Herman Warsaw developed a corn production system that got the attention of other farmers and agribusiness when he set a new world corn yield record in 1975 of 338 bu/A. Through diligent observation and experimentation, he identified and removed yield-limiting factors like inadequate soil nutrients and plant populations. By 1975, he had increased his farm's average yield to 274 bu/A. He challenged others to further improve corn yields while stewarding soil and water resources.
Identification of water use efficient Napier grass accessions using field dro...ILRI
Poster prepared by Ermias Habte, Meki S. Muktar , Alemayehu T. Negawo , Ki Won Lee and Chris S. Jones for the International Conferences on Plant Breeding for Sustainable Development, Korea, 2-5 July 2019
A study evaluated soybean yield response to five seeding rates ranging from 80,000 to 220,000 seeds per acre when planted late in June. There was no significant difference in yield between the two lowest rates. The three highest rates of 140,000 seeds or more produced significantly higher yields than the two lowest rates, though the highest three rates did not differ from each other. Net return increased with higher seeding rates up to 140,000 seeds per acre, but caution is warranted for rates above this, as yields did not increase significantly.
Herman Warsaw hosted a meeting of top corn growers to discuss corn yields and the future. Warsaw has achieved over 300 bushels per acre of corn through his method of deep chisel plowing to incorporate crop residue and increase soil organic matter. He argues the key to further yield increases is managing residue to reduce disease and maximize water retention. The group discussed their different challenges, but saw promise in Warsaw's system of prioritizing residue management to improve soils and sustainability.
Austrian role model for standards in fertilization and seeding of pasturesJohann HUMER
Sufficient grassland fertilisation is an important fact for productive grassland. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and chalk are the most powerful and necessary nutrients for good grassland yields.
Nitrogen applied in correct quantities provides the best mass yields.
Poster23: Photosynthate remobilizationto grain in common bean contributes to ...CIAT
This document summarizes research on improving drought resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crops. Under rainfed conditions, some elite bean lines showed greater biomass production and ability to partition photosynthates to pods during drought stress periods. Lines like SER 128, SER 78, SEA 15, NCB 226, SEN 56, SEN 36, SER 119 and SER 113 yielded well under drought due to higher pod partitioning index values, indicating greater remobilization of carbon to pods. The line SER 118 showed strong remobilization of photosynthates under terminal drought as evidenced by high pod partitioning and pod harvest index values, though it had lower biomass production. Higher pod harvest index values correlated with
Drought Maintains Its Grip on North Central OklahomaFabienne22Q
Drought conditions persist and intensify in north central Oklahoma, with temperatures over 100 degrees and rainfall at only 12% of normal levels. Farmers and ranchers report their crops, livestock, and hay supplies are in much worse condition than the previous year's drought. The drought is threatening spring row crops, soybeans, and native grass pastures, forcing livestock producers to graze CRP lands under emergency approval. The Kay County Conservation District is sponsoring poster, essay, and speech contests for students on the theme of soil conservation.
Identification of water use efficient Napier grass accessions using field dro...ILRI
Poster prepared by Ermias Habte, Meki S. Muktar , Alemayehu T. Negawo , Ki Won Lee and Chris S. Jones for the International Conferences on Plant Breeding for Sustainable Development, Korea, 2-5 July 2019
A study evaluated soybean yield response to five seeding rates ranging from 80,000 to 220,000 seeds per acre when planted late in June. There was no significant difference in yield between the two lowest rates. The three highest rates of 140,000 seeds or more produced significantly higher yields than the two lowest rates, though the highest three rates did not differ from each other. Net return increased with higher seeding rates up to 140,000 seeds per acre, but caution is warranted for rates above this, as yields did not increase significantly.
Herman Warsaw hosted a meeting of top corn growers to discuss corn yields and the future. Warsaw has achieved over 300 bushels per acre of corn through his method of deep chisel plowing to incorporate crop residue and increase soil organic matter. He argues the key to further yield increases is managing residue to reduce disease and maximize water retention. The group discussed their different challenges, but saw promise in Warsaw's system of prioritizing residue management to improve soils and sustainability.
Austrian role model for standards in fertilization and seeding of pasturesJohann HUMER
Sufficient grassland fertilisation is an important fact for productive grassland. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and chalk are the most powerful and necessary nutrients for good grassland yields.
Nitrogen applied in correct quantities provides the best mass yields.
