Corn Stalk Nitrate Testing Program
The On-Farm Network® Guided Corn Stalk Testing Program involves collecting aerial imagery of corn fields from late August through early September to look for areas of nitrogen stress. We will use the imagery to guide the collection of stalk nitrate samples after the grain has reached black layer. The samples will be collected from four locations to represent the differences observed in the imagery. While the corn stalk test can detect deficiencies, it is much better at detecting degrees of excess.
Through this program, growers can evaluate field evaluation, comparisons across fields, and management practices. There is value in evaluating nitrogen sufficiency for your crop, and value in comparing your management to that of other growers anonymously.
Activity |
Timing |
Party Responsible |
Fill out registration form with key management information. (click here for registration form) |
August 15 |
Grower |
Send in field location with FSA or Plat map. |
August 15 |
Grower |
Imagery collected |
Aug. 15 – Sept. 15 |
On-Farm Network® |
Processed and samplers prepared for field sampling |
Aug. 30 – Sept. 30 |
On-Farm Network® |
Stalk sampling of Fields with GPS. |
Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 |
On-Farm Network® |
Individual reports generated and returned to grower. |
Nov. 1 – Nov. 15 |
On-Farm Network® |
Small group meetings held to discuss results |
Dec.1 – Feb. 15 |
On-Farm Network® & Grower |
State wide conference. |
Feb. TBA |
On-Farm Network® & Grower |
The cost of the program is $230/field which covers the imagery for 80 acres.
Grower names will be kept confidential.
To Register:
Click here for registration form
For more information:
OnFarm Update publication July, 2008
Tracy Blackmer presentation on Guided Stalk Testing in Iowa
Stalk sampling results from 2008
Questions? Please call: 800-383-1423 (ext1033)
