Can biology help corn do more with less nitrogen?
Returning Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (NOPP) grant recipient and independent crop consultant Joe Ailts is putting that question to the test in northwest WI. He is investigating the impact of seed-applied mycorrhizal fungi on corn nitrogen use efficiency.
Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with corn and are best known for supplying phosphorus (P) to the plant but may also have an impact on nitrogen (N) uptake. Joe expects the fungi to facilitate corn N uptake, reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen.
NOPP provides an opportunity to evaluate questions like Joe’s through on-farm research. As he explains, “You can’t manage what you don’t measure; You need to measure things many times before you begin finding trends.” Joe is working with Kyle Bechel at Huntsinger Farms to carry out this project.
The project is well underway, with the first year of data showing little response on high P soils. Therefore, this year the trial is on a field with low soil P. High amounts of P can decrease the corn’s need to support mycorrhizal fungal growth. Looking forward to seeing what the data shows this year!