CORN
Crop Observation and Recommendation Network

October 20-26, 2003
C.O.R.N. 2003-36

In This Issue:

A) Fall Applied Nitrogen for Corn Production
B) Moldy Grains, Mycotoxins and Feeding Problems
C) Commercial Pesticide Recertification Conferences Scheduled

A) Fall Applied Nitrogen for Corn Production - Lentz CORN Questions

Each year after soybean harvest, producers may consider applying nitrogen in the Fall for next year's corn crop. There are two main advantages to this practice: 1) nitrogen prices may be lower in the fall than the spring and 2) time and labor may be more available than spring. However, the big disadvantage is the greater potential for nitrogen loss. In some years this nitrogen loss may cause a yield reduction. In an 8-year study, Ohio State University scientists, Stehouwer and Johnson, showed that average corn yields were about 5% higher from spring applied anhydrous compared to fall applied at the 160 pounds of nitrogen per acre. Without a nitrification inhibitor, the difference was almost 10%. Some years this percentage may be less and others more, depending on the weather.

Since fall applied nitrogen has to remain in the soil for about six to seven months, the university recommends only anhydrous ammonia plus a nitrification inhibitor as a nitrogen source. As a further deterrent to nitrogen loss, they recommend applications after the soil temperature drops below 50º F and will remain below 50. Generally this occurs after October 20. Warmer conditions will shorten the effectiveness of the nitrification inhibitor.

In summary, fall applied nitrogen is an option for Ohio corn producers. However, this approach has a great potential for nitrogen loss. To minimize these losses consider the following management practices:

1) Only use anhydrous ammonia. Besides being the most economical source of nitrogen, it is the slowest of all nitrogen fertilizers to convert to nitrate-nitrogen.
2) Use a nitrification inhibitor. These products delay the conversion of ammonium to nitrate-nitrogen. The duration of this delay is weather dependent. Warm weather will shorten the effectiveness of the inhibitor.
3) Apply fall nitrogen when soil temperatures stay below 50º F. Cooler temperatures reduce the activity of the bacteria that converts ammonium to nitrate-nitrogen.
4) Apply fall nitrogen only on well-drained soils. Do not fall apply on sandy ground.

Additional information may be found in the publication: Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn, Soybeans, Wheat & Alfalfa at your county extension office, or download from the Internet at http://ohioline.osu.edu/lines/farm.html and select the software option.

B) Moldy Grains, Mycotoxins and Feeding Problems - Lipps & Mills CORN Questions

As a grain and livestock producer, do you have questions concerning grain molds, the mycotoxins they produce and potential problems when feeding moldy grains to livestock? Frequently, this information is difficult to obtain or it is so scattered that it is difficult to find some basic information about these problems. To address these questions a new section has been added to the Ohio Field Crop Disease website (www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/ohiofieldcropdisease) covering the major mycotoxins, the plant diseases that that are associated with mycotoxin problems, preventative practices and detrimental feed concentrations (USDA & FDA guidelines). Each important mycotoxin is presented individually listing the toxin characteristics, crop and weather conditions favoring toxin production, effects on animal health, and guidelines for use of contaminated grain. This is a joint effort with Ohio State, Iowa State, Purdue, Penn State and the University of Kentucky. Also included are 15 + links for additional and more in-depth information. The Ohio Field Crop Disease website also provides general information on techniques for sampling grain to be submitted for mycotoxin analysis and a listing of laboratories that conduct analyses for a fee.

C) Commercial Pesticide Recertification Conferences Scheduled - Kick-Raack & Folck CORN Questions

Remember to mark your calendars for the 2003-2004 winter schedule of commercial pesticide recertification conferences. These conferences are designed for commercial applicators and not private applicators. These conferences are coordinated by the Pesticide Education Program.

Field Crops Commercial Pesticide Applicator Recertification Conferences
January 28, 2004 - Lima Holiday Inn
February 4, 2004 - Fawcett Center, Ohio State University, Columbus

General Commercial Pesticide Applicator Recertification Conferences
(turf, ornamental, pest control, industrial vegetation)
November 25, 2003 - Cleveland/Independence Holiday Inn
December 17, 2003 - Dayton Convention Center
January 14, 2004 - Perrysburg Holiday Inn, French Quarters
February 17, 2004 - Columbus Convention Center
Field Crops Commercial Pesticide Applicator Recertification Conferences
January 28, 2004 - Lima Holiday Inn
February 4, 2004 - Fawcett Center, Ohio State University, Columbus

Readers can subscribe electronically to this newsletter by sending an e-mail message to: corn-out-on@postoffice.ag.ohio-state.edu. A successful subscription message will receive by an automatic reply from the listserv. Contact your local Ohio State University Extension Office or e-mail labarge.1@osu.edu if you have problems subscribing.

Past versions of C.O.R.N. can be found on the World Wide Web at: http:/www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~corn/archive/

C.O.R.N. is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio Crop Producers and Industry. C.O.R.N. is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, State Specialists at The Ohio State University and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. C.O.R.N. Questions are directed to State Specialists, Extension Associates, and Agents associated with Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at The Ohio State University.

Editor: Barry Ward        Web Editor: Nathan Watermeier

Information presented above and where trade names are used, they are supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Keith L. Smith, Director, Ohio State University Extension.

TDD # 1 (800) 589-8292 (Ohio only) or (614) 292-1868

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