The University of Maryland and University of Delaware are looking for EQIP-eligible farmers to participate in an on-farm research project evaluating decision making surrounding adoption of nitrogen management tools (e.g, commercially available N models, drone imagery, PSNT). Farmer time commitment is minimal and participating growers get paid $2,000.
Participating farmer responsibilities
- Designate a 6 acre area that will be planted in corn and has not received pre-plant manure or fertilizer.
- Plant the corn crop using the corn hybrid, seed population, and row spacing that is the best fit for the operation.
- Manage the crop throughout the season. For example, preplant nitrogen and other fertilizers will be the responsibility of the grower, as well as applying herbicides, and any irrigation.
- Participate in an end of season “recap meeting” with the project staff to talk about how the in-season N management tools performed. This meeting will be scheduled at the grower’s convenience. We will come to you after harvest!
University researcher responsibilities
- Apply sidedress nitrogen at five treatment rates
- Harvest the plots to get the yield data needed for the study
- Collect required plant or soil samples
All participants will receive the data from their own fields and be better able to identify which nitrogen decision support tools would work best for them. Help to improve the nitrogen use efficiency across the Mid-Atlantic region, resulting in improved yields and a healthier and more sustainable agricultural environment.
Interested in participating? Contact Shawn Tingle tingle@udel.edu or Jarrod Miller jarrod@udel.edu
The project titled, “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.