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Evaluation of mid-season sensor based nitrogen fertilizer recommendations for winter wheat using different estimates of yield potential

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Abstract

Optical sensors, coupled with mathematical algorithms, have proven effective at determining more accurate mid-season nitrogen (N) fertilizer recommendations in winter wheat. One parameter required in making these recommendations is in-season grain yield potential at the time of sensing. Four algorithms, with different methods for determining grain yield potential, were evaluated for effectiveness to predict final grain yield and the agronomic optimum N rate (AONR) at 34 site-years. The current N fertilizer optimization algorithm (CNFOA) outperformed the other three algorithms at predicting yield potential with no added N and yield potential with added N (R2 = 0.46 and 0.25, respectively). However, no differences were observed in the amount of variability accounted for among all four algorithms in regards to predicting the AONR. Differences were observed in that the CNFOA and proposed N fertilizer optimization algorithm (PNFOA), under predicted the AONR at approximately 75 % of the site-years; whereas, the generalized algorithm (GA) and modified generalized algorithm (MGA) recommended N rates under the AONR at about 50 % of the site-years. The PNFOA was able to determine N rate recommendations within 20 kg N ha−1 of the AONR for half of the site-years; whereas, the other three algorithms were only able recommend within 20 kg N ha−1 of the AONR for about 40 % of the site-years. Lastly, all four algorithms reported more accurate N rate recommendations compared to non-sensor based methodologies and can more precisely account for the year to year variability in grain yields due to environment.

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Abbreviations

AONR:

Agronomic optimum N rate

CNFOA:

Current N fertilizer optimization algorithm

DPG:

Days of potential growth

GA:

Generalized algorithm

GDD:

Growing degree day

INSEY:

In-season estimate of yield

MGA:

Modified generalized algorithm

PPNT:

Preplant nitrate test

PNFOA:

Proposed N fertilizer optimization algorithm

NDVI:

Normalized difference vegetation index

RI:

Response index

SI:

Stress index

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Oklahoma Soil Fertility Research and Education Advisory Board for funding this research project and their continued financial support of soil fertility research at Oklahoma State University. The authors would also like to express their gratitude to all the current and former soil fertility graduate students who aided in the data collection and maintenance of research sites.

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Correspondence to Jacob T. Bushong.

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The mention of any trademarked products or equipment utilized in this experiment was for research purposes only and does not act as an endorsement by Oklahoma State University. The authors and Oklahoma State University have no direct financial relation with any of the named manufacturers, thus the authors declare there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this manuscript.

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Bushong, J.T., Mullock, J.L., Miller, E.C. et al. Evaluation of mid-season sensor based nitrogen fertilizer recommendations for winter wheat using different estimates of yield potential. Precision Agric 17, 470–487 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11119-016-9431-3

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