Structure

The soils program has concentrated its efforts on cause and effect research focusing on nutrient management (both fertilizer and manure); soil N and P testing; compaction; tillage systems; interactions between tillage systems, nutrient placement, and cropping systems; and on the economic and environmental consequences of these practices. Much of this research has led to a series of best management practice (BMP) bulletins for N and tillage management in Minnesota. Most of the research has been conducted on the Nicollet and Webster soils at the Southern Research and Outreach Center. However, to relate to the widely different soils and climatic conditions, our program has conducted field experiments on farmers' fields in 21 southern Minnesota counties.

Research currently being conducted focuses on the timing and rates of manure application for corn and soybeans, carryover of manure-N to subsequent crops, effects of N management (anhydrous ammonia, urea, and swine manure) on nitrate-N losses to subsurface tile drainage, and placement methods for optimum N and P efficiency in very reduced tillage systems including strip tillage. Our program is also responsible for the daily collection of weather data--a program that began in September 1914.

Many of the activities listed above are, and have been, conducted in conjunction with faculty members in the Departments of Soil, Water, and Climate; Agronomy and Plant Genetics; Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Plant Pathology; and Applied Economics. Participation with scientists at the USDA Soil Conservation Lab - Morris, Dairy Forage Research Center - St. Paul, and National Fertilizer Development and Environmental Research Center at TVA - Muscle Shoals, AL has also added greatly to the scope and contribution of our program.