Poster23: Photosynthate remobilizationto grain in common bean contributes to ...CIAT
This document summarizes research on improving drought resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crops. Under rainfed conditions, some elite bean lines showed greater biomass production and ability to partition photosynthates to pods during drought stress periods. Lines like SER 128, SER 78, SEA 15, NCB 226, SEN 56, SEN 36, SER 119 and SER 113 yielded well under drought due to higher pod partitioning index values, indicating greater remobilization of carbon to pods. The line SER 118 showed strong remobilization of photosynthates under terminal drought as evidenced by high pod partitioning and pod harvest index values, though it had lower biomass production. Higher pod harvest index values correlated with
Drought Maintains Its Grip on North Central OklahomaFabienne22Q
Drought conditions persist and intensify in north central Oklahoma, with temperatures over 100 degrees and rainfall at only 12% of normal levels. Farmers and ranchers report their crops, livestock, and hay supplies are in much worse condition than the previous year's drought. The drought is threatening spring row crops, soybeans, and native grass pastures, forcing livestock producers to graze CRP lands under emergency approval. The Kay County Conservation District is sponsoring poster, essay, and speech contests for students on the theme of soil conservation.
This document discusses how to create a professional online image. It identifies three main components: establish authority, update often, and develop personal style. To establish authority, one should take control of their online presence through intentional social media usage and owning their domain name. Updating often through blogging, engaging on social media, and commenting keeps your online presence fresh. Developing a consistent personal style through focused expertise, coordinated profiles, and professional photos presents a polished image.
The Magrana restaurant is located at 109 Alacant Avenue in Elche. The author's favorite foods there are salty and fattening, and the typical Elche dishes are often cooked and oily. While the desserts are very sweet and original, the restaurant is a bit pricey. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:30 to 16:30 and 20:00 to 24:00, and Sunday from 12:30 to 16:30, closing every Monday.
This document provides tips and advice for applying for scholarships. It discusses different types of interviews, how to write strong personal statements and letters of recommendation, finding relevant scholarships, and organizing the application process. The key steps outlined are carefully choosing recommenders, following requirements, keeping track of deadlines in a calendar, and not procrastinating on applications. Contact information is provided for two APU scholarship resources.
This document provides information about an information session on mixed race identity development. The session includes presentations from experts on campus culture and student identities, ecological influences on identity development, and a comedic performance. Attendees will break into groups to discuss curriculum and programs. The session aims to make attendees experts on theories of mixed race identity patterns that can include identifying with one race, multiple races, or no single race.
YIELD PERFORMANCE and ADAPTATION of KABULI CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) VARI...Premier Publishers
A field experiment was conducted under rain fed condition at Chiro agricultural research center and Arberekete research station during the year of 2019 main cropping season to evaluate the yield performance and adaptability among released Kabuli chickpea varieties for the target area. The varieties were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The environment by variety interaction analysis showed highly significant difference for the varieties, implying that there is best fit cultivar independently for each location. Accordingly, the highest grain yield at Arberekete was revealed by shasho, Habru, Chefe and Kasech consecutively; while at Chiro; Yelibe, Habru, Ejere and Kasech demonstrated top four yield scores. Therefore, Shasho, Habru, Chefe and Kasech varieties were adapted for Arberekete and similar agro-ecological zones of the western Hararge; Yelibe, Habru, Ejere and Kasech varieties were adapted and promoted for Chiro and similar agro-ecological zones of the western Hararghe zone.
Oats as a Potential High Altitude Winter Fodder Crop - Promoting a Productive...copppldsecretariat
Soeyaksa, a semi-nomadic community inhabits the high altitude rangelands in Bhutan. Due to rugged topography and cold temperature, livestock rearing is the only agricultural activity practiced by this community who experienced the lack of winter fodder as a major issue in year 2001. Owing to which a fodder promotional program was initiated. This included on-farm tests to compare oats with the traditional fodder crop,
This Potential GP note captures how a fodder promotional program has immensely benefited alpine communities during seven years of continued efforts and unfailing support, concluding that the program should be scaled-up in similar alpine areas of Bhutan. The introduction of Oats as a winter fodder resulted in less labour demand, reduced animal mortality and increased lactation period. Above all, the adoption of introduced winter fodder saved time for women and they were able to participate in other development activities.
