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Nitrogen Sensing and Impact on Carbon, Nitrogen and Water CSCAP Speed Science Fact Sheet

Peter Scharf, University of Missouri

Initial Publication Date: April 29, 2016

Summary

The Nitrogen Sensing and Impact on C, N, and H2O (Acrobat (PDF) 1.9MB Oct8 15) and additional Speed Science Fact Sheet and presentation videos are approved for use in educational, research and extension settings. The fact sheets were developed and presented as "Speed Science" by the Climate and Corn-based Cropping Systems CAP (CSCAP)

The CSCAP is a transdisciplinary partnership among 11 institutions creating new science and educational opportunities. It seeks to increase resilience and adaptability of Midwest agriculture to more volatile weather patterns by identifying farmer practices and policies that increase sustainability while meeting crop demand.

Printable flyer >>About CSCAP Project (Acrobat (PDF) 2.9MB Oct8 15)


Learning Goals

To promote the long-term sustainability and productivity of U.S. corn-based cropping systems against recent climate trends and future uncertainty.

Project Objectives:

  1. Develop standardized methodologies and perform baseline monitoring of carbon, nitrogen and water footprints at agricultural test sites across the Midwest.
  2. Evaluate how crop management practices impact carbon, nitrogen and water footprints at test sites.
  3. Apply models to research data and climate scenarios to identify impacts and outcomes that could affect the sustainability and economic vitality of corn-based cropping systems.
  4. Gain knowledge of farmer beliefs and concerns about climate change, attitudes toward adaptative and mitigative strategies and practices, and decision support needs to inform the development of tools and practices that support long-term sustainability of crop production.
  5. Promote extension, outreach and stakeholder learning and participation across all aspects of the program.
  6. Train the next generation of scientists, develop science education curricula and promote learning opportunities for high school teachers and students.

Context for Use

The CSCAP project's multi-pronged approach utilizes place-based education at multiple levels (9-12, undergraduate, graduate, extension and stakeholders) to increase learning and foster a new generation of scientists, farmers, entrepreneurs and citizens.

Description and Teaching Materials

Printable handout >> Nitrogen Sensing and Impact on C, N, and H2O (Acrobat (PDF) 1.9MB Oct8 15)
Nitrogen (N) management in corn has a large impact on resilience of corn production to changing climate and on the greenhouse gas footprint of corn production. During wet springs, as were seen across large swaths of the Midwest in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011, vast quantities of N fertilizer applied before planting are lost and corn yield suffers. I estimate 2 billion bushels of lost yield potential during these four years. Applying N fertilizer during the growing season could have recovered most of this lost yield. This lost production also represents lost potential to capture carbon from the atmosphere. In addition,conditions were perfect for large losses of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide.

Finally, nitrogen fertilizerproduction releases a large amount of carbon dioxide to the air. Maximizing efficiency and minimizing loss ofN fertilizer will reduce the greenhouse gas footprint of corn production via all three of these mechanisms.Optimal nitrogen fertilizer rate has been shown to vary widely from year to year, from field to field, and from place to place within a field. Canopy reflectance measurements are a promising approach to diagnose and treat this variation in real time while applying N fertilizer. Relative to existing N management systems, this approach has potential to increase or maintain yield, increase or maintain carbon capture, reduce nitrous oxide production, and reduce carbon dioxide release associated with N fertilizer manufacture.

Teaching Notes and Tips

The Nitrogen Sensing and Impact on C, N, and H2O (Acrobat (PDF) 1.9MB Oct8 15) is a quick reference with graphs and charts showing increasing greenhouse gas concentration.

The full collection of Speed Science Fact Sheets and presentation videos are found on the SERC site.


Assessment

Assessment is at the discretion of the educator and how the Speed Science Fact Sheets are applied.

References and Resources

Citation

Scharf, P. (2014). Speed Science Fact Sheet: Nitrogen Sensing and Impact on Carbon, Nitrogen and Water

Source: Climate and Corn-based Cropping Systems CAP (CSCAP)

For more information, contact: Dr. Peter Scharf, Professor, University of Missouri, scharfp@missouri.edu, 573-882-0777

"Crop Sensors Outdo Farmers at Choosing Nitrogen Rates," online at http://thatssoundadvice.com/crop-sensors-outdo-farmers-at-choosing-nitrogen-rates/. - The Heartland Initiative (2006) "Nitrogen Management for Water Quality Protection in the Midwest," online at https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/story/2011/nov/tue/crop-sensors-outdo-farmers-at-choosing-nitrogen-rates-0. - Scharf, Peter C. (2005) "Managing Nitrogen with Crop Sensors: Why and How," online athttp://plantsci.missouri.edu/nutrientmanage

Project Partners

Ten land grant universities and one USDA Agricultural Research Service laboratory are participating in this project. These 11 institutions represent nine states in the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin).