Beta-testing the Adapt-N Tool in On-farm Strip Trials

This project aims to increase adoption of adaptive N management for corn production using better rates and timing of application. The new Adapt-N tool provides N fertilizer recommendations adapted to the spring rainfall and temperature conditions of the current season, using high-resolution weather data, a sophisticated computer model, and field-specific information on soil properties and soil and crop management. Based on experiences from past years, it is clear that a larger number of replicated strip trials are needed from multiple growing seasons. The objectives are to further validate the Adapt-N tool for on-farm use and promote grower adoption of Adapt-N as part of their tool kit for adaptive N management. The main hypothesis is that the Adapt-N tool provides more accurate estimates of the current season’s optimum N rate than conventional methods and tools.

In 2011 and 2012, field strip trials compared corn yields with Adapt-N recommended rates to those with growers' conventional N management. In six of the 54 site-years in New York and Iowa, Adapt-N correctly identified the need for higher rates of N, while on average, its use increased profit by US$24/A. Results from 2011 identified an issue with the soybean credit used in the model, which was corrected for the 2012 version. The need for accuracy in soil and crop input data (particularly soil organic matter and expected yield) was also underscored. Opportunity for use of the tool with high-clearance application equipment guided by GPS at times later than typical side-dress was demonstrated by the participating crop consultants. Extension activities reached over 2,000 participants. NY-10