1996 Annual Report for FNC96-133
Cornstarch Amendment for Marginal Soils
Summary
"There are many acres of marginal soils in Nebraska. It is very difficult to make them productive. Many people don't want to or can't put this land into grass. It is not economical or safe touse high chemical rates to try to increase productivity of marginal lands. A safe, effective and natural soil amendment could raise the productivity of these soils and benefit farmers."
Objectives: To tests startch granules as a soil amendment for marginal soils with low amounts of organic matter and high pH levels. To improve yields of dryland corn on marginal soils in Nebraska in the same way it has improve yields in Idaho. The project coordinator will use side-by-side paired comparison trials in no-tilled corn following soybeans.
Results: Using six randomized replications, the project coordinator made test strips 12 rows wide and 0.5 miles long. Pre-plant soil samples were taken, and yields will be established by a yield monitor on the combine.