lesson 2: crop management - amazon s3...by legumes • improved soil tilth and water infiltration...

Agronomy Basics

Lesson 2: Crop Management

Lesson 2: Crop Management 2Agronomy Basics, Willard Ag© Copyright 2014

Top Ten World Crops, by Value

http://faostat3.fao.org/faostat-gateway/go/to/home/E


Major U.S. Crops Ranked by Value Market Value in 2012, billions of dollars

Corn 77.3

Soybeans 43.2

Fruits, nuts, berries( >1 Bn: oranges, apples, grapes, strawberries, almonds, pistachios, walnuts)

25.9

All Hay 18.6

Nursery, greenhouse, sod 16.6 (2007 Census)

Wheat 17.9

Commercial Vegetable Crops ( >1 Bn: lettuce, tomatoes. Does not include potatoes)

12.1

Cotton (fiber) 6.0

Potatoes 3.9

Rice 3.0

Peanuts 2.3

Sugar Beets 2.0 (2011)

Barley, Tobacco, Sugarcane, Sorghum, Cottonseed, Mushrooms Each 1.1 to 1.6

www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Todays_Reports/reports/cpvl0213.pdf


Inset: southern Lancaster Co., PA http://nassgeodata.gmu.edu/CropScape/


http://www.worldofcorn.com/


Mike Boehlje & Chris Hurt, Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture


Six Classes of Wheat

http://www.wheatfoods.org/sites/default/files/atachments/6-classes-wheat.pdf


http://www.wheatworld.org/wp-content/uploads/about-wheat-production-by-class-20110606.jpg

Agronomy Basics

Crop Types and Cropping Systems


Crops by Life Cycle

• Summer Annual

• Winter Annual

• Biennial

• Perennial

North Dakota State University, U.S. Forest Service, Pioneer

Sweet Clover is a biennial, vegetative

the first year then flowering the second

Alfalfa is a perennial crop, usually lasting more than two

years

Wheat in Indiana is planted mostly as a

winter annual


Crops According to Utilization• Feed

– Grain

– Forage

• Food

• Fiber

• Fuel

• Industrial

http://photogallery.nrcs.usda.gov/JPG/CA/NRCSCA02044.JPG


Crops by Function

• Green Manure Crops

• Cover Plantings

• Companion/Nurse Crop

• Trap Crop

• Fallow


Green Manure CropCrimson clover, cereal rye and hairy vetch


Some Reasons for Cover Plantings

• Nitrogen supplied by legumes

• Improved soil tilthand water infiltration

• Reduction in diseases and nematodes

• Weed control

• Trap nitrates to prevent leaching

Carl Brandt, Ohio


Companion Crop or Nurse CropShort-term crop used to help establish another crop

Oats can be used as a

companion crop for

alfalfa establishment

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/crops/compcrop.htm


Cropping Systems

• Monoculture—Same crop year after year

• Rotation—Different crops each year

• Doublecropping—Two crops in succession one year

• Ratoon—Multiple harvests from the same crop

• Intercropping—Two crops in field at the same time

Icrisat.org

Sugar cane harvest in Colombia


Corn Monoculture In Central Nebraska


Wheat Monoculture in South Central Kansas


Monoculture vs. Rotation

Monoculture Rotation

Generally Speaking….

Lower Yields Higher Yields

More Fertilizers Needed Less Fertilizers Needed

More Pests Less Pests

Lower Equipment Costs Higher Equipment Costs

Less Timely Field Operations More Timely Field Operations

Less Even Workload Through Year More Balanced Workload Through Year

Higher Risk Lower Risk

Lesson 2: Crop Management 22Agronomy Basics, Willard Ag© Copyright 2014 22h

ttp

://w

ww

.age

con

.pu

rdu

e.ed

u/t

op

farm

er/n

ewsl

ette

r/tf

cw2

_05

.pd

f


Double-Crop Soybeans in Wheat Stubble


Sugar Cane Harvest in Brazil—Ratoon: Multiple Harvests from the Same Planting


Strip Intercropping

http://www.mitchellfarms.com/ppost/index.php?showimage=491


Contribution Margin Estimates2009 – 2014 (Average Cropland)

Crops2009

$/acre

2010

$/acre

2011

$/acre

2012

$/acre

2013

$/acre

2014

$/acre

Last

10 yrs

Continuous Corn (153 bu/A)

153 271 422 371 401 277 263

Rotation Corn (163 bu/A) 207 326 495 452 483 345 328

Rotation Soybeans (54 bu/A)

