2024 Corn Trial - Producer lead

OVERVIEW

The project will compare different nitrogen rates applied at different times in the growing season on corn yield and quality. This project was set up on a local producer’s land, southeast of Barrhead. Corn is becoming a more popular silage option in the west central area, it is a high energy, digestible feed source. There are many corn hybrids out there that work well in our region. For this trial, PS 2320 RR was the variety used. It’s a roundup ready, dual-purpose corn, with good disease resistance. Producing optimal corn silage requires careful attention to soil fertility.  Corn harvested for silage removes more nutrients compared to grain harvest. Understanding the crop’s nutrient requirements is paramount in successful corn silage production.

PARTNERS

·         Rod Nikkel

·         Barrhead County

Corn planting on June 5th

METHODS

A total of 9 plots (1/4 acre each) were set up on his land to compare different fertilize rates and applications. The site was seeded on May 28th at a rate of 30,000 seeds per acre using a corn planter with a 36” spacing. The variety seeded was PS 2320 RR.

We had to come early Sept 17th to collect data, as there was a pipeline being put in on that piece of land in late September.

As of July 31st, the area only received 2 inches of rain, so no changes were observed on either field. We came back on Sept 30th to take fall soil samples; no visual differences were observed. Aeration will occur in mid-October in field 1 and the hopes are to see a difference in the land in 2025. Some short-term improvements that can be seen within weeks of aeration, less water pooling on the surface and less surface crusting, the top layer should be softer. More mid-term improvements, weeks to months after aeration that may be seen, better root growth, improves microbial activity which leads to better organic matter breakdown. Long term improvements; improved soil aggregation, higher yields and better overall plant health.

RESULTS

These are the spring soil analysis results for Field 1. The organic matter varies quite a bit from the 2 samples (depths) taken in the field. The samples were taken prior to aerating. The pH ranges from 6.3 to 7.3 for both depths, which is the most desirable for mineral soil. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) is also within range for this soil zone. CEC and pH are closely related as they both affect nutrient availability, soil structure and overall fertility. This field prior to aerating seems to within an ideal range for nutrient availability and has a good foundation for microbial activity.

This is the spring soil analysis results for Field 2. This site has not been worked for 25 years. It has quite low organic matter, which is expected when the field has not been touched for an extended period. Noticeable characteristics, pH is lower than 6, could lead to nutrient deficiencies. Low pH will also affect the CEC, the values for this field are on the low side for this soil type, typically gray luvisols have higher CEC due to more clayey soils. Another example of what is to be expected with no land disturbance.  We may potentially see an improvement in the future soil health and yield after multiple aeration passes.

This is the fall soil analysis for Field 1. All soil parameters registered very little change. Organic matter dropped slightly in both depths, and the nitrate-nitrogen also dropped. It is unlikely that we will see any distinct changes overall in the first season. Perhaps observations in the second or third years will show some improvements. No samples were taken for Field 2, as it was decided there were not enough differences observed.

Aerated plant tissue samples from Field 1 were collected in the fall of 2024. The analysis provides a snapshot of the physiological status of the plants at the time of sampling. Laboratory results indicate a deficiency in sulfur, while nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels were found to be sufficient. The field's location within a gray luvisolic soil zone likely contributes to the observed sulfur deficiency, as this soil type is commonly characterized by low sulfur availability. It is also noted that poor root development or inadequate drainage could lead to a sulfur deficiency.

Non-aerated plant tissue samples from Field 1 were collected in the fall of 2024. The analysis reflects the nutrient status of the plants at the time of sampling. Results indicate a deficiency in sulfur and a low concentration of magnesium, while levels of other assessed nutrients were within sufficient ranges. A deficiency on sulfur and low magnesium could be due to poor drainage, in which aeration may be helpful.

Pollinator blend being floated on, on May 29th

This blend was also designed to encourage bees to the area. We partnered with the Alberta Native Bee Council to set up and monitor a bee trap over the summer, this is a province wide project.  The trap was installed in a location that was protected from disturbance, and every 2 weeks it would be emptied. Samples were stored in the fridge and sent to the Bee Council at the end of the season. The goal for this project is to get an idea of the wild bee populations throughout the province. With a survey covering a large geographic area they can acquire a single season snapshot of bee populations. A special thanks to Raymond Chittick who donated his time to float the blend on our site.

FINAL THOUGHTS

We will continue monitoring the aerated and non-aerated fields throughout 2025 to assess long-term soil and plant responses. It is unlikely that significant differences will be observed during the first season of aerating, continuous monitoring will be essential.

Aeration is a non-chemical soil management practice that enhances root development by alleviating compaction. Additionally, it improves water infiltration and drainage, reducing surface runoff and mitigating soil erosion. By promoting nutrient cycling, aeration increases the bioavailability of essential nutrients for plant uptake. As outlined above, we anticipate observable differences between the two treatment blocks; however, measurable impacts may require several years to fully materialize.