CROPPING SYSTEM OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE NUTRIENT USE EFFICIENCIES AND STRESS RESILIENCY IN SUSTAINABLE CORN PRODUCTION

Specific objectives of this research include:Comparative assessments of fall strip tillage, no-till and conventional tillage for their effectiveness in enhancing corn growth and nutrient efficiencies while conserving soil quality and improving grower economics.Determination of potential agronomic benefits from technological advances in nutrient management programs (e.g., high clearance N and K applicators, micronutrient encapsulations, microbes, and split-timing alternatives) on corn yields and nutrient use efficiency in modern corn hybrids at higher yield levels.Phenotyping corn hybrid and nutrient management field trials for nutrient stress and relative nutrient efficiency determination using conventional and remote sensing tools.Achieving and communicating a better science-based understanding of corn genetic and physiological factors involved in achieving (a) higher N use efficiency at higher plant populations, (b) more yield response to K fertilizer sources and placement in high yield environments, and (c) positive yield responses to management-driven balances (ratios) in specific macro- and micro-nutrients in plant tissues during vegetative and reproductive stages.