[ Originally posted on http://www.cop-ppld.net/cop_knowledge_base ]
This document summarizes a study that examined the effects of potassium fertilizer application rates and timing, and crop stover management, on soil properties, crop yields, and nutrient balances in an upland rice-soybean rotation system on an Indonesian Ultisol. The study was conducted over two years and included six crops - cowpea, cowpea, rice, soybean, rice, and soybean. Treatments included applying potassium as either a single or split application at rates of 70, 250, or 600 kg K/ha, and either returning or removing crop stover after harvest. Key results showed that returning stover allowed maintaining soil potassium levels with a single 70 kg K/ha application, while stover
This document summarizes research evaluating yellow sweet corn varieties for processing. Researchers conducted field trials from 1948-1951, evaluating varieties for traits like yield, ear characteristics, and quality after processing. Varieties were grown in Ohio and evaluated for attributes important to the processing industry like tenderness, color, and flavor. Higher quality varieties that yielded well were identified as opportunities to increase profits for Ohio's sweet corn processing industry.
I shared this presentation at the Northern IL Farm show on 1/12/2012.
It contains some new slides specific to N IL but also many slides recycled from other presentations
Crop related interventions at the Kabe Watershed Pilot Project in Ethiopia, 2...ILRI
Presented by Awol Mohammed and Agegnehu Mekonnen (Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, ARARI) at the Workshop on the Lessons and Success Stories from a Pilot Project on Climate Change Adaptation Interventions in Kabe watershed, south Wollo, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, 11-12 February 2013
This document discusses tomato nutrition from germination to harvest in high tunnels. It begins by defining key terms like soil pH and plant nutrient terminology. It then discusses analyzing irrigation water, the life cycle of tomato plants, and their fertility demands in high tunnels. The document provides estimates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium needs for tomato plants yielding 5, 20, or 40 pounds each. It also discusses considerations for fertilizer placement, tissue testing, and continual nutrient monitoring throughout the growing season.
Growing corn after corn can reduce yields compared to rotating with soybeans. Yield reductions are usually greatest when overall yield potential is low. Continuous corn tends to have less extensive root systems, making the crops more susceptible to drought stress. To mitigate yield losses, farmers should select hybrids adapted to stress tolerance, employ residue management practices, consider foliar fungicide applications, ensure proper soil fertility and nitrogen levels, and control weeds especially volunteer corn. Tillage and seedbed preparation are also important considerations for successful corn-after-corn production.
Screening of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Genotypes for Mycorrhizal Association ...Premier Publishers
Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is one of the most important legumes used for food, feed and maintaining ecological balance. However, its productivity has been declining due to various biotic and abiotic factors. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal symbioses have been proved to enhance growth and yield responses of faba bean and other agricultural crops by counteracting these extreme factors. The study was conducted at field and greenhouse to evaluate the performance of faba bean genotypes for mycorrhizal colonization on two Phosphorus fertilizer levels. Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was used. Analysis of variance indicated that all parameters, except number of mycorrhizal spores and relative mycorrhizal dependency, were highly significantly (p<0.01) varied for genotypes. Genotypes Wayu, Dosha, Didea, Moti and Tumsa for phosphorus fertilized; and Dagim, Gebelcho, Dosha, Tumsa and Wayu for unfertilized trial had performed better. Mycorrhizal colonization performance was higher on unfertilized than on P fertilized trial, at both field and greenhouse. Furthermore, for the genotypes tested at both conditions, the performance of the genotypes was higher at field than at greenhouse. The study also revealed that most of the mycorrhizal association parameters were highly correlated with biomass phosphorus uptake and grain yield of the faba bean genotypes.
This document discusses how to create a professional online image. It identifies three main components: establish authority, update often, and develop personal style. To establish authority, one should take control of their online presence through intentional social media usage and owning their domain name. Updating often through blogging, engaging on social media, and commenting keeps your online presence fresh. Developing a consistent personal style through focused expertise, coordinated profiles, and professional photos presents a polished image.
The Magrana restaurant is located at 109 Alacant Avenue in Elche. The author's favorite foods there are salty and fattening, and the typical Elche dishes are often cooked and oily. While the desserts are very sweet and original, the restaurant is a bit pricey. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:30 to 16:30 and 20:00 to 24:00, and Sunday from 12:30 to 16:30, closing every Monday.
This document provides tips and advice for applying for scholarships. It discusses different types of interviews, how to write strong personal statements and letters of recommendation, finding relevant scholarships, and organizing the application process. The key steps outlined are carefully choosing recommenders, following requirements, keeping track of deadlines in a calendar, and not procrastinating on applications. Contact information is provided for two APU scholarship resources.
This document provides information about an information session on mixed race identity development. The session includes presentations from experts on campus culture and student identities, ecological influences on identity development, and a comedic performance. Attendees will break into groups to discuss curriculum and programs. The session aims to make attendees experts on theories of mixed race identity patterns that can include identifying with one race, multiple races, or no single race.
