The research program focuses on developing cost-effective and environmentally sound nutrient management practices for cropping systems. Emphasis is on P, K, micronutrients, lime, and manure P management for conservation tillage systems including calibration of soil and plant tissue tests, fertilizer and manure placement methods, impacts of nutrient management on soil and P water quality, development of P loss risk assessment tools, and use of precision agriculture technologies. The program integrates conventional field plot and laboratory research with innovative on-farm research and demonstrations utilizing precision agriculture technologies, and it is developed in cooperation with producers, agribusiness, and extension agronomists. The extension and outreach effort focus on areas emphasized by the applied research program, and the effort involves outreach to producers and agribusiness, training of field extension agronomists, co-responsibility for establishing nutrient management guidelines, and teaching continuing education courses.
