The University of Maryland and University of Delaware are looking for farmers throughout both states to participate in a research project evaluating decision making surrounding adoption of nitrogen management tools (commercially available N models, drone imagery, PSNT). We will implement a field trial in the 2021 growing season that contains six nitrogen rates applied to corn in four replicates in strips (~15 ft wide by 300 ft long) requiring about 2.5 total acres. Participants will be trained on the use of various nitrogen management tools and will be paid for their participation in the trial (W9 submission to UMD required for payment) pending eligibility to receive EQIP funding. Participants must have the ability to apply prescribed nitrogen rates and record yield at harvest using a calibrated yield monitor. We require participants to participate in a pre-season interview (in April 2021), a one-on-one post-harvest debrief session, and a focus group in November or December, all likely taking place virtually due to COVID restrictions. Farmers who have not previously partnered with Extension on research projects are encouraged to participate. If interested, please contact Dr. Nicole Fiorellino at University of Maryland at nfiorell@umd.edu and Dr. Amy Shober at University of Delaware at ashober@udel.edu.
The project title, “A solutions-based evaluation of barriers to farmer adoption of in-season nitrogen decision support tools”, is funded through Natural Resource Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grant On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials grant program awarded to University of Maryland, University of Delaware, and Pennsylvania State University in 2020.