This project directly supports agronomic improvements that support Ohio soybean farmers’ commitment to conservation. Soybean plants require a large amount of nitrogen to maximize yield. The majority of this nitrogen is supplied through BNF and residual soil nitrogen. However, as soybean yields continue to increase, it will be important to quantify nitrogen uptake from the process of BNF and soil residual nitrogen, especially on low organic matter and course-textured soils. The objectives of this research are to estimate BNF and N budgets in soybean using N and S fertilization rates and build a predictive model for BNF in the U.S. using environmental data.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, extension agents