Validation of soil health indicators as a nitrogen uptake prediction tool

Description

The purpose of this project is to establish a link between soil health and biological (respiration, nitrogen, and functional groups [genomic and PCR]), physical (aggregation and compaction), and chemical criteria used in the Cornell soil health assessment. The objective is to develop a prediction model for soil nitrogen supplies based on biological soil health indicators.

An accurate estimate of soil nitrogen would enable growers to reduce mineral fertilizer applications for the same crop yields, which would have a direct impact on input costs and reduce nitrogen leaching into the environment. The tests are being conducted on grain corn because it is a nitrogen-hungry crop and has a strong impact on soil quality.

Objective(s)

• Correlate soil health parameters with crop yields and the soil’s ability to supply nitrogen
• Develop a predictive model of soil nitrogen availability based on biological parameters used in the Cornell, Haney, and biological function tests
• Transfer the predictive models and analytical methods to industry stakeholders, i.e., advisory groups and soil analysis labs