Comparison of estimates of first-year dairy manure nitrogen availability or recovery using nitrogen-15 and other techniques

Measurements of dairy manure nutrient availability to crops typically show great variability. Approaches that are more accurate are needed to improve manure management and reduce nutrient loss to the environment. In this study, we compared direct (15N recovery) and indirect (difference method [Diff Meth] and fertilizer equivalence [FE] approach) methods of determining first-year dairy manure N availability or recovery during three cropping seasons. A field experiment was conducted on a Plano silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Argiudolls) planted to corn (Zea mays L.). Plots received either manure, fertilizer N, or no N. Microplots receiving 15N-labeled manure were also established each study year. Manure was applied to a new plot each cropping season. Whole-plant N uptake was the best crop parameter to use for FE estimates. Estimates of N availability by relative effectiveness (Rel Eff), which are derived from the Diff Meth, and FE were similar (32 and 41%, respectively) and higher than unlabeled N or 15N recovery measurements because these indices factor in N use efficiency. Measures of the Rel Eff of manure N use were highly affected by control plot N uptake. The FE approach is less influenced by control plots, but it requires the inclusion of several more treatments and use of mathematical functions to describe crop response to N. These limitations are reflected in the wide ranges obtained for N availability estimates (-60 to 148%). Although apparent N recovery by the Diff Meth (14%) or direct measurements of 15N recovery (16%) were close on average, variability tended to be much lower for the 15N method. In addition, the Diff Meth was highly dependent on initial soil conditions. Use of 15N-labeled manure, although more costly and time-consuming, provided more consistent and reliable results.

Plant pathogen population dynamics in potato fields

Modern technologies incorporating Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), remote sensing, and geostatistics provide unique opportunities to advance ecological understanding of pests across a landscape. Increased knowledge of the population dynamics of plant pathogens will promote management strategies, such as site-specific management, and cultural practices minimizing the introduction and impact of plant pathogens. The population dynamics of Alternaria solani, Verticillium dahliae, and Pratylenchus penetrans were investigated in commercial potato fields. A 0.5-ha diamond grid-sampling scheme was georeferenced, and all disease ratings and nematode samples were taken at these grid points. Percent disease severity was rated weekly, and P. penetrans densities were quantified 4 weeks after potato emergence. Spatial statistics and interpolation methods were used to identify the spatial distribution and population dynamics of each pathogen. Interpolated maps and aerial imagery identified A. solani intra-season progression across the fields as the potato crop matured. Late-season nitrogen application reduced A. solani severity. The spatial distributions of V. dahliae and P. penetrans were spatially correlated.