How wide? How deep?
Understanding the influence of tile depth and spacing on nutrient loss – does depth or distance count for something? Research under way by Dr. Rabin Bhattarai from the University of Illinois leads a study investigating how tile depth and spacing variations impact nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) losses. The study evaluates current tile drainage design and assesses negative impacts on tile drainage and N and P losses. Click here to download a summary of his current research. How wide, how deep – Bhattarai
Recycling Phosphorus Back to Agriculture – Can it Work?
Dr. Andrew Margenot at the University of Illinois and his team are looking at the possibilities of recycling P for use on agricultural fields. This new research is an enhancement of research by Dr. Margenot
where he is looking at slow release P fertilizers to increase crop production and environmental quality. Click here to download his Investment Insight: Can it work – Magenot
DNRA – what the heck is that?
Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium (DNRA) is also known as nitrate ammonification and is the result of anaerobic respiration. In this process microbes oxidize organic matter and use nitrate (rather
than oxygen) as an electron acceptor, reducing it to nitrite – then ammonium (as opposed to nitrogen gas – as in denitrification). Get a simple explanation to better understand how this can help farmers manage nutrients. Click her to download the flyer.
Looking at the big picture of cover crops – Dr. Kaiyu Guan
Today’s agriculture requires efficient, profitable and sustainable production practices – all closely interconnected to reach the goals of environmental responsibility. Dr. Kaiyu Guan and Yang Qu of the University of Illinois are assessing cover crops at the regional scale for Illinois
NEW Guide to Illinois MRTN Available
In the first five years of NREC hundreds of nitrogen rate trials have been conducted across Illinois. This research has resulted in a new publication: “Using the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) System in Illinois”.
This guide explains the terminology and the process for determining the Maximum Return to Nitrogen
(MRTN), which is the N rate that maximizes the dollar return to N. It also addresses commonly asked
questions and dispel myths about nitrogen use, all in an effort to support sound agronomic principles, and
to increase economic return while respecting our environment.
The guide can be downloaded here or you can request printed copies by filling out this short form.
Notes on Fall Fertilization from University of Illinois
With harvest winding down in most of Illinois after another year with high to very high yields, it’s time to review some basics of fall fertilization. Neither fertilizer nor grain prices are historically high, so there’s reason to be aware of costs while making sure to cover the nutrient basics.
Read the latest research and guidelines here.
Illinois Crop Management Conference
NREC-funded researchers, Dr. Laura Christianson and Dr. Emerson Nafziger will be making presentations at the University of Illinois Extension Illinois Crop Management Conference on February 21, 2018 in Malta. You can register directly from the web site: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/csrec/2013conference/
Western Illinois Crop Production Conference – Quincy
The Western Illinois/Northeast Missouri Crop Production Conference (formerly No Till) will be held on Friday, February 16, 2018, at John Wood Community College, 1301 S. 48th St, Quincy.
There will be two general sessions, one starting the day, a presentation by James Garris of the Browning World Climate Newsletter. A second general session will end the day with an overview of the research being conducted by the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council presented by NREC Executive Director Julie Armstrong.
Additional breakout topics include:
- Grain Marketing Outlook
- Weed Control / Cover Crops
- 2018 Farm Bill Outlook
- Farmer Panel
The program starts at 9:15 am, and concludes at 2:00 pm.
Cost is $20 per person, and includes lunch. CCA Credit Hours Offered.
Cost is $75 for Exhibitors, and includes one registration.
Illinois Crop Management Conference
NREC-funded researchers, Dr. Laura Christianson and Dr. Emerson Nafziger will be making presentations at the University of Illinois Extension Illinois Crop Management Conference on February 7, 2018 in Champaign. You can register directly from the web site: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/csrec/2013conference/