BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension, in collaboration with Premier Crop Systems and university researchers, are seeking corn producers to participate in on-farm nitrogen fertilizer trials designed to improve nitrogen management recommendations across the state and better support farmer profitability and sustainable nutrient use.
“These on farm trials are part of a multi-year project that brings together SDSU Extension specialists, crop advisors and growers to generate real field data that improves nitrogen recommendations and benefits producers directly,” said Jason Clark, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Soil Fertility Specialist. Ravi Mural, who leads the newly launched South Dakota Nitrogen Initiative, added that these trials will also help researchers understand how soil, weather and management factors interact to influence crop nitrogen response across different regions of South Dakota.
Excessive nitrogen fertilizer application can lead to reduced fertilizer efficiency, environmental losses and lower grower profits. These trials use Enhanced Learning Blocks™ to test varying nitrogen application rates within participating farmers’ fields. Location- and farmer-specific data will remain confidential. Trial plot sizes typically range from 2 to 5 acres depending on equipment size and field layout.
Producers who participate will gain direct insight into how corn on their own fields responds to different nitrogen rates while also contributing to a larger statewide dataset. Information gathered through these trials will support ongoing SDSU Extension and research efforts focused on developing improved, data-driven nitrogen recommendations that account for soil type, weather variability and regional differences. This work strengthens grower profitability while also helping reduce environmental risk in South Dakota corn production.
To learn more about these trials or to participate, email Jason Clark. To see the existing nitrogen fertilizer recommendations guide, visit the SDSU Extension Fertilizer Recommendation Guide.
