Towards 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Concept: An Illustration of N Rate and Timing for Optimizing Corn Yield and Profits

August 11, 2020

Dr. Iqbal’s research and extension lab has started a nitrogen rate and timing trial in corn which focuses on the efficient utilization of fertilizer nitrogen with the right rate and right time of fertilizer application.

His research group is trying to find the impact of fertilizer nitrogen rate and timing on nitrate leaching in groundwater. Overall, his project focuses on the agronomic, environmental, and economic impact of fertilizer nitrogen use. More information about his project can be found in the following videos:

4Rs Nutrient Stewardship

Dr. Iqbal’s research group plans to expand his research and extension program to 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship concept which can help to improve groundwater quality in Nebraska. The 4Rs is a nutrient management and water stewardship approach which emphasizes fertilizer use with the right source, right rate, right time, and right placement of fertilizers. This is a science-based approach focusing on best nutrient management practices and sustainable crop production with increasing crop yield and farmer’s profit while protecting the environment. The following are key advantages of following 4Rs Nutrient Management Stewardship.

An efficient and effective soil fertility program for optimizing the crop nutrient requirements.
Reduces the cost of fertilizer input while ensuring crop nutrient needs.
Increases synchrony of soil nutrients availability and crop growth and development.
Reduces the potential for nutrients loss to surface water, groundwater, and air.
Enables efficient use of water with the combined interaction of nutrients availability, crop growth and water use.
Improves soil organic matter and soil health benefits with more crop biomass production.
Increases nutrient use efficiency by minimizing nutrient losses.