1 Corn 2005 Ouachita Fertilizer

2 Ouachita Commitment to you Increase yields Lower Costs Help solve specific production problems that limit profitability Value Offering Consistency and Reliability Cost effectiveness Leveraged Investment

3 Delta Smart Systems What is DSS? A precise data-gathering system collected to improve grower profitability Records production practices used on the farm Uses on-board combine computers to capture yield and moisture data Uses USDA grading standards to measure impact on quality Utilizes a large data base to analyze

4 Delta Smart Systems Utilizes technology to reach higher yields and lower grower’s cost Increases crop uniformity, the key to higher yields Helps predict production grades for targeted markets Helps avoid repeated mistakes: continuous improvement

5 Corn Acres in LA Aflatoxin hits hard

Corn Acres in LA District I: 27,000 A District II: 8,000 A District III: 335,000 A District IV: 16,000 A District V: 103,000 A District VI: 6,000 A Total: 495,000 or 95% of all corn acres

7 Why Rotate Cotton with Corn? 200 pounds of additional lint and 10% to 15% more bushels per acre. Better utilization of equipment over a long period of time. Better utilization of applied fertilizer.

8 Why Rotate Cotton with Corn? Increased organic matter increases water infiltration and enhances nutrient activity. Corn lowers populations of reniform nematode

9 2004: A Wet Review This graph shows the inches of rain received at different locations during May and June Corn only needs about 28 inches to produce 200 bushels of corn

10 Corn Yields Varied by Location The average yield of LSU corn variety trials at different locations was varied and ranged from 109 bu/A to 160 bu/A. State Average was 135 bu/A

11 DSS for Corn 2004 Over 7,500 acres enrolled 100 different fields 15 hybrids evaluated

12 How do We Increase Profits? Based on DSS: Variety Selection Upgrade Fertility Program Control Bugs Planting Operations

13 Variety Selection = Real $$$ BrandVariety Avg. Yield $2.25/bu Dekalb69-70BTY158.7$397 Dekalb69-71RR/YG150.3 Variety selection is the single most important decision a grower makes when producing corn. DSS yields in 2004 show a difference of $118 per acre in profit by placing a good variety in the wrong place. Pioneer P31R $390 $376

14 This gives an idea of what we are looking for: Hybrids that yield Hybrids that consistently yield Hybrids that yield over a wide range of conditions

15 This is what we are trying to understand: Hybrids that yield sometimes but at other times it is very ordinary or even disgusting

16 Variety Selection to Reduce Aflatoxin Use Bt where possible Select varieties for hard kernels complete shuck coverage good drought tolerance full-season (>115 days) maturity

Varieties BrandVariety insect trait weed trait 2004 Yield DekalbDKC 69-70BTYBT158.7 Pioneer31R Top two varieties in 2004: both have excellent disease package, strong roots and stalks

18 Fertility to Reduce Aflatoxin Fertility stress is a major factor Aflatoxin is helped by hot weather. Potash “cools” the plant Aflatoxin is helped by dry weather. Phosphates help “water” the plant

19 Fertility to Reduce Aflatoxin Fertility stress is a major factor During the past five years, the LSU has tested more than 2,000 samples of soils with the following results: 25% had a pH of less than % tested low in phosphorus 42% tested low in potassium

20 Potash’s Role in Corn Production Critical to cool the plant Builds plant proteins #1 defense against disease Responsible for corn stalk strength and lodging resistance

21 Potash Increases Corn Yields In the DSS Program in 2004, adding just 40 lbs per acre of banded potash (equal to 80 lbs. broadcast) added 20 bushels of corn per acre.

22 High-Yield Corn Needs Potash Photo shows K deficiency even with very high soil levels when adding 200 lbs. N Need to balance potash with nitrogen Add 40 lbs. per acre as a sidedress or 80 lbs. per acre with burndown on very high- testing soils. Apply both with medium or low soil levels.

23 Phosphorous’ Role in Corn Production Increases water use efficiency Critical in energy conversion Root formation and growth Seed formation (kernel numbers and rows) and quality Hastens maturity

24 P Increases Corn Yields In the DSS Program in 2004, adding just 35 lbs per acre of phosphate in a band or 65 lbs. broadcast added more bushels of corn per acre.

25 Banding Increases Efficiency Phosphates (P) and potash (K) get tied-up in the soil: 1 lb. P & K in a band = 2 lbs. broadcast Injecting increases availability to roots

26 Zinc Reduces Moisture at Harvest LSU Variety Trials, 2004

27 The Value of Zinc in Corn Production 4 points Less Moisture* X $.06 per point = $.24 per Bushel $.24 / Bu. X 100 Bu. = $24/ Acre $.24 / Bu. X 150 Bu. = $36/ Acre $.24 / Bu. X 200 Bu. = $48/ Acre * 1996 LSU study shows moisture reduction averaged 5 points less with zinc

28 Nitrogen on Corn Requires 1.2 lbs. of nitrogen per bushel of corn Subtract soil residuals and amendments Must be balanced with potash Broadcast 30 lbs. with burndown Sidedress balance

29 Total Nitrogen/Acre in 2004 In 2004, According to DSS, 180 lbs. of total nitrogen per acre was most profitable

30 Effect of Preplant Broadcast Nitrogen on Corn Yields ag.systems, 1989 to 1995 Bu. /A

31 Corn Seeding Populations The highest yield in 2004 came from fields planted at 29,000 seeds per acre

32 LSU Variety Trial Results by Population Station Yield bu/A Avg. Harvest Pop (000’s) soil typesoil name St Joe silt loamCommerce St Joe claySharkey Bossier City silty clay loamMiller Alexandria silt loamNorwood Winnsboro silt loamGigger

33 Optimum Harvest Population According to Pioneer, corn populations over 26,000 in their full- season maturities (>113 day) actually reduced yields.

34 Population Recommendations Most 113 day+ maturities do not like seed populations over 29,000 Several do very well with populations less than 26,000 Understand the recommended population for the variety selected

Corn Insecticide Seed Treatments Irrigated, ConventionalBu/A%MGI* Seed Treatment $448 None $430 Irrigation, notill Seed Treatment $419 None $406 Seed treatments include Cruiser, Cruiser Extreme and Poncho 250. *: includes cost of treatment

36 IST Comparisons Wireworm White Grub Cutwor m SCM Flea Beetl e Chinch Bug Cruiser Extreme ™ * Poncho™ Force ® 3G 2212NL5

37 Corn Insect Seed Treatments Most varieties now come with Poncho 250 or Cruiser Extreme Pak Much lower cost than granular insecticides Cannot return treated seed

38 Corn Seedling Diseases In 2004, corn seedling diseases from Fusarium (see photo) and Rhizoctonia were fairly common Cruiser Extreme Pak now contains Dynasty®, an added fungicide

39 Planter Calibration Researchers claim a 10 to 15% reduction in yields by using poorly calibrated planters. Results showed an increase of up to 23 bushels per acre Uneven seed depth lowers yields by 5%

40 Planting Depth Affects Yields Shallow planting lowered yields by 11 bushels in Plant corn between 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep.

41 Planting Depth Affects Yields Shallow planting caused less roots which caused a N deficiency. The plant on the right is still green. Shallow planting inhibits root development. Less roots means less available plant food.

42 Effect of Planting Speed

43 Harvest Management to Minimize Aflatoxin Minimize trash and broken kernels in combine hopper. Begin harvest when grain moisture is about 24% and dry the grain to 15% moisture as soon as possible. Thoroughly clean auger wells and pits around dump stations before and after use. Remove grain from trucks, trailers, holding bins, drying facilities and storage bins before beginning a new lot of grain.

44 Corn 2004 Summary Select varieties based on aflatoxin prevention Plant Bt corn were possible: remember your refuge! Do not overpopulate (no more than 29K) Use P & K to cool and water the crop Plant 1.5’ to 2” deep Control bugs with seed treatments Slow down when planting

45 Thank you! Ouachita Fertilizer