Dr Fred Below Improving Nitrogen Use of Corn

Summary

Dr. Fred Belo, a renowned crop physiology professor at the University of Illinois, discusses his research on optimizing nitrogen use in corn cultivation. He emphasizes the critical role nitrogen plays in corn productivity and explores innovative approaches, including the potential of nitrogen-fixing bacteria as a third source. The talk delves into the importance of nitrogen placement and timing for peak uptake, aiming to enhance yield while minimizing fertilizer loss. Dr. Belo's findings from various trials across Illinois highlight the significance of banded fertilizer application and the right balance between upfront and side-dress nitrogen application to maximize corn yield.

Takeaways

• 🌽 Dr. Fred Belo is a professor of crop physiology at the University of Illinois, specializing in agronomy and factors affecting corn and soybean production.
• 🏆 Dr. Belo has received numerous awards for his work in teaching, extension, and research excellence and is a fellow of the American Society of Agronomy.
• 📚 He has developed educational tools like the 'Seven Wonders of Corn Yield World' and 'Six Secrets of Soybean Success' to help farmers and professionals with crop management decisions.
• 🌱 Nitrogen is the most impactful factor on corn productivity, and Dr. Belo's research aims to improve nitrogen use efficiency to increase yields and reduce economic costs for growers.
• 🔬 The research involves understanding how corn absorbs and utilizes nitrogen, with a focus on the critical period of vegetative growth for peak nitrogen uptake.
• 📉 The study found that corn takes up nitrogen most rapidly during vegetative growth, with 75% of the nitrogen accumulated by the time of flowering.
• 📈 The research emphasizes the importance of nitrogen placement for optimal uptake, showing that banded fertilizer application tends to yield better results than broadcast application.
• 🌟 The study suggests that having a third source of nitrogen, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, could supplement soil and fertilizer sources and potentially reduce fertilizer loss.
• 📊 The research data indicates that the ratio of upfront to side-dress nitrogen application is crucial, especially when broadcast application is used.
• 🌿 The horizontal spread of corn roots is only 6 to 8 inches, highlighting the need for precise fertilizer placement to ensure availability during peak uptake.
• 💧 Nitrogen predominantly moves vertically in the soil, which is another reason why proper placement of nitrogen is essential for corn plants to access it effectively.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Fred Belo and what is his area of expertise?

Dr. Fred Belo is a professor of crop physiology in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois. He is an expert in agronomy and factors limiting corn and soybean production.

What are the 'Seven Wonders of the Corn Yield World' and the 'Six Secrets of Soybean Success'?

The 'Seven Wonders of the Corn Yield World' and the 'Six Secrets of Soybean Success' are tools developed by Dr. Belo based on his research to teach farmers and professionals about the value of their crop management decisions.

What is the main focus of Dr. Belo's research on nitrogen use in corn?

Dr. Belo's research focuses on improving nitrogen use efficiency in corn to increase yield. He is particularly interested in how nitrogen impacts corn productivity and the economic costs associated with under-fertilization.

What is the significance of the research project conducted by Dr. Eric Winens?

Dr. Eric Winens, a former PhD student of Dr. Belo, conducted a project that was a chapter of his PhD thesis. This project is significant as it contributes to the understanding of nitrogen use in corn and is part of the research efforts to improve crop management.

How does the variation in soil fertility affect the research conducted by Dr. Belo?

The variation in soil fertility, especially the decline in fertility as one moves from the north to the south in Illinois, provides a range of conditions for Dr. Belo's research. It allows him to study the impact of different soil conditions on nitrogen use and crop yields.

What is the role of the research equipment used by Dr. Belo's team?

The research equipment used by Dr. Belo's team is crucial for conducting replicated small plot research. It allows them to manage and apply various treatments, such as different nitrogen application methods, accurately and consistently across multiple research sites.

Why is the timing of nitrogen application in corn cultivation important?

The timing of nitrogen application is important because peak nitrogen uptake by corn is directly related to yield. Ensuring that nitrogen is available during the peak uptake period can significantly influence the plant's growth and final yield.

What is the significance of the horizontal spread of a corn plant's root system in relation to nitrogen placement?

The horizontal spread of a corn plant's root system, which is only 6 to 8 inches, is significant for nitrogen placement because it indicates that roots do not cross the row. This suggests that side-dressing nitrogen along the row (using methods like Y-drop) can be more effective than broadcasting, as it is placed closer to where the roots can absorb it.

How does nitrogen predominantly move in the soil and why is this relevant to fertilizer placement?

Nitrogen predominantly moves vertically in the soil, which is relevant to fertilizer placement because it suggests that placing fertilizer deeper in the soil or closer to the row (where roots are likely to be) can improve nitrogen uptake efficiency and reduce loss.

What is the main takeaway from Dr. Belo's research regarding nitrogen use efficiency in corn?

The main takeaway from Dr. Belo's research is the importance of proper nitrogen management, including the right source, rate, time, and placement of nitrogen application, to maximize yield and minimize loss. This includes understanding the peak uptake period and the role of soil and fertilizer in supplying nitrogen to the crop.