Nathan Slaton - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Nathan Slaton

Soil Science Society of America Journal

Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management

Agricultural & Environmental Letters

Soil testing is an important practice for nutrient management in agricultural production systems.... more Soil testing is an important practice for nutrient management in agricultural production systems. In the United States, soil-test methods and interpretations vary across state lines, making institutional collaborations challenging and crop fertilization guidelines inconsistent. Uniformity and transparency in P and K soil fertility testing and fertilizer recommendations are needed to enhance end-user adoption. The Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST) project is developing a comprehensive database of P and K correlation-calibration results that can be accessed through an online tool for use in research and fertilizer recommendation development. This collaborative project, which includes over 30 land-grant universities, the USDA-ARS, the USDA-NRCS, and several not-for-profit organizations, contains a national survey describing the current status of soil testing, minimum requirements for correlation-calibration data inclusion, and database population and creating FRST as a user-friendly online decision support tool. The FRST project will provide more consistent, transparent, and science-based information for crop nutrient recommendations across the United States.

Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment

Low-use-rate Zn fertilization methods have been developed and marketed for rice (Oryza sativa L.)... more Low-use-rate Zn fertilization methods have been developed and marketed for rice (Oryza sativa L.) fertilization with limited research validating their efficacy. Our research objectives were to evaluate the effect of Zn-seed treatment rate combined with six Zn-fertilization methods on early season canopy coverage, tissue-Zn concentration at the mid-tillering stage, and rice grain yield. The field experiment was conducted on six silt loams and one clay. Rice seed was treated with 0 or 3.3 g Zn kg −1 as ZnO and combined with no Zn, granular ZnSO 4 applied at 11 kg Zn ha −1 (GRAN), 1.68 kg Zn ha −1 as MicroEssentials (MESZ), 1.1 kg Zn ha −1 as foliar-applied Zn-EDTA (EDTA), and 0.56 and 1.12 kg Zn ha −1 of WolfTrax Zn-DDP (DDP). Canopy coverage of seedling rice was measured at six sites and analyzed by site. Four sites were not affected by Zn-seed treatment rate or fertilization method. At two sites, canopy coverage was affected by Zn-fertilization method or the significant Zn-seed treatment rate and Zn-fertilization method interaction. Rice receiving MESZ had the greatest canopy coverage at these sites. When averaged across sites and Zn fertilization methods, seed treated with 3.3 g Zn kg −1 increased seedling tissue-Zn concentration and biomass by 1.6 mg Zn kg −1 and 48 kg ha −1 respectively. Rice receiving GRAN, increased tissue-Zn concentration by 7.6 mg Zn kg −1 above rice not receiving Zn (21.3 mg kg −1). Low-use-rate Zn fertilizers provide minimal Zn nutrition for rice seedlings and should be avoided on fields where Zn deficiencies are probable.

Soil Science Society of America Journal

Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, Jul 21, 2011

Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) is a polymer-coated urea fertilizer with potential to increa... more Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) is a polymer-coated urea fertilizer with potential to increase crop recovery of fertilizer nitrogen (N). Our research objectives were to characterize ESN N retention across time as affected by soil series, temperature, moisture, and incubation method. A rumen bag containing 38 to 44 mg ESN N was placed in 400 g soil, and the amount of ESN N remaining in prills was measured every 5 d for 40 d. Soil was incubated at 25 °C and 250 g H2O kg soil, except in experiments where soil temperature or moisture was varied. Nitrogen retention in ESN was linear for three silt and sandy loams and curvilinear in two clayey soils with retention declining more rapidly in clayey soils. Soil temperature had the greatest effect on N retention with the rate of ESN N release increasing as soil temperature increased. Near complete release of ESN N was achieved by 40 d with temperatures ≥ 20 °C.

Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2011

... Page 6. This thesis is approved for Recommendation to the Graduate Council Thesis Director:Na... more ... Page 6. This thesis is approved for Recommendation to the Graduate Council Thesis Director:Nathan A. Slaton Thesis Committee: Edward E. Gbur, Jr. Richard J. Norman Charles P. West Page 7. ... Nathan and Malzer (1994) reported NH3 losses eight times greater (11.5 vs. ...

Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2015

Soybean is grown on more than 1.2 million ha annually in Arkansas on soils that usually have medi... more Soybean is grown on more than 1.2 million ha annually in Arkansas on soils that usually have medium or lower Mehlich-3 P (M3P) soil-test levels. Our research objective was to correlate relative soybean yield with M3P. The goal was to verify current guidelines or develop more accurate soil-test based P-fertilizer recommendations. Phosphorus fertilization trials were conducted at 35 site-years between 2004 and 2009 using three to five P rates ranging from 0 to 98 kg P ha-1. Sites were classified as P responsive (P<0.10) or unresponsive using analysis of variance. For each site, the mean percent relative yield of soybean receiving no P was calculated and regressed against mean M3P using quadratic and linear-plateau models. Mehlich-3 extractable P ranged from 3 to 107 mg kg-1 among sites with 32 of the 35 sites having <50 mg M3P kg-1. Ten of 35 sites responded positively to P fertilization. Nine of the 10 responsive sites had <23 mg M3P kg-1. Soils having <11 mg M3P kg-1 res...

Urea is the most commonly used nitrogen (N) source in Arkansas rice production. Losses as ammonia... more Urea is the most commonly used nitrogen (N) source in Arkansas rice production. Losses as ammonia can occur if fields are not flooded in a timely manner. If a flood cannot be established in a timely manner, a urease inhibitor is recommended. Recently, research has reported that relative humidity (RH) below the critical relative humidity (CRH) of urea can limit volatilization. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of the urease inhibitor NBPT (N-(n-butyl) thiophosphorictriamide) at inhibiting ammonia volatilization, increasing grain yield, and to evaluate in-chamber RH as compared to in-field conditions. Untreated urea, Agrotain-treated urea, and Arborite-treated urea were investigated as to their influence on ammonia volatilization and rice grain yield. Ammonia volatilization data were collected using semi-open static chambers with an acid trap during a 20-d period. Dataloggers were included in-chamber and adjacent to chambers to measure temperature, RH,...

Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2014

ABSTRACT Poultry litter (PL) and municipal biosolids (BS) are valuable fertilizer sources due to ... more ABSTRACT Poultry litter (PL) and municipal biosolids (BS) are valuable fertilizer sources due to significant nutrient concentrations. However, if applied to satisfy soil test P recommendations, low N/P ratios coupled with low total N availability provide inadequate fertilization. Nitrogen fortification is needed to increase PL and BS utility as agronomic and horticultural fertilizers. The objective of this study was to model N release characteristics from N-fortified PL granular fertilizers containing additives and to compare these sources to fresh PL, BS, and standard fertilizers. A 2 x 2 x 3 x 8 factorial arrangement of PL granules with and without BS, with and without a nitrification inhibitor [dicyandiamide (DCD)] and bound with lignosulfonate (LS), urea formaldehyde, or water was tested in a 112-d non-leached aerobic incubation study. The investigation was conducted on a silt loam soil in a randomized complete block design. Extraction procedures for inorganic N were conducted at 0, 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, 84, and 112 d. Granular product mineralization patterns were also compared with fresh PL, ground PL, BS, Milorganite, DCD, and urea treatments. Averaged over the entire incubation period, granulated products had apparent net N mineralization of 71.5% while urea, BS, and PL averaged 80.5, 16.8, and 36.7%, respectively. Granules containing DCD had 6.7% less apparent net N mineralization and suppressed nitrification in granular treatments until 56 d after fertilizer application. Binding agent and BS additions had no statistical impact on NH4-N or NO3-N soil concentrations. Nitrogen-fortified PL granules may improve N efficiency over fresh PL and BS due to more N availability and less potential environmental N losses over a growing season.

Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2015

Soil Science Society of America Journal

Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management

Agricultural & Environmental Letters

Soil testing is an important practice for nutrient management in agricultural production systems.... more Soil testing is an important practice for nutrient management in agricultural production systems. In the United States, soil-test methods and interpretations vary across state lines, making institutional collaborations challenging and crop fertilization guidelines inconsistent. Uniformity and transparency in P and K soil fertility testing and fertilizer recommendations are needed to enhance end-user adoption. The Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST) project is developing a comprehensive database of P and K correlation-calibration results that can be accessed through an online tool for use in research and fertilizer recommendation development. This collaborative project, which includes over 30 land-grant universities, the USDA-ARS, the USDA-NRCS, and several not-for-profit organizations, contains a national survey describing the current status of soil testing, minimum requirements for correlation-calibration data inclusion, and database population and creating FRST as a user-friendly online decision support tool. The FRST project will provide more consistent, transparent, and science-based information for crop nutrient recommendations across the United States.

Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment

Low-use-rate Zn fertilization methods have been developed and marketed for rice (Oryza sativa L.)... more Low-use-rate Zn fertilization methods have been developed and marketed for rice (Oryza sativa L.) fertilization with limited research validating their efficacy. Our research objectives were to evaluate the effect of Zn-seed treatment rate combined with six Zn-fertilization methods on early season canopy coverage, tissue-Zn concentration at the mid-tillering stage, and rice grain yield. The field experiment was conducted on six silt loams and one clay. Rice seed was treated with 0 or 3.3 g Zn kg −1 as ZnO and combined with no Zn, granular ZnSO 4 applied at 11 kg Zn ha −1 (GRAN), 1.68 kg Zn ha −1 as MicroEssentials (MESZ), 1.1 kg Zn ha −1 as foliar-applied Zn-EDTA (EDTA), and 0.56 and 1.12 kg Zn ha −1 of WolfTrax Zn-DDP (DDP). Canopy coverage of seedling rice was measured at six sites and analyzed by site. Four sites were not affected by Zn-seed treatment rate or fertilization method. At two sites, canopy coverage was affected by Zn-fertilization method or the significant Zn-seed treatment rate and Zn-fertilization method interaction. Rice receiving MESZ had the greatest canopy coverage at these sites. When averaged across sites and Zn fertilization methods, seed treated with 3.3 g Zn kg −1 increased seedling tissue-Zn concentration and biomass by 1.6 mg Zn kg −1 and 48 kg ha −1 respectively. Rice receiving GRAN, increased tissue-Zn concentration by 7.6 mg Zn kg −1 above rice not receiving Zn (21.3 mg kg −1). Low-use-rate Zn fertilizers provide minimal Zn nutrition for rice seedlings and should be avoided on fields where Zn deficiencies are probable.

Soil Science Society of America Journal

Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, Jul 21, 2011

Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) is a polymer-coated urea fertilizer with potential to increa... more Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) is a polymer-coated urea fertilizer with potential to increase crop recovery of fertilizer nitrogen (N). Our research objectives were to characterize ESN N retention across time as affected by soil series, temperature, moisture, and incubation method. A rumen bag containing 38 to 44 mg ESN N was placed in 400 g soil, and the amount of ESN N remaining in prills was measured every 5 d for 40 d. Soil was incubated at 25 °C and 250 g H2O kg soil, except in experiments where soil temperature or moisture was varied. Nitrogen retention in ESN was linear for three silt and sandy loams and curvilinear in two clayey soils with retention declining more rapidly in clayey soils. Soil temperature had the greatest effect on N retention with the rate of ESN N release increasing as soil temperature increased. Near complete release of ESN N was achieved by 40 d with temperatures ≥ 20 °C.

Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2011

... Page 6. This thesis is approved for Recommendation to the Graduate Council Thesis Director:Na... more ... Page 6. This thesis is approved for Recommendation to the Graduate Council Thesis Director:Nathan A. Slaton Thesis Committee: Edward E. Gbur, Jr. Richard J. Norman Charles P. West Page 7. ... Nathan and Malzer (1994) reported NH3 losses eight times greater (11.5 vs. ...

Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2015

Soybean is grown on more than 1.2 million ha annually in Arkansas on soils that usually have medi... more Soybean is grown on more than 1.2 million ha annually in Arkansas on soils that usually have medium or lower Mehlich-3 P (M3P) soil-test levels. Our research objective was to correlate relative soybean yield with M3P. The goal was to verify current guidelines or develop more accurate soil-test based P-fertilizer recommendations. Phosphorus fertilization trials were conducted at 35 site-years between 2004 and 2009 using three to five P rates ranging from 0 to 98 kg P ha-1. Sites were classified as P responsive (P<0.10) or unresponsive using analysis of variance. For each site, the mean percent relative yield of soybean receiving no P was calculated and regressed against mean M3P using quadratic and linear-plateau models. Mehlich-3 extractable P ranged from 3 to 107 mg kg-1 among sites with 32 of the 35 sites having <50 mg M3P kg-1. Ten of 35 sites responded positively to P fertilization. Nine of the 10 responsive sites had <23 mg M3P kg-1. Soils having <11 mg M3P kg-1 res...

Urea is the most commonly used nitrogen (N) source in Arkansas rice production. Losses as ammonia... more Urea is the most commonly used nitrogen (N) source in Arkansas rice production. Losses as ammonia can occur if fields are not flooded in a timely manner. If a flood cannot be established in a timely manner, a urease inhibitor is recommended. Recently, research has reported that relative humidity (RH) below the critical relative humidity (CRH) of urea can limit volatilization. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of the urease inhibitor NBPT (N-(n-butyl) thiophosphorictriamide) at inhibiting ammonia volatilization, increasing grain yield, and to evaluate in-chamber RH as compared to in-field conditions. Untreated urea, Agrotain-treated urea, and Arborite-treated urea were investigated as to their influence on ammonia volatilization and rice grain yield. Ammonia volatilization data were collected using semi-open static chambers with an acid trap during a 20-d period. Dataloggers were included in-chamber and adjacent to chambers to measure temperature, RH,...

Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2014

ABSTRACT Poultry litter (PL) and municipal biosolids (BS) are valuable fertilizer sources due to ... more ABSTRACT Poultry litter (PL) and municipal biosolids (BS) are valuable fertilizer sources due to significant nutrient concentrations. However, if applied to satisfy soil test P recommendations, low N/P ratios coupled with low total N availability provide inadequate fertilization. Nitrogen fortification is needed to increase PL and BS utility as agronomic and horticultural fertilizers. The objective of this study was to model N release characteristics from N-fortified PL granular fertilizers containing additives and to compare these sources to fresh PL, BS, and standard fertilizers. A 2 x 2 x 3 x 8 factorial arrangement of PL granules with and without BS, with and without a nitrification inhibitor [dicyandiamide (DCD)] and bound with lignosulfonate (LS), urea formaldehyde, or water was tested in a 112-d non-leached aerobic incubation study. The investigation was conducted on a silt loam soil in a randomized complete block design. Extraction procedures for inorganic N were conducted at 0, 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, 84, and 112 d. Granular product mineralization patterns were also compared with fresh PL, ground PL, BS, Milorganite, DCD, and urea treatments. Averaged over the entire incubation period, granulated products had apparent net N mineralization of 71.5% while urea, BS, and PL averaged 80.5, 16.8, and 36.7%, respectively. Granules containing DCD had 6.7% less apparent net N mineralization and suppressed nitrification in granular treatments until 56 d after fertilizer application. Binding agent and BS additions had no statistical impact on NH4-N or NO3-N soil concentrations. Nitrogen-fortified PL granules may improve N efficiency over fresh PL and BS due to more N availability and less potential environmental N losses over a growing season.

Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2015