Charles Shapiro - Extension Soil Scientist—Crop Nutrition

Charles Shapiro

emeriti
Work
HAL 57905 866 Rd Concord NE 68728-2828
US
Work 402-584-3803 On campus, dial 7-3803
Download vCard for Charles Shapiro

Faculty Bio

Charles Shapiro retired from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in January 2018, but continues to contribute to CropWatch as an emeriti professor.

Related Articles
Soil Conservation No. 1 Issue, Scientist Says in Nebraska Farmer
UNL Crop Study Takes Its Time in Nebraska Farmer

Cover of the new ISU Publication,

Iowa Releases New Publication on Use of the Late Spring Soil Nitrate Test

June 8, 2017
Following heavy spring rains, farmers may be interested in testing for soil nitrogen availability. This article notes a new publication from Iowa State University on using the Late Spring Soil Nitrate Test (LSNT) as well as other options for assessing soil nitrate.

Read more

Chart of potential for nitrate-N leaching in spring 2017

Risk of Nitrate Leaching Across Nebraska as of May 21, 2017

May 25, 2017
Following heavy spring rains UNL soil scientists model potential loss of nitrate-N to soil leaching, finding an average 14% loss from mid-April levels, with three sites with much higher losses.

Read more

Center pivot irrigated soybeans
Management in a successful soybean-after-soybean cropping system may require growers to make some slight adjustments in their practices, including irrigation, seed selection, and pest management.

Planting Soybean after Soybean (Part 2): In-Season Management Considerations

April 13, 2017

In Part 1 of this article, we look at considerations for planting soybean after soybean. In this article, Part 2, we share considerations for in-season management.

Read more

soybean field

Planting Soybean after Soybean (Part 1): Planting Considerations

April 13, 2017
Farmers are increasing their soybean plantings for 2017, which likely means some are shifting to soybeans-after-soybeans. This article looks at what you should be considering at planting time as you consider changing your cropping sequence.

Read more

Figure 1. Liquid fertilizer manifold used on a planter for applying starter fertilizer. (Photo by Charles Shapiro)

Starter Fertilizer: When is it Warranted?

April 12, 2017
As you evaluate the cost of inputs, consider this: Only focusing on expenses without subsequent income changes is misleading. The most profitable plan uses the most profitable inputs. Is a starter fertilizer one of those inputs? The authors look at university and grower research under various conditions to see when a starter fertilizer offers economic benefits.

Read more

Well nodulated soybean roots

Making Data-Driven Decisions on Soybean Inoculation

April 6, 2017
Farmers, agronomists, and researchers provide three steps to deciding whether to inoculate soybeans this spring.

Read more

Value of manure

Finding Win-Wins for Manure: Maximizing Soil Quality Benefits

March 6, 2017
Manure offers crop production wins by providing valuable nutrients and helping build soil organic matter and an active soil microbial community. Soils with organic matter levels on the low end of their typical range can benefit the most from manure applications that do not exceed the crop’s nitrogen requirements. Organic matter also improves soil aggregates which in turn helps increase infiltration of precipitation and irrigation water, improves water-holding capacity of the soil, and reduces runoff and erosion. Soils with these characteristics experience greater drought tolerance.

Read more

Phosphorus yield effect

You Can Postpone Phosphorus, Potassium, and Zinc Fertilizer Applications When….

February 28, 2017
Soil testing and applying only the soil nutrients needed to produce your yield goal can provide a significant savings in fertilizer costs. Nebraska research shows growers can save as much as $52.12/acre for postponing phosphorus, potassium and zinc applications.

Read more