Monday, November 5, 2007
42-4

Developing Procedures for a Site Specific N Application on Corn in Relation to Soil Electric Conductivity.

Pawel Wiatrak, Ahmad Khalilian, Brad Hammes, Will Henderson, and Richard Hallmen. Clemson University, Edisto REC, 64 Research Road, Blackville, SC 29817

One of the most important aspects of crop production is fertilization. However, due to considerable soil variability in the southeastern United States, N application should be based on soil zone maps to apply N only where needed at appropriate rate. A commercially available soil electrical conductivity (EC) measurement system (Veris Technologies 3100) will help to identify variations in soil texture across the field and create soil zone maps using GPS and geographic information systems. The utilization and efficiency of nitrogen application on corn may change with soil texture due to spatial variability. Additionally, determination of the extent to which the crop will respond to additional N would help the farmers to apply only what is needed. There have been numerous studies that showed high correlations between certain vegetation indices developed from spectral observations and plant stand parameters such as plant height, percent ground cover by vegetation, and plant population. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) measurements using Green Seeker sensors will be used for mapping plant growth. Therefore, this project will help to determine optimum site-specific N applications on corn based on the NDVI in relation to soil zones.