203 287 443 400 431 395 311

Wheat (70 bu/A) 170 194 394 246 370 253 241

Double-Crop Soybeans (38 bu/A, was 29 bu/A in 2012)

71 122 206 247 266 241 158

http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/extension/pubs/index.asp


http://extension.udel.edu/ag/agribusiness/crop-budgets/

Agronomy Basics

Crop Improvement


Crop Improvement

• Natural selection

• For centuries, humans have been selecting the most desirable crops, leading to their improvement

• Over time, more and more has been learned about genetics, speeding up this process

• Utilization of hybrid technology

• Transgenics—utilizing genes from other species


Yields Up Substantially in 30 Years

http://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/index.asp


What is a Hybrid?

Mongolia International University & University of Nebraska


How to Make Hybrids‘Male’ Rows ‘Female’ Rows


Hybrid Seed Production


Ways to Transfer Genes

http://artsci.wustl.edu/~anthro/blurb/Backgrounder.html

particle gun

Canola tissue culture

Agrobacterium galls on grape vine


Transgenic Example: Bt

• Gene originated in the soil bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis

• “Blasted” into corn DNA using particle guns

• Bt genes that successfully incorporate into corn DNA express the insecticidal Bt protein in a corn plant grown by farmer


Event Company Bt gene Trade namePests controlled or suppressed

Bt 11 Syngenta Seeds Inc CryIAb YieldGardAgrisure

European and southwestern corn borers, fall armyworm, and corn earworm

MON 810 Monsanto CryIAb YieldGard European and southwestern corn borers, fall armyworm, and corn earworm

TC 1507 DowAgrosciences,Mycogen, Pioneer Hi-Bred Intl.

CryIF Herculex 1 European and southwestern corn borers, black cutworm, fall armyworm, and corn earworm

MON 863 Monsanto Cry3Bb1 YieldGard Rootworm Corn rootworms

MON 863 + Mon 810 Monsanto CryIAb + Cry3Bb1 YieldGard Plus European and southwestern corn borers and corn rootworms

DAS 59122-7 Dow AgrosciencesPioneer Hi-Bred Intl

Cry34Ab1 + Cry35Ab1 Herculex RW Corn rootworms

TC 1507 + DAS 59122-7

Dow AgrosciencesMycogenPioneer Hi-Bred Intl

CryIF + Cry34Ab1 + Cry35Ab1

Herculex XTRA European and southwestern corn borers, black cutworm, fall armyworm, corn earworm, and corn rootworms

MIR 604 Syngenta Seeds Inc mCry3A Agrisure RW Corn rootworms

Bt 11 + MIR604 Syngenta Seeds Inc Cry1Ab + mCry3A Agrisure CB/RW European and southwestern corn borers, fall armyworm, corn earworm and corn rootworm

Mon 88017 Monsanto Cry3Bb1 YieldGard VT RW Corn rootworms

Mon 810 + Mon 88017 Monsanto Cry1Ab + Cry3Bb1 YieldGard VT Triple European and southwestern corn borers and corn rootworms

Mon 89034 + Mon 88017 Monsanto Cry3Bb1 + Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab YieldGard VT Triple Pro European and southwestern corn borers, corn earworm, fall armyworm and corn rootworms

TC 1507 + DAS 59122-7 + Mon 89034 + Mon 88017

Dow Chemical Co. and Monsanto

CryIF + Cry34Ab1 + Cry35Ab1 + Cry3Bb1 + Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab

SmartStax European and southwestern corn borers, corn earworm, fall armyworm and corn rootworms

TC 1507 + DAS 59122-7 and TC1507

Pioneer/DuPont 90% CryIF + Cry34Ab1 + Cry35Ab1 and 10% CryIF seed

AcreMax 1 European and southwestern corn borers and corn rootworms

DAS 59122-7 and non-Bt seed Pioneer/DuPont 90% Cry34Ab1 + Cry35Ab1 and 10% non-Bt seed AcreMax RW Corn rootworms

Mir162 and Bt11 Syngenta Seeds Inc VIP and CryIAb Agrisure Viptera 3110 Corn borers, corn earworm, fall armyworm, black cutworm

Mir162, MIR604 and Bt11 Syngenta Seeds Inc VIP, mCry3A and CryIAb Agrisure Viptera 3111 Corn borers, corn rootworms, corn earworm, fall armyworm, black cutworm

