A multi-year study presented at the inaugural Mid-Atlantic 4R Symposium in late August revealed promising results for increasing crop yields through the practice of splitting nitrogen applications. This research, which is now entering its fourth and final year in 2024, has the potential to significantly impact agricultural practices in the region.
The study, conducted over three years with participants from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, aimed to assess the effects of splitting nitrogen applications on crop yields. Farmers in Maryland and Delaware were encouraged to increase the number of nitrogen applications from their usual practice by one, while Pennsylvania farmers were introduced to the concept and asked to transition from one nitrogen application to two.
The findings from 2021 and 2022 showed compelling outcomes. In 2021, Adams County participants in Pennsylvania saw an average increase of 17.6 bushels per acre when they split their nitrogen applications, while Maryland and Delaware farmers experienced a 19.2 bushel per acre increase. In the following year, even with drought-like conditions in some areas, Pennsylvania farmers saw a 13-bushel increase per acre, while their counterparts in Maryland and Delaware saw a 4.3-bushel increase.
The study emphasized that the increase in bushels per acre became less pronounced as the number of nitrogen splits increased. This explains why Maryland and Delaware farmers, who were often splitting nitrogen four or five times, saw smaller gains compared to Pennsylvania farmers who were splitting for the first time.
The results varied widely among individual farms due to different management choices and practices. For instance, some farms had previous manure applications, while others used dual delivery systems for fertilizer at planting. The choice of nitrogen application method and the use of nitrogen stabilizers also influenced results. Nonetheless, the overall trend pointed towards improved yield and nitrogen use efficiency.
One of the key advantages of splitting nitrogen applications is the reduction in nitrogen loss, as it minimizes periods during which nitrogen can escape from the system. While this approach requires additional time and fuel, the study found it to be cost-effective due to the increased yield and improved nutrient management.
In addition to higher yields and better nitrogen use efficiency, the study also noted increased phosphorus removal from the soil, further highlighting the benefits of this practice.
The study will continue into its fourth year in 2024, and farmers interested in participating can apply for cost-sharing opportunities. Participating farms must commit to managing between 40 and 400 acres and adhere to their existing nutrient management practices. Specific guidelines for split applications will be provided, and production data will be shared to help other farmers benefit from the research findings.
The study's results indicate that splitting nitrogen applications has the potential to enhance crop yields, increase nutrient use efficiency, and reduce nitrogen loss, offering a promising approach to sustainable agriculture in the region.
Photo Credit: getty-images-elhenyo
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops