Nitrogen know-how: mobilizing actionable insights to improve nitrogen fertilizer management in Ontario corn

Lead Applicant: Joshua Nasielski

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems Projects

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2022/2023

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) staff recently conducted three projects analyzing 4R nitrogen (N) management for corn, with support from the Grain Farmers of Ontario and Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Data about soil N, weather and corn yield, were collected (97 years’ worth). However, this data has not been analyzed thoroughly. Thorough data analysis will be conducted to assess: 1) weather and soil impacts on spring soil N mineralization and corn yield response to fertilizer N; 2) effects of soil sample storage and air drying temperature before sample extraction on soil nitrate and ammonium measurements; and 3) strategies to reduce volatilization (evaporation) from surface-applied urea ammonium-nitrate (i.e., urease inhibitor, nozzle type, placement).