Author: croelands

Posted on

Corn Plant Tissue Composition at Different Growth Stages

When we perform plant tissue analysis on corn currently, we analyze the nutrient (N,P,K, etc) content of the plant.

Last year we measured the structural and mobile components (protein, fibre and sugar) to learn about variation that occurs in season. Here are some of our findings.

Plant composition changes at different growth stages:

Plant Comp by Growth Stage

As the plant grows the structural component of the plant increases. Protein and mineral content will decrease as the plant matures. Sugars follow the decreasing trend until tasselling where the levels generally climb again.

Variability in Composition Over Time

Corn Variabilty

For the 2015 growing season protein, fibre, sugar and total mineral content is available on our corn plant tissue tests for FREE! If you are interested in plant tissue testing you can contact us here:

Contact

 

Posted on

Update on Soil Nitrate in Ontario

Here is  some preliminary information on soil nitrates this year and give you a preview of the some information that will be provided in our Staygreen Nitrogen Management Program.

The program will allow you to measure soil and plant nitrogen levels throughout the growing season to spot areas of deficiency or excess. If you wish to participate it’s not too late! Here is a link to more info.

-Over the past two weeks there has been a very slight increase in nitrates in sites
-So far this week we have seen a wide range in nitrates from 3 ppm (12 lbs/acre) on  to 37 ppm (150 lb/acre). With the average of just over 8 ppm (32 lbs/acre).
-Sand and sandy knolls tend to have higher nitrates currently. It will be interesting to see if this will change when we get a good rain.
If you plan on taking any nitrate samples this growing season we would be glad to analyse them for you! In addition to your result you will also receive the average for the past weeks results to allow some insight on where your result is relative to others. Our soil price list is available here:
Posted on

Staygreen Nitrogen Management Program

In order to better manage corn nitrogen levels through the growing season we need to measure it. Nitrogen levels fluctuate during the growing season. This fluctuation is related to many different factors that can influence nitrogen mineralization and/or application.

Soil Nitrate and Crop Uptake Chart

We are measuring to have better insight about how much N we have going into the crop year, how well we manage nutrients through the growing season and if we have any N left over at the end.

 

How it works:

Step 1: Pick a spot. This spot should be representative of the most common management zone in the field.

Step 2: Call us to activate your location.

Step 3: We take care of the rest!

 

Sampling Regime

Timing

Soil Nitrate Test (Depths)

 Plant Tissue Test

Corn Stalk Nitrate Test
Pre-Plant

1
V6

2

1
V12

2

1
Tasseling

2

1
Harvest

1

1

What do I receive?

  • 8 Soil Nitrate tests (1 or 2 depths depending on the time in the season) to monitor the nitrate through the season.
  • 3 Plant Tissue tests to see look at nutrient balance.
  • 1 Corn Stalk Nitrate Test to determine if the nitrogen program was deficient, adequate or excessive.
  • Your data (Soil, Plant Tissue, Corn Stalk) benchmarked against the average of all sites for that time period. This allows you to compare to other fields. You will also receive all of your data in an excel file at the end of the year with the average data.
  • Our Staygreen Insight newsletter, included with every new round of data, which will feature data and observations from the growing season.

 Example Soil Nitrate Report:

Soil Nitrate and Crop Uptake Chart 2

 

Cost Per Site:

$350 (within 40 km of Honeyland Ag Services) – Additional charges may apply, please contact us for details.

For a PDF version please click here: Honeyland Staygreen Program Details