Developing Multi-Variate Management Zones for Corn Production

The objective of this project is to evaluate the benefit of multi-variate management zones and to develop strategies that can account for the temporal and spacial variability seen in crop nutrient requirements. Two fields were identified in North Central Oklahoma; a 61-acre rainfed field and an 88-acre irrigated field. The two locations were chosen due to their history of high yields and likelihood of nutrient variability. Gridded soils samples were collected from each location, with the rainfed field being sampled at a 2.5 acre-grid and the irrigated field at a 1-acre resolution to a depth of 6 inches. All samples were analyzed for pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe. Variable rate P application maps with check strips were created and applications will be made in 2016. Prior to corn planting, Veris EC data will be collected from each field at 60-ft swath widths. In-season data collected will be NDVI and soil moisture. At crop maturity, each field will be harvested using a calibrated yield monitor. Data evaluation will include assessing the opportunities for multiple hybrids and seeding rates across the field and the benefit of applying additional nutrients on a variable rate basis.