1. The Challenge (Opportunity) Ahead
George Rehm
Extension Fertility Specialist
University of Minnesota

2. Will Discuss A successful program in Oklahoma Erosion of support
Examples of return on checkoff dollars
Future research challenges (brief)
The educational benefits

3. The Situation at Oklahoma State
$.35/ton generates about $250,000 annually
Fund has been in place since 1991
47 graduate degrees (many have stayed to work in Oklahoma)
Able to leverage competative grants of about $2.5 million

4. The Major Achievement
Development of sensor based N rate calculator to be used for in-season application of N for winter wheat and corn.

5. A Return on Investment: Iron Deficiency Chlorosis Problem
Problem affects 500,000 acres in Minnesota
About $282,000 invested to research this problem in past 5 years
This equals $.56/acre for 5 years or about $.11/acre/year
Conservative estimate of yield increase of 5 bu./acre
At $5.00/bu.;this equals $25/acre/year
500,000 acres X $25/acre=$12,500,000/year

6. A Return on Investment: N Rate Management for Sugarbeets
Total of $50,000 invested over 4 years =about $.10/acre/year for 120,000 acres
Documented reduction of 20 lb.N/acre ($4.00/acre)
Purity improved from 88% to 90.5%=$1.00/ton /% savings in processing cost
Average yield =21 ton/acre = $42/acre
$4.00+$42/acre=$46/acre to growers

7. Future Research Challenges
Matching fertilizer management to tillage system
A comprehensive approach to forage fertilization
Predicting in-season application of fertilizer N.
Reduction through fertilization of diseases that affect the root system.

8. Then and Now In Soil Fertility
1970:
3 full time teaching faculty; 2 funded to support about 3 graduate students per year
4 scientists at Research and Outreach Centers
4 Extension faculty
2005:
1 teaching faculty with no graduate students
2 scientists at Research and Outreach Centers
2 Extension faculty

9. The Benefits
Stable support base to support research in soil fertility and fertilizer use
Research will focus on production problems experienced by Minnesota crop producers
U of M will be able to attract new faculty with established credentials
A renewed graduate education program

10. Benefits Continued Ability to conduct long term research
Environmental implications of fertilizer use will be based on fact rather than perception

11. Let’s Not Ignore The Educational Benefits
Improved communication between crop producer and University faculty
More rapid delivery of research results to Minnesota crop producer
Improved coordination of educational programs
Trained students stay in Minnesota to work with Minnesota agriculture