YIELD PERFORMANCE and ADAPTATION of KABULI CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) VARI...Premier Publishers
A field experiment was conducted under rain fed condition at Chiro agricultural research center and Arberekete research station during the year of 2019 main cropping season to evaluate the yield performance and adaptability among released Kabuli chickpea varieties for the target area. The varieties were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The environment by variety interaction analysis showed highly significant difference for the varieties, implying that there is best fit cultivar independently for each location. Accordingly, the highest grain yield at Arberekete was revealed by shasho, Habru, Chefe and Kasech consecutively; while at Chiro; Yelibe, Habru, Ejere and Kasech demonstrated top four yield scores. Therefore, Shasho, Habru, Chefe and Kasech varieties were adapted for Arberekete and similar agro-ecological zones of the western Hararge; Yelibe, Habru, Ejere and Kasech varieties were adapted and promoted for Chiro and similar agro-ecological zones of the western Hararghe zone.
Oats as a Potential High Altitude Winter Fodder Crop - Promoting a Productive...copppldsecretariat
Soeyaksa, a semi-nomadic community inhabits the high altitude rangelands in Bhutan. Due to rugged topography and cold temperature, livestock rearing is the only agricultural activity practiced by this community who experienced the lack of winter fodder as a major issue in year 2001. Owing to which a fodder promotional program was initiated. This included on-farm tests to compare oats with the traditional fodder crop,
This Potential GP note captures how a fodder promotional program has immensely benefited alpine communities during seven years of continued efforts and unfailing support, concluding that the program should be scaled-up in similar alpine areas of Bhutan. The introduction of Oats as a winter fodder resulted in less labour demand, reduced animal mortality and increased lactation period. Above all, the adoption of introduced winter fodder saved time for women and they were able to participate in other development activities.
[ Originally posted on http://www.cop-ppld.net/cop_knowledge_base ]
This document summarizes a study that examined the effects of potassium fertilizer application rates and timing, and crop stover management, on soil properties, crop yields, and nutrient balances in an upland rice-soybean rotation system on an Indonesian Ultisol. The study was conducted over two years and included six crops - cowpea, cowpea, rice, soybean, rice, and soybean. Treatments included applying potassium as either a single or split application at rates of 70, 250, or 600 kg K/ha, and either returning or removing crop stover after harvest. Key results showed that returning stover allowed maintaining soil potassium levels with a single 70 kg K/ha application, while stover
This document summarizes research evaluating yellow sweet corn varieties for processing. Researchers conducted field trials from 1948-1951, evaluating varieties for traits like yield, ear characteristics, and quality after processing. Varieties were grown in Ohio and evaluated for attributes important to the processing industry like tenderness, color, and flavor. Higher quality varieties that yielded well were identified as opportunities to increase profits for Ohio's sweet corn processing industry.
I shared this presentation at the Northern IL Farm show on 1/12/2012.
It contains some new slides specific to N IL but also many slides recycled from other presentations
Crop related interventions at the Kabe Watershed Pilot Project in Ethiopia, 2...ILRI
Presented by Awol Mohammed and Agegnehu Mekonnen (Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, ARARI) at the Workshop on the Lessons and Success Stories from a Pilot Project on Climate Change Adaptation Interventions in Kabe watershed, south Wollo, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, 11-12 February 2013
This document discusses tomato nutrition from germination to harvest in high tunnels. It begins by defining key terms like soil pH and plant nutrient terminology. It then discusses analyzing irrigation water, the life cycle of tomato plants, and their fertility demands in high tunnels. The document provides estimates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium needs for tomato plants yielding 5, 20, or 40 pounds each. It also discusses considerations for fertilizer placement, tissue testing, and continual nutrient monitoring throughout the growing season.
Growing corn after corn can reduce yields compared to rotating with soybeans. Yield reductions are usually greatest when overall yield potential is low. Continuous corn tends to have less extensive root systems, making the crops more susceptible to drought stress. To mitigate yield losses, farmers should select hybrids adapted to stress tolerance, employ residue management practices, consider foliar fungicide applications, ensure proper soil fertility and nitrogen levels, and control weeds especially volunteer corn. Tillage and seedbed preparation are also important considerations for successful corn-after-corn production.
