Strategies for Assessing On-Farm Nutrient Use Efficiency
Rising production costs and increased environmental concerns have led growers to become more in-tune with the concept of nutrient use efficiency (NUE). Several commonly used practices have been documented to improve NUE including selecting a variety or hybrid with a high harvest index (ratio of grain yield to total plant mass; selecting the proper nutrient rate through soil testing or realistic yield expectations and expected crop removal; matching application timing with crop uptake patterns; banding fertilizer sources; and many others. Growers can easily recognize yield benefits or nutrient savings associated with implementing these practices, but how can they assess NUE on their farms?
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IPNI Awards Available to Graduate Students and Scientists
Each year, the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) offers the Scholar Award to honor and encourage deserving graduate students, and also the IPNI Science Award to recognize and promote distinguished contributions by scientists.
The Scholar Award requires students who are candidates for either a M.S. or Ph.D. degree in agronomy, soil science, or related fields to submit an application and supporting information by June 30. Individual graduate students in any country where an IPNI program exists are eligible. Only a limited number of recipients are selected for the award, worth US$2,000 each. The application process is available on-line only. Recipients are announced in September.
The Science Award goes to one individual each year, based on outstanding achievements in research, extension, or education which focus on efficient and effective management of plant nutrients and their positive interaction in fully integrated crop production, enhancing yield potential. It requires that a nomination form (no self-nomination) and supporting letters be submitted by mail before September 30. The Award announcement is December 1. It includes a monetary prize of US$5,000.00.
More information about past winners of these awards, plus details on qualifications and requirements for both awards can be found at: www.ipni.net/awards.
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