts have been: proper and efficient use of alternatives to ammonium nitrate, bio-stimulant efficacy and economics, balancing soil health (organic matter manipulation, erosion control, reduced tillage, IPM/BMP adoption, etc.), and salinity control. New plans developed to begin research this spring in many of these focus areas. California 1. Developing a Potential Hazard Index for Nitrate in the Southwest States. Nearly 600 irrigated soils in California, Arizona, and Nevada were indexed based on their relative potential hazard for leaching nitrate. Initial development of the Nitrate Groundwater Pollution Hazard Index for Irrigated Agriculture in the Southwest has been completed (see www.waterresources.ucr.edu). Six workshops to present the index were conducted in November and December of 2004 in Reno (NV), Davis, Fresno, Salinas, Phoenix (AZ), and Holtville; a seventh workshop is being planned for April in San Diego. One hundred people from Cooperative Extension, NRCS, water agency personnel, and consultants attended the workshops. 2. Efficiency of K fertigation through buried drip irrigation on processing tomato yield and fruit quality (CDFA FREP). Fertigated K can increase yield in fields where conventional preplant or sidedress applications are unlikely to do so. Effective K movement from the point of application appears to be less than 8 inches in Central Valley soils. 3. Comparison of soil test procedures to predict soluble P levels in runoff and leachate. (CDFA FREP) In 25 vegetable soils from the Salinas Valley (enriched mostly with mineral fertilizers, not manures), Olsen P was a useful predictor of soluble P loss in runoff and leachate from soil columns, although anion resin adsorbed P and CaCl2 extractable P were somewhat better predictors. Runoff and leachate P are minimal in soils less than about 30-40 PPM Olsen P, and increase quickly in higher P soils; unfortunately the vast majority of areas like the Salinas Valley are above this 'breakpoint'. 4. Seasonal Patterns of Nutrient Uptake and Partitioning as a Function of Crop Load of the Hass Avocado (CDFA FREP) Quantified the amount of each nutrient partitioned into vegetative or reproductive growth and storage pools. The research identified the periods of high nutrient use from bloom to harvest as a function of crop load, and thus identified the amount of each nutrient required and when it was required to produce an on-crop and good return crop the following year. We are in the process of developing guidelines for fertilization based on maximum nutrient-use efficiency that will eliminate applications made during ineffective periods for uptake to thus protect the groundwater and increase profitability for Californias 6,000 avocado growers. 5. Nitrate Transport in Thick, Unsaturated, Alluvial Sediments. While a large amount of research has focused on nitrogen cycling in the root zone of California tree fruit orchards (0-6 ft depth), little is known about the fate of nitrogen between the root zone and the groundwater table. Groundwater levels in many areas of Central and Southern California are from 30 ft to over 100 ft deep. Therefore, the deep vadose zone is a critical link between agricultural sources and groundwater. The objectives of the proposed research are: Investigate the fate of nitrogen throughout the entire deep vadose zone at a well- controlled, long-term research orchard with a stratigraphy typical of many areas on the east side of the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California, and with management practices representative of orchards and vineyards; Develop and validate an appropriate modeling tool to assess the fate of nitrogen in deep, heterogeneous vadose zones. 6. Groundwater Quality Impacts and Dairy Nutrient Management. Our research project has the following objectives: Implement a groundwater monitoring program to characterize shallow groundwater quality underneath a number of cooperating dairies in central California; Develop specific recommendations for improvements in dairy nutrient management that are likely to have significant impact on groundwater quality; Develop strategies to improve current groundwater quality; Educate regulatory agency staff and dairy operators about potential pathways of manure nutrients in the subsurface below dairies and about their potential role in safeguarding ground water quality. 7. Growth Curves for Pastures in Humboldt County. Forage harvest data was collected prior to each grazing 12 and 8 times during 2003 at the two locations. Forage yields increased in response to urea nitrogen rates up to 400 lbs N/A (highest rate applied) split into 3 applications made midMarch, midJune, and midAugust at both locations. Soil samples taken three times during the season soon after fertilizer application indicated little, if any, nitrate moved beyond the 2 foot depth. Forage yields (10 harvests at each of the two locations in 2004) increased in response to N rates up to 400-600 lbs N/A. Yields were significantly lower at both locations when N (600 and/or 800 lbs N/A rates) was applied on two dates rather than the three application dates. Soil samples taken four times during the season soon after fertilizer application indicated that small amounts of nitrate moved into the 3rd foot of soil depth even when the nitrogen was applied only twice per year. 8. Nutrition and Orchard Floor Management Comparisons in a No-Till Organic Cling Peach System. Cling peach trees of the cultivar Klamt were planted in the winter of 2001 on berms in a 10 acre block in Gridley, California. The transition to certified organic status began August 1, 2001. 