Screening of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Genotypes for Mycorrhizal Association ...Premier Publishers
Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is one of the most important legumes used for food, feed and maintaining ecological balance. However, its productivity has been declining due to various biotic and abiotic factors. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal symbioses have been proved to enhance growth and yield responses of faba bean and other agricultural crops by counteracting these extreme factors. The study was conducted at field and greenhouse to evaluate the performance of faba bean genotypes for mycorrhizal colonization on two Phosphorus fertilizer levels. Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was used. Analysis of variance indicated that all parameters, except number of mycorrhizal spores and relative mycorrhizal dependency, were highly significantly (p<0.01) varied for genotypes. Genotypes Wayu, Dosha, Didea, Moti and Tumsa for phosphorus fertilized; and Dagim, Gebelcho, Dosha, Tumsa and Wayu for unfertilized trial had performed better. Mycorrhizal colonization performance was higher on unfertilized than on P fertilized trial, at both field and greenhouse. Furthermore, for the genotypes tested at both conditions, the performance of the genotypes was higher at field than at greenhouse. The study also revealed that most of the mycorrhizal association parameters were highly correlated with biomass phosphorus uptake and grain yield of the faba bean genotypes.
The document provides suggestions for improving vegetable growth in sandy, acidic soils with a Mediterranean climate, including:
1) Digging Zai holes or Tumbukiza trenches and filling them with compost, biochar, or manure to concentrate nutrients and water.
2) Adding biochar to increase soil pH, water holding capacity, and beneficial microbes.
3) Using burnt bone for its highly available phosphorus.
4) Producing nutrient-rich vermicompost or "vermicharmpost" by combining materials like bone, biochar, and fertilizers with earthworms.
5) Inoculating plants with mycorrhizal fungi or other microbes to
- The Foundations for Farming system is a conservation agriculture approach developed for small-scale African farmers to improve yields and profits using appropriate technology. It focuses on minimal soil disturbance, mulching for moisture retention, and crop rotations.
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- Current research is focusing on improving soybean yields on sandy soils through inoculation and developing integrated farm models combining crops and livestock. Cost recovery methods like seed company
- The Foundations for Farming system is a conservation agriculture approach developed for small-scale African farmers to improve yields and profits using appropriate technology. It focuses on minimal soil disturbance, mulching for moisture retention, and crop rotations.
- Key findings from research and development trials show that organic fertilizers like manure and compost can provide comparable yields to inorganic fertilizers when applied properly. Crop rotations, particularly maize-soybean-maize, have led to high maize yields without fertilizer application.
- Current research is focusing on improving soybean yields on sandy soils through inoculation and developing integrated farm models including livestock and cash crops. Generating income from seed companies and other partners helps fund ongoing
This presentation provides an overview of the benefits of cover crops, management considerations, cover crop species for Arkansas and Oklahoma, and the economic benefits of cover cropping.
This document discusses carbon sequestration through plantstones, which are silicified structures formed in many plants. Plantstones contain organic carbon that is stored for thousands of years. The document examines over 500 plant samples and finds that some plants can sequester over 6% of their weight in carbon within plantstones. It proposes that agricultural soils, degraded lands, and wetlands could be used to sequester carbon through the cultivation of plant species found to produce high levels of carbon-containing plantstones, providing a long-term solution for carbon storage.
Farm Business Update 2014: Aylsham, Johnny Johnston and soil fertilityCLA - East
1) The document discusses soil fertility and the efficient use of fertilizers in crop production. It defines a fertile soil as one that produces high yields economically while minimizing environmental impact.
2) The document separates fertilizers into two groups - nitrogen and sulfur which are readily leached from soil, and phosphate, potash, and magnesium which accumulate in soil over time.
3) Maintaining adequate levels of plant-available phosphorus and potassium in soil is important for efficient nitrogen use by crops and maximizing yields. Good soil structure also promotes root growth and nutrient uptake.
The document summarizes research on the benefits of applying manure and compost to soils. Key findings include:
1) Manure and compost increase soil organic matter content, improve soil structure, increase water holding capacity and infiltration rates. Sandy soils tend to benefit more than clayey soils.
2) Long-term manure applications of over 10 years increased soil organic matter content by 0.5-0.9% depending on application rates.
3) Applying manure and compost to saline soils may help offset saline conditions, as evidenced by improved spring wheat establishment compared to unamended soils.
1. The document describes the trench method planting technique for sugarcane that can increase productivity. It involves making trenches, placing fertilizer and two rows of sugarcane sets in each trench.
2. Field demonstrations using this technique along with site-specific nutrient management in Uttar Pradesh led to improved germination from 38% to 64% and increased average yields from 675 quintals/hectare to 1000 quintals/hectare, doubling district productivity.
3. Variety CO 0238 is highlighted as a promising early variety for the Northwestern zone of India that has achieved the highest ever sugar recovery recorded in subtropical India.