TC1507 and Mon810 Pioneer/Dupont Cry1F and CryIAb Optimun Intrasect European and southwestern corn borers, black cutworm, fall armyworm, corn earworm

http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef118.asp


Genetic Modifications Remain Controversial, More So in Europe

http://www.iamthewitness.com/OlderNews.html


Indications of Public’s Skepticism of Food Production

• Growth in organic, local food production, home gardens, farmers markets

• Proposition 2, California—Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act and similar measures in other states

• Opposition to large-scale agriculture

Agronomy Basics

Hybrid & Variety Selection


PRODUCT MENTION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT


• Pioneer Hi-Bred

PRODUCT MENTION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT https://www.pioneer.com/home/site/us/products/catalog


PRODUCT MENTION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT https://www.dekalb.ca/Eastern/en-CA/Documents/2013%20DEKALB%20Seed%20Guide.pdf


Soybean Maturity Groups

• http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/cm/research/2007/zone/

http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/cm/research/2007/zone/

Group V

Group III

Group IV

Group II

Group I

Group 0

Group VI

Agronomy Basics

Seed Quality


Tests of Seed ViabilityWarm (Standard) Germination 7-10 daysWarm germination tests are used for labeling purposes and give a reasonable idea of field emergence under favorable conditions. Germination tests can be conducted in rolled brown paper towels, on blue blotter paper, on crepe cellulose paper (Kimpak®), and Kimpak® covered with sand. Corn and soybeans are normally tested at 25°C (77°F) for seven days. Sand GerminationSand germ tests are done the same as warm germination, except that a layer of moist sand is placed over the seeds. This test is useful in suppressing some fungi. For soybean samples, sand germination results are the same or slightly higher than warm germination results. The higher the germination of the seed lot, the less positive effect the sand has on the results.

Iowa State Seed Lab


Cold Germination

The cold germination test gives a reasonable idea of emergence under less than ideal conditions. Two replications of 100 seeds are placed on Kimpak® that has been moistened and chilled overnight at 10C. The seeds are covered with a non-sterile sand/soil mixture and returned to 10C for seven days without light. The cart is then moved to 25C for five to seven additional days. An extended cold test is also available which exposes seed to two weeks in the cold instead of one.

Iowa State Seed Lab


Seed Treatments

• Fungicides—captan

• Insecticides

• Bacterial inoculants

• Germination timing

• Nematode protection

http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/2007/12-10/directory.html


Huge Expansion in Seed Treatments in Recent Years

For example, offerings from one company:

https://www.pioneer.com/home/site/us/products/soybean/seed-treatments-overview/

Agronomy Basics

Planting Practices


Basic Planter Functions

http://www.standen.co.uk, http://www.acraplant.com, & http://www.deere.com

Disks force open a slot in the soil

Seeds are dropped into the slot

Closers pack the soil back around seeds

http://www.standen.co.uk/

http://www.acraplant.com/

http://www.deere.com/


http://www.kinze.com/feature.aspx?id=558&Standard+Features

FRONT OF PLANTERBACK OF PLANTERBACK OF PLANTER

FRONT OF PLANTER

The Gauge Wheel will determine depth for seed planting.

The Disc Opener will open a furrow in the soil.

The Coulter will cut any residue that may be in

the way.


Seed Singulation

http://www.dqprecisionplanting.com/prod_precmeter.html


Central Seed Hoppers Compatible with Bulk Units, Reduce Labor and Fill Time

http://www.caseih.com/northamerica/Products/PlantingSeeding/Pages/planting-seeding-equipment.aspx


1/1000 of An Acre Concept

43,560 ft2 in one acre

43.56 ft2 in 1/1000 acre


1/1000 of An Acre Concept

43,560 ft2 in one acre

43.56 ft2 in 1/1000 acre

In 30-inch rows, what length of row is 1/1000 of an acre?

43.56 ft2 divided by 30 inches (2.5 ft)

= 17 ft 5 in of row


1/1000 of An Acre Concept43,560 ft2 in one acre

43.56 ft2 in 1/1000 acre

In 30-inch rows, what length of row is 1/1000 of an acre?

43.56 ft2 divided by 30 inches (2.5 ft)

= 17 ft 5 in of row

43.56 ft2 divided by 36 inches (3 ft)

= 14 ft 6 in of row

43.56 ft2 divided by 38 inches

= 13 ft 8 in of row


With Row Planters, Easy Math to Use 1/1000 of an Acre Calculation

A planter has 6 rows, spaced 30 inches apart. After driving the planter along a field lane, you count 25 seeds in a section of row 17 ft. 5 in. long. What is the planting rate, in seeds per acre?

