scale too coarse to be effective. Franzen et al. (2002) compared Order 1 and Order 2 soil surveys with maps Variable rate fertilizer application technology (VRT) can provide from grid sampling and topography based zone maps. an opportunity to more efficiently utilize fertilizer inputs; however, accurate prescription maps are essential. Researchers and farmers Order 2 soil surveys were seldom useful in determining have understood the value of dividing whole fields into smaller, homo-zones for site specific management of NO 3 -N. Order 1 geneous regions or management zones for fertility management. Mansoil surveys were more highly related to soil NO 3 -N agement zones can be defined as spatially homogeneous subregions than Order 2 surveys, but their consistency was not as within a field that have similar crop input needs. Delineating managehigh as when topography based zones or maps from ment zones that characterize the spatial variability within a field may grid sampling were used. Landscape position also has provide effective prescription maps for VRT. The objective of this been used to divide fields (Fiez et al., 1994). They found research was to compare and evaluate management zones developed that landscape position alone was not effective in dividfrom soil color (SC) and farmer experience with management zones ing fields into units for variable rate N management. developed from apparent electrical conductivity (EC a ). These two However, Franzen et al. (2001) concluded that topogramethods of developing management zones were compared with soil nutrient levels, texture, and crop yields collected on two fields in 1997. phy-based zone soil sampling may be useful in semiaridThe soil and yield parameters followed the trends indicated by both environments. Long et al. (1998) proposed using the spamanagement zone methods at Field 1 with the highest values found tial variation in grain protein levels to identify N manin the high productivity zones and the lowest the low productivity agement zones in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). zones. Significant differences were found among the managementCurrently, the procedure is applicable for dryland fields zones. However, at Field 2 the high and medium productivity zones that are cropped annually to wheat. Practical implemenwere generally not significantly different using the SC approach, tation of this procedure requires that an appropriate whereas the EC a approach was effective in identifying three distinct sensor be made available to producers that can continumanagement zones. Both methods of developing management zones ously read the protein concentration of grain from comseem to be identifying homogeneous subregions within fields. bine harvester. Ostergaard (1997) developed management zones for VRT N application based on soil type, yield, topography, aerial photos, and producer experi-Predicted SOM was highly correlated with measured Bldg.
No abstract
The soil erodibility factor (K) of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation is currently considered a constant for all soils in the same type, regardless of production practice. To examine the effect of alternative production systems on the K-factor we compared pairs of alternatively and conventionally farmed fields on a Judson silt loam (Fine-silty, mixed, mesic Cumulic Hapludolls), a Yutan silty clay loam (Fine-silty, mixed, mesic Mollic Hapludalf), and a Wann fine sandy loam (Coarse-loamy, mixed, mesic Fluvaquentic Haplustolls). Soil cores were taken from the surface 10 cm and analyzed for organic matter, permeability, structure, and texture. These data were used to estimate K-factors from a nomograph. All soils in the study had a fine granular structure. Organic matter content and permeability were significantly higher for the alternatively managed field at every location, except for no difference in permeability on the Judson soil. However, the K-factor was significantly lower for the alternative system on the Judson soil. Of all the parameters, texture has the greatest influence in determining K-factors within the nomograph, with soils higher in silt being more erodible than soils higher in sand or clay. Thus, the influences of alternative production systems affected the Judson soil to a greater degree than other textures because of its higher inherent susceptibility to erosion. This study shows that alternative production systems affect the K-factor of some soil types and can reduce soil erodibility, and therefore should be considered when developing conservation plans.
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