Goal 4: Greater Harmony Between Agriculture and the Environment

The irrigated area in North Dakota is increasing in response to the demand for dependable, high yielding, and high quality crops. The potential exists for 500,000 new acres of irrigated crops with sprinkler methods, yet the only high value crop now grown there with irrigation is sugar beets. High value crops, such as potatoes, high quality alfalfa, dry edible beans, carrots, onions, and cabbage, offer more potential return to producers and the increased income would be multiplied throughout the local communities. A key to success will be rotations and systems that are both profitable and environmentally friendly.

In studies using zone management of N in sugar beets, economic advantages when there is sufficient variability of N range from $10-100/acre. On wheat and sunflowers, net returns are in the range of $5-15/acre, which would roughly double profit margins in these crops. In addition, the use of some form of zone N sampling reduces the need for "insurance" rates of N, which are often 40-50 lb N/acre ($12-15/acre current price).

Researchers collected and analyzed manure samples to provide producers with a simple tool/method for determining manure nutrient values just before or at the time of land application. That tool would help producers use manure for it's plant nutrients while helping them avoid over application that could endanger water supplies. Seventy-six percent of the producers that participated in manure application planning workshops said that they were going to implement changes in their manure management practices. The most common intended changes were to test manure nutrient concentrations, to give credits for the manure nutrients applied, and to keep records.

Irrigation research at Carrington will provide production information for high-value crops that farmers can use to optimize their profitability. Research in western ND will provide a baseline of irrigation management information to support the expansion of irrigated potato acreage in the area. Ground water quality information will inform producers, agencies, and the public about the ground water quality impacts of irrigation. Software development will assist producers in North Dakota and Minnesota to better manage irrigation scheduling.

Key Theme - Water Quality: Nutrient Management

Extension specialists and Experiment Station researchers developed approaches that make site-specific fertilization feasible for a variety of crops in different physiographic settings. These techniques reduce overapplication of nitrogen (N) where residual N is high at the end of the growing season and in areas where leaching potential is high. Sugar beet growers in the Red River Valley manage about 100,000 acres using satellite imagery and aerial photography to map areas of homogeneous N uptake within sugar beet fields and then give an N credit or adjustment for subsequent crops. Wheat and sunflower growers in central and western North Dakota are using topography, aerial imagery and electrical conductivity detectors to locate homogeneous zones within fields. These zonal boundaries are used as guides for soil sampling. The move to site-specific approaches is only about two years old west of the Red River Valley with about 15,000 acres involved.

Impact - In 2000, programs focusing on site-specific management totaled about 400 attendees at various presentations around North Dakota. In addition, site-specific soil testing has been woven into nearly all presentations given, amounting to about 2,000 other attendees. News releases on radio and in the press have been provided for people who do not attend meetings. Four circulars were printed in 1999 to provide general site-specific information regarding sampling, fertility, concepts and environmental benefits. These have been well received by growers and received a national award from the American Society of Agronomy in 2000. It is estimated that an additional 20,000 growers were contracted indirectly to some aspect of site-specific farming/N management in 2000. In studies using zone management of N in sugar beets, economic advantages when there is sufficient variability of N range from $10-100/acre. On wheat and sunflowers, net returns are in the range of $5-15/acre, which would roughly double profit margins in these crops. In addition, the use of some form of zone N sampling reduces the need for "insurance" rates of N, which are often 40-50 lb N/acre ($12-15/acre current price). There is the intangible benefit of reduction in nitrate leaching due to better N utilization by crops and reduction in over-fertilization of "leaky" areas of the field.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever and Hatch

Scope of Impact: North Dakota and also sugar beet growers in west-central MN.

Carrington: The second year experiments were conducted under a two-tower center pivot irrigation system. Crops included potatoes, carrots, dry edible beans, and onions. Experimental treatments consisted of high, low, and non-irrigated water management regimes; variety comparisons; and fertility treatments. Fertility treatments consisted of various levels and/or schedules of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Irrigations were scheduled independently for each main plot or zone to provide statistical comparisons of irrigation treatments. Soil moisture, rainfall, irrigation, and weather were monitored to develop crop water use estimates.

Williams County: Data collection continued for the third year under sprinkler-irrigated potatoes. Several measurement stations were established in quarter-section center pivot fields. At each station, thrice-weekly measurements were made of soil moisture, rain, and irrigation. The data sets will be used to estimate crop water use and evaluate irrigation scheduling algorithms developed for the more humid, eastern parts of North Dakota.

Central North Dakota: Site selection, characterization, and soil and water sampling was initiated during 2000 to determine the impacts of irrigated potato production on ground water quality.

Impact: Irrigation research at Carrington will provide production information for high-value crops that farmers can use to optimize their profitability. Research in western North Dakota will provide a baseline of irrigation management information to support the expansion of irrigated potato acreage in the area. Ground water quality information will inform producers, agencies, and the public about the ground water quality impacts of irrigation. Software development will assist producers in North Dakota and Minnesota to better manage irrigation scheduling.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever and Hatch

Scope of Impact: State Specific

Key Theme- Water Quality: New Cultivars of Dry Edible Beans for Irrigated Production Systems

Impact: Goals are to diversify irrigated bean production in the Northern Plains into other market classes, thereby increasing the possibility of further exports.