25,000 seeds/A


Electronics Help Monitor Planting

http://www.mississippi-crops.com/2012/03/19/how-to-plant-corn-for-higher-yields-2/


TEST YOUR COMPREHENSION

A crop planted in 30” rows has plants spaced about 6 inches apart. The plant population is

Agronomy Basics

Crop Growth & Development


Monocotyledons• Plants that have one cotyledon

• Grasses, cereals

• Three major parts of seeds are the pericarp, endosperm, and embryo

embryo

endosperm


Monocotyledons• Endosperm makes up most

of seed—food source for germination

• Embryo is only living part of seed

• Underneath pericarp is aleurone layer: determines seed color due to protein

• Hard endosperm is colorless or yellow; soft endosperm is white

• Dent comes from shrinking of soft endosperm as it dries

scutellum

embryo


Pioneer Hi-Bred


Corn Germination and Emergence

Iowa State University


Development of Nodal

Roots


Corn Growth Staging System


V3

Inset Purdue University


Adapted from a presentation by Chad Lee, University of Kentucky

V6

Tassel and ear shoot

development has started


V9


V9 Dissected


V18


VT - Tassel

Occurs when last branch of tassel is visible but before silks emerge

Most susceptible to hail damage at this stage

Complete leaf loss at VT will result in almost complete yield loss


R1 - Silking

Two to three days are required for all silks on an ear to be pollinated


R2 - BlisterFertilized silks are drying out; a miniature corn plant is

starting to develop in each kernel


Kernels are becoming yellow on the outside, and are at about 80% moisture

R3 - Milk


Fluid inside kernel is consistency similar to dough, about 70% moisture. About half of the dry weight of the kernel has been accumulated.

R4 - Dough


A starch layer has formed and begins to progress down the kernel

R5 - Dent


R6 – Physiological MaturityKernels are about 30-35% moisture


Corn Growth Staging System


Growing Degree Units

Growing Degree Units = Max Temp + Min Temp - Base Temp

2

Plant rate of growth

temperature


Calculation of Growing Degree Units

Growing Degree Units = Max Temp + Min Temp - Base Temp

2

A day with a high of 85 and a low of 65

(85 + 65)/2 – 50 = 25


Growing Degree Units for Corn

Do not use a maximum temperature more than 86

Do not use a minimum temperature less than 50





For example,

A day with a high of 95 and a low of 80

(86 + 80)/2 – 50 = 33





For example, A day with a high of 65 and a low of 45

(65 + 50)/2 – 50 = 7.5


Monsanto


Wheat Kernel

http://grain-gallery.com/wheat/images/ and Baking Association of Canada

http://grain-gallery.com/wheat/images/


Wheat Germination

• http://plantsci.missouri.edu/cropsys/growth.html


Small Grains Germination and Emergence


Cereal Growth and DevelopmentDescription Zadok Stage Feekes Stage

Germination 0

Seedling 1 1

Tillering 2 2

Stem Elongation (Jointing) 3 3-9

Boot 4 10

Head Emergence 5 10.1

Flowering 6 10.5

Milk Development 7 11.1

Dough Development 8 11.2

Ripening 9 11.3


Dicotyledons

• Plants that have two cotyledons or “seed leaves”

• Cotyledons are the food source for the germinating legume seedling

• High seed quality = healthy cotyledons


Alfalfa Seeds, Soybean Seeds

University of Minnesota, University of Kentucky


Legume Seed

Seed Coat

Cotyledon

Cotyledonary node Epicotyl

Hypocotyl

Radicle

Hilum


Alfalfa

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/hay/r648w.htm


Soybean Germination and Emergence


Soybean Emergence

University of Kentucky


Soybean Growth Staging System


Iowa State University


V4


R1 Beginning Flowerplants have at least one flower on any node


R2 Full Flowerthere is an open flower at one of the two uppermost nodes

http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/soybean/production_growthstages.html

Soybean Flowers are White or Purple


R3: Beginning Pod pods are 3/16 inch (5 mm) at one of

the four uppermost nodes

R4: Full Pod pods are 3/4 inch (2 cm) at one of

the four uppermost nodes


R5: Beginning Seed seed is 1/8 inch long (3 mm) long at one of the four uppermost nodes on the main stem

R6: Full Seedgreen seed fills the pod at

one of the four uppermost nodes on the main stem


R7: Beginning Maturity one pod on the main stem has reached its mature pod color

Agronomy Basics