Ontario Grain Farmer April/May 2023

determined using modelling at the V8 stage. V8 seems to be an optimal stage, says Parent, mainly due to the fact that various soil and plant parameters are quite stable at this plant age. The model incorporates many parameters, ranging from precipitation, light, soil pH, soil phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and aluminum content to corn plant nitrogen, corn aerial biomass, and soil carbon and sand. “Modelling was done by combining the data ofthis study with those of other projects currently underway,” says Parent. “We also found that this relationship is valid even when combining contrasting data from sites located in both Manitoba and Quebec, thus potentially presenting a predictive model for all of Canada.” The model is currently being validated at AAFC Quebec Research and Development Centre. Overall, Parent and his colleagues are not very surprised that modelling analysis using traditional data (related to soil, climate and plants) is more effective than using NIRS and light reflectance when predicting the optimum nitrogen rate. “We frequently realize that a single parameter, be it NNI, soil nitrate content, or reflectance at a certain wavelength of foliage, rarely, if ever, directly determines the optimal nitrogen rate in corn production,” he says. “We’ve shown that a multitude of parameters must be used simultaneously. This is supported by a study conducted in Sweden where the team found that the factors that maximize crop yields are multifactorial and comprise soil phosphorus concentration, soil PH, calcium, magnesium, and other vital elements.” LOOKING FORWARD Cavers reiterates that while there is no silver bullet for corn growers in Ontario and acrossCanada to better practice 4R fertilizer management, maximizing yields while minimizing losses of nitrogen to the environment is an attainable goal. “This requires good weed control, adequate soil testing, appropriate use of 4R practices, testing new prediction models as they become available, and so on,” he says. “Analysis of the crop canopy may be quite useful in many situations, but it will require more testing to be a reliable tool for farmer decision-making.” Funding for this project is provided by the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada AgriScience Program through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, with support from the Canadian Field Crop Research Alliance (CFCRA), whose members include: Atlantic Grains Council; Producteurs de grains du Quebec; Grain Farmers of Ontario; Manitoba Corn Growers Association and FP Genetics. Additional industry funding is provided by the Canadian fertilizer industry. l ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 21 APRIL/MAY 2023 This research project received funding from Grain Farmers of Ontario. Farm barns to silos, 11,000+ farmers like you have one thing in common. They are understood, valued and insured by The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group. Find a qualified broker in Commonwell Country today: commonwellcountry.ca/farm NOTHING SMELLS AS SWEET

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