Source of federal funds: Hatch

Scope of Impact: Region Specific

Key Theme- Water Quality: Irrigation Technical Information and Assistance

Three irrigation workshops conducted by extension specialists at Bismarck and Grand Forks, North Dakota, were focused on subject matter needs of beginning and experienced irrigation producers. Topics included agronomic, economic, irrigation equipment, water management, fertility management, and current research-based information. Thirty five farm visits were made to provide on-site technical assistance in addition to many office inquiries. Irrigation pumping unit efficiency tests were conducted on several farms. This activity provides opportunity for evaluation of irrigation practices and for directed education of farmer-producers. Three tile drainage programs were presented. Two off-stream irrigation water storage pond programs were presented. A user manual was developed for an irrigation scheduling tool that is based on a spreadsheet Checkbook program.

Impact: More than 175 people attended the irrigation workshops. The drainage education programs were attended by 220 people. Pumping plant testing was completed on 27 farms.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of Impact: State Specific

Key Theme- Water Quality: On Site Testing of Manure Characteristics

Manure samples were collected from livestock producers (89 samples) located in eastern North Dakota. These samples were analyzed using a commercially available nitrogen meter and compared to standard laboratory analysis. Regression-based relationships (meter vs. laboratory analysis) suggest only a marginal utility (i.e., producer use) of the meter. Better accuracy was obtained with solid-state surface conductivity (metal oxide) gas sensors. Regression relationships indicate R-squared of 0.99 for hydrogen of ammonia concentration, 0.97 for methane to ammonia, and 0.54 for methane to hydrogen sulfide. The gas concentrations were then compared to nutrient concentration from laboratory analyses. The following R-squared values were found: ammonia to nitrogen 0.79; ammonia to organic-N 0.73; ammonia to ammonium 0.86; ammonia to phosphorous 0.94; ammonia to potassium 0.68; hydrogen sulfide to nitrogen 0.80; hydrogen sulfide to organic-N 0.72; hydrogen sulfide to ammonium 0.92; hydrogen sulfide to phosphorous 0.78; hydrogen sulfide to potassium 0.72; methane to nitrogen 0.05; methane to organic-N 0.0006; methane to ammonium 0.73; methane to phosphorous 0.48; and methane to potassium 0.12.

Impact: The project objective is to provide producers with a simple tool/method for determining manure nutrient values just before or at the time of land application.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever and Hatch

Scope of Impact: State Specific

Key Theme- Water Quality: Design and Performance of Feedlot Systems

Initiated a research and demonstration project of "lignite ash for feedlot surfaces" to investigate the use of coal combustion byproducts (fly ash, bottom ash) in providing a more durable feedlot surface. Using a coal ash stabilized surface is expected to improve animal welfare and performance, as well as provide opportunities for reducing some of the environmental impacts of feeding areas. Year one activities, including stabilization and placement of controlled low strength material for feedbunk aprons, have been completed.

Impact: Undetermined

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever and Hatch

Scope of Impact: Region Specific

Key Theme- Water Quality: Livestock Waste Technical Information and Assistance

Environmental Assurance Program Workshops. Two EAP Workshops were held for pork producers dealing with regulations, odor control, nutrient management, community relations and composting.

On Farm Odor/Environmental Assurance Program. Extension specialist acted as coordinator for the OFO/EAP (a National Pork Producer's Council initiative) and recruited 22 assessors (Extension, NRCS and consultants) and organized their certification school. The program is designed to offer pork producers a free, confidential review of their operation's environmental strengths and weaknesses.

Livestock Waste Management and Utilization Workshop. An interagency workshop designed to provide technical and field staff with a basic grounding in the issues that comprise the Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans proposed by EPA/USDA. The two day workshop was attended by 90 participants representing NRCS, SCD's, NDSU Extension Service, NDDH, Section 319 funded Water Quality Coordinators, producer group boards, ND Dept. of Agriculture, ND Water Commission, ND Game and Fish, and tribal agencies.

Manure Application Planning Workshops. A manure application planning workshop was held at 10 locations around the state. The objective of the workshop was to give producers the planning and record keeping skills necessary to make better use of their manure as well as meet NDDH requirements. More than 120 producers, along with 45 local extension and NRCS/SCD staff, attended the 4 hour workshops. Each participant received a binder containing all of the information required to prepare a manure application plan. In their evaluation questionnaires, 15 out of the 120 producers reported that they had used manure tests in the past. Thirty-nine producers had tested soil from fields receiving manure, 17 had used manure nutrient credits to reduce fertilizer purchases, 7 had kept written records of manure applications, and 10 had performed a calibration of the manure spreader.

Impact: EAP Workshops-- Of the 12 producers that completed an evaluation form, 11 were planning to make changes in the way they manage their manure.

OFO/EAP Program -- Eight assessments were completed as part of the training program. One producer has participated since the program began.

Livestock Waste Management and Utilization Workshop-- On a scale of 1 (not useful) to 5 (very useful), evaluations from the participants scored the workshop at 4.1. The most common suggestions for follow-up activities or topics included; a field day to view successful waste management systems, more information on regulations and permits, information on system costs and more information on manure utilization.

Manure Application Planning Workshops-- Seventy-six percent of the producers who participated said that they were going to implement changes in their manure management practices. The most common intended changes were to test manure nutrient concentrations, to give credits for the manure nutrients applied, and to keep records.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever and EPA

Scope of Impact: State Specific