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Responsible Nutrient Management

Three No-Tillers Honored For Sound Fertility Practices At 21st Annual National No-Tillage Conference In Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. – Three growers have been honored for their efficient and effective use of fertilizer in their no-till systems. Considered Responsible Nutrient Management Practitioners, the growers were honored Friday, January 11, during the 21^st annual National No-Tillage Conference in Indianapolis.

Before nearly 950 attendees, no-tillers Joel Armistead, John Niemeyer and H. Grant Troop each shared five practices they utilize on their farms to use only necessary amounts of applied fertilizer and make sure that it is used by plants rather than lost to the environment. View Full Report Of Winners' Practices.

All nominees for the 5^th annual program answered more than 20 questions about their farm operations, and their responses were graded by a panel of fertility experts. The three highest scorers were awarded the honor, and provided complimentary travel and lodging from Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers and conference registration from No-Till Farmer, the cosponsors of the program, for sharing their practices with conference attendees.

Armistead has found that using 32% liquid nitrogen has improved rate control, as well as both soil structure and micro-life. Placing it along the corn row at planting time allows the Adairville, Ky., no-tiller to reduce rates and loss of nitrogen. Row-placed phosphorus and potassium increases efficiency and plant uptake vs. dry fertilizers, he says. A believer in grid sampling, Armistead also uses variable-rate application equipment to put on the right amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the right place while planting.

From left to right, Jim Peterson, Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers; Sara Fernandez, Responsible Nutrient Management Foundation; Joel Armistead, Adairville, Ky.; John Niemeyer, Cortland, Neb.; H. Grant Troop, Oxford, Pa.; and Darrell Bruggink, No-Till Farmer.

Niemeyer says he has found composted cattle manure to be a valuable nutrient source. The Cortland, Neb., no-tiller also utilizes variable-rate application of lime, gypsum and fertilizers to improve soil nutrient balance. All anhydrous ammonia is spring-applied through an Exactrix system that converts the gas into a liquid form for improved efficiency. Niemeyer tissue tests for improved in-season nitrogen management and has begun to experiment with cover crops to scavenge or produce nutrients to reduce applied fertilizers.

Troop promotes a highly active soil biology through high-residue management, cover crops and probiotic treatments. His goal is to use nutrients that are stable and safe to both the seed and the soil. The Oxford, Pa., no-tiller adjusts nutrients rates to match soil tests, nutrient credits and placement scenarios. Troop says he appropriately times nutrient applications to limit exposure to loss and increase nutrient uptake.

“While there are some similarities in these growers’ fertility programs, they also have different approaches, particularly with the formulations of fertilizer they apply. Yet, they are very aware of how much fertilizer they apply and how they apply it to make sure they use only what’s necessary and that it’s available to crops when needed,” says Jim Peterson, senior strategies manager for Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers. “Their aim is to produce high yields with minimal impact on the environment and their soils.”

Nominations will be accepted later this year for the 6^th class of Responsible Nutrient Management Practitioners Program to be honored at the 22^nd annual National No-Tillage Conference in Springfield, Ill., from January 15-18, 2014.

Following is a list of past recipients:

2012 Recipients

• Bob Bottens, Cambridge, Ill.
• Donn Branton, Le Roy, N.Y.
• David Sutherland, Leroy, Kan.

2011 Recipients

• Jordan Bennett, Hermiston, Ore.
• Larry Bonnell, Pittsford, Mich.
• Jeff Garman, Colfax, Ill.

2010 Recipients

• Allen Dean, Bryan, Ohio
• Jack Maloney, Brownsburg, Ind.
• Davis, Ryan and Greg Bell of Cornerstone Partnership in Des Arc, Ark.

2009 Recipients

• David Brandt, Carroll, Ohio
• Mike Starkey of Brownsburg, Ind.
• Ed and Dan Wilkinson of Getty Acres Farm in Gettysburg, Pa.

Again, you can click here to nominate a deserving no-tiller. Thank you again for participating.

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