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Variable Rate Nitrogen Application on Corn Fields: The Role of Spatial Variability and Weather

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 April 2015

Roland K. Roberts ,
S. B. Mahajanashetti ,
Burton C. English ,
James A. Larson  and
Donald D. Tyler
Roland K. Roberts
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics
S. B. Mahajanashetti
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics
Burton C. English
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics
James A. Larson
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics
Donald D. Tyler
Affiliation:
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
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Abstract

Meta-response functions for corn yields and nitrogen losses were estimated from EPIC-generated data for three soil types and three weather scenarios. These metamodels were used to evaluate variable rate (VRT) versus uniform rate (URT) nitrogen application technologies for alternative weather scenarios and policy options. Except under very dry conditions, returns per acre for VRT were higher than for URT and the economic advantage of VRT increased as realized rainfall decreased from expected average rainfall. Nitrogen losses to the environment from VRT were lower for all situations examined, except on fields with little spatial variability.

Keywords

Cornenvironmentmeta-response functionsnitrogen restrictionprecision farmingsite-specific managementspatial variabilityweather variability

Information

Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics , Volume 34 , Issue 1 , April 2002 , pp. 111 - 129
Copyright
Copyright © Southern Agricultural Economics Association 2002

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