9. Ponderosa Pine Growth Response to Bottom Wood Ash Application. The objectives are to develop tree growth response information following the application of a range in bottom wood ash application rates and monitor surface water quality in runoff subplots. Greater than 90% survival of seedlings observed in September 2004 indicated no adverse effect due to the higher rates of ash application. Soil pH at the highest ash application rate was slightly over 7.0 for the 3 replications of this treatment. Needle samples were taken for nutrient and potential element toxicity evaluation but analysis of data has not been completed. 10. Strawberry daughter plant production with a liquid slow release nitrogen fertilizer. Unequal nitrogen rates between the conventional and slow release nitrogen fertilizers resulted in no significantly different daughter plant growth or crown diameter at one location. At the second location the high rate of the liquid slow release nitrogen fertilizer caused severe leaf burn and delayed daughter plant growth, both number of plants and crown diameter. 11. Precision Fertigation in Orchards: Development of a Spatially Variable Microsprinkler System (CDFA-FREP). Objectives are to: Design and develop electronic hardware for individually controllable microsprinklers along a drip tubing irrigation line; Develop the communication network and software for control of the microsprinkler network by a master computer; Experimentally evaluate the system performance and potential problems caused by operation in the field; and Develop potential fertigation control strategies to optimize orchard production. Design will begin on a second generation system using wireless communication between the microsprinkler nodes. 12. Practical Soil Test Methods for Predicting Net N Mineralization (CDFA FREP, 2003-2006). The objective of the project is to develop and test in California a simple soil test that will aid in making appropriate nitrogen fertilization recommendations that ensure a high yield and minimize nitrate leaching to groundwater. The approach is to investigate the relationship between the amino sugar content in the soil and nitrogen mineralization during the cropping season and compare the Illinois method of Khan and Mulvaney for estimating soil amino sugar method with other methods used to make N fertilization recommendations. 13. Spatial distribution of soil biota, mycorrhizae, roots and soil nitrogen transformations The role soil microbial processes in supplying nitrogen to vegetables was a major focus of research and extension activities. A three-year project documenting the successful transition to organic production by Salinas Valley vegetable growers was completed. Washington 1. Chloride responses of PNW-adapted spring and winter wheat cultivars. Project emphasized grain milling and end-use quality parameters as well as yield. Spring wheat yield responses to Cl were not consistent. Winter wheat yield responses have been consistent though small (2-3%). Chloride has had minimal effects on grain milling or end use quality parameters of spring or winter wheats. Interestingly, no cultivar by Cl interactions have been found for winter wheat yield, though cultivar by Cl interactions were found for leaf spot severity. For a complete summary see the poster and WNMC Proceedings article for 2005 Conference. 2. Implications of stratified soil acidity in direct seeded cropping systems in eastern Washington. The project initially involved evaluating broadcast and subsurface-banded lime applications on soil pH and wheat and legume yield in direct seeded rotations. No effects of liming on wheat yield were measured in the field; some effects were measured in a growth chamber experiment. Project was expanded to characterize spatial variability of soil pH and Al in direct seeded systems with different liming strategies, to model Al speciation, and to screen pre-1950 and current wheat cultivars for tolerance to low pH/high Al conditions. 3. Seeding and phosphorus rate effects on late planted dryland winter wheat. The main goal is to determine if higher seeding and/or phosphorus rates can improve yield of winter wheat planted late in recrop or chemical fallow situations where fall rains are required to provide adequate seed zone moisture. The project is also designed to provide some basic P response data for winter wheat. Project may be coupled with more detailed analyses of phosphorus thermodynamic equilibrium relationships in diverse soil conditions associated with eastern Washington landscapes and stratified soil pH conditions created with direct seeding. 4. The strategic use of application timing and controlled release nitrogen fertilizer to improve nitrogen use efficiency of winter wheat in the high rainfall zone of eastern Washington. Project seeks to improve nitrogen use efficiency by comparing application timings (early fall at planting, late fall broadcast, early spring broadcast, and splits) and controlled release fertilizer (Polyon product) at 5 rates for hard red winter wheat. 5. Revision of dryland nutrient management guides for Washington. Dryland nutrient management guides are either outdated or nonexistent for eastern Washington. Since these guides play an integral role in the CSP and other NRCS programs, efforts are underway to revise them. Guides will be mainly electronic and supported with an active Excel spreadsheet/application record. In addition to containing traditional fertility recommendation information, these guides include routines for calculating nitrogen uptake and nitrogen utilization efficiencies based on available information such as yield, grain protein, initial soil test nitrogen and nitrogen fertilizer applied. Wyoming Phosphorus availability from fertilizers with varying NH4:P ratios is being studied. New Mexico 1. Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning Workshops were held at the NRCS state offices in Albuquerque in 2003 and 2004. Fourteen NRCS employees and 11 technical service providers were trained over 3 2 days in 2003. Eleven NRCS, 4 CES, and 1 private individual attended training in 2004. Topics covered included plan development, feed management, nutrient management, design of storage facilities, and compliance with federal and state regulations. Thirty-six CNMP=s have been completed out of 167 possible. 2. Improvements have been made to the New Mexico soil test interpretation workbook for use in NRCSs 590 job sheets for New Mexico. Improvements include updated equations for determining nitrogen loading and fertilizer blending calculations for fertilizer dealers. Compost and manure effects on row crops, grass hay and alfalfa continues to be evaluated at Artesia, Clovis, and Los Lunas. Verification of nitrogen rates for small grains for silage are also being tested at ASC-Artesia 3. Vineyard fertility needs in New Mexico are currently being assessed through soil sampling. The wine industry continues to grow, especially in southwestern New Mexico. Standard soil test potassium using ammonium acetate does not seem to reflect plant available potassium causing a need to challenge current potassium extraction procedures at commercial labs. The NMSU soil and water testing laboratory routinely tests for water soluble K which may have more meaning for crop production. Arizona Cotton 1. Variable Rate Application of P Fertilizers for Cotton. In 2004 we embarked on a variation on the P fertility work investigating variable rate (VR) application of P fertilizers. We observed significant responses to P fertilization. The variable rate produced the highest yield (not statistically different from the UR high and low), but the significant part was that we applied 27% less P fertilizer than the high UR treatment. This would represent an approximate $7/acre savings to the grower. On 1000 acres it would pay for the equipment to make the VR application in one year. 2. P Management in the Upper Gila Valley. P fertility work in the Safford valley for about 4 years. Each year we have conducted a range of trials on soils that typically have less than 5 ppm (NaHCO3 extractable) P. Each year we have statistically significant responses to P fertilization. 3. Residual Soil Nitrogen Evaluations in Irrigated Desert Soils, 2004. At each location conducted since 1989, treatments varied from a conservative to a more aggressive approach of N management. Results at each location have consistently revealed a strong relationship between the crop fruit retention levels and N needs for the crop. This pattern was further reflected in final yield analysis as a response to the N fertilization regimes used. The higher, more aggressive, N application regimes did not benefit yields at any location. Generally, the more conservative, feedback approach to N management provided optimum yields at all locations. Small Grains 1. Use of Tissue Testing to Prevent Low Grain Protein Content in Durum. Low grain protein content in durum can be prevented by applying nitrogen fertilizer after heading. Tentative guidelines were established from previous research for nitrogen fertilizer applications after heading based on the lower stem nitrate content near heading. Ten commercial durum fields were selected for testing the use of these guidelines to ensure grain protein contents greater than 13%. The average protein content was 14.0%, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer actually applied by the growers after heading averaged 44.5 lbs N/acre, whereas the amount recommended by the tentative guidelines averaged 41.5 lbs N/acre. If the tentative guidelines had been followed, we estimate that the average grain protein content would have been about 13.92%, and two fields would have been slightly below 13% protein (about 12.8% protein). Our tentative nitrogen fertilizer recommendations based on stem samples near heading appear accurate. 2. Fluctuation in Lower Stem Nitrate Concentration in Small Grains. Lower stem nitrate concentration is used as a guide for fertilization of small grains in Arizona. Durum and barley were grown at the Maricopa Agricultural Center and lower stems were analyzed for nitrate from 3-leaf to maturity. Stem nitrate concentration varied considerably between the 3-leaf and 2 node stages, but thereafter was relatively constant and low (averaged 765 ppm). Stem nitrate increased after rain or N application on a few occasions, but not consistently. In this study, the timing of the stem sampling could have affected fertilizer recommendations before the 2-nodestage, but after the 2-node stage, fluctuations in stem nitrate would have resulted in relatively minor differences in fertilizer recommendations. Citrus and Fruit Crops 1. Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer requirements for young, bearing microsprinkler-irrigated citrus. The objective of this project is to investigate the effects of two important management variables, N rate and P rate, on tree growth, nutrition, and fruit yield and quality. From these results we intend to develop recommended Best Management Practices for microsprinkler-irrigated citrus. Development of more up-to-date fertilizer recommendations will help Arizona citrus growers optimize fertilizer management practices. 2. Leaf Tissue Nutrient Levels in Commercial Pecan Orchards. Commercial pecan orchards throughout AZ are being monitored for soil and leaf nutrient levels, and for pecan yield and quality. 135 trees in 27 blocks located in 12 commercial orchards in all pecan growing regions in Arizona are being monitored. In 2003, we collected leaf tissue, soil, and nut yield and quality data from each individual tree, as well as grower fertilizer and cultural practices information. Nut quality (percent kernel) and yield are being evaluated. From this data base, leaf nutrient standards will be determined, and fertility practices will be evaluated to develop fertilizer management recommendations. 3. A Soil-Applied Zinc Fertilization Program for Arizona Pecans. Whereas the standard for zinc fertilization on pecans grown in high pH soils is the expensive and time-consuming practice of repeatedly apply zinc foliarly, we will study the possibility of several soil applied zinc amendments. 4. Use of Pecan Husks as Soil Amendments: Rate of Degradation and Nitrogen Immobilization. Pecan husks accumulate during the nut cleaning process and present a waste disposal problem. We are studying their use as a soil amendment in pecan orchards. Specifically, we are evaluating how rapidly they degrade and how the degradation process affects soil nitrogen dynamics. Vegetables 1. Sustainable Subsurface Drip Irrigation for High-Value Specialty Vegetable Crops AAZdrip@, a demonstration and research site devoted to SDI, was established during Fall 2002 at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center . This site features five large plots (20 m x 120 m) with SDI or furrow irrigation. The large plots allow the use of large-scale field equipment for effective demonstration of SDI management techniques to farmers. This project allows long-term demonstration and evaluation of various aspects of crop production with SDI, in comparison with conventional furrow irrigation. This project is intended to function for at least ten years. The first crop, broccoli, was planted in October 2002 and harvested in February 2003. Seedless watermelon were planted in April 2003 and harvested in July 2003. Broccoli was planted in November 2003 and harvested in March 2003, and another broccoli crop was planted in Sep. 2004 and harvested in Jan. 2005. A crop rotation will be followed that features high-value vegetable crops, but will also include grain, fiber, and forage crops as appropriate. Short and long-term evaluations will allow comparisons of furrow vs. drip and among the various SDI treatments with respect to crop yield and quality, water use, fertilizer and pesticide use, and economic returns. Montana Nutrient, Soil, Water, and Air Management in Cropping Systems " Diverse no-till, organic rotation comparison. Organic had significantly lower N, P, K, and S, than fertilized no-till rotations, but significantly higher potentially mineralizable " Pea forage as substitute for fallow. Cutting time has substantial effect on water remaining for subsequent small grains, but little effect on residual " Nitrous oxide emissions from various cropping systems. Emitted NOx was found to be almost an order of magnitude lower, when expressed as fraction of N fertilizer applied, than figures used in global climate change models. Soil Fertility " P fertilizer for pea, lentil, and chickpea. P fertilizer affected biomass lentil yield at one site, but otherwise P did not affect biomass or seed yield of winter pea, lentil, or chickpea. " Effect of soil drying on ammonium soil test. Ammonium-N increased by factors of 4 to 9 when field moist samples were air dried. " Effect of low rate humic acid on P availability and spring wheat yield. No significant effects were found. " Sulfur recommendations for irrigated alfalfa. No significant effects on forage yield were found on either S-adequate or deficient soils. " Effect of N and S on annual cereal forage nitrate levels. Nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased nitrate levels, and sulfur significantly decreased nitrate levels, although results were variable. " Winter wheat grain yield and protein response to sulfur fertilization was mixed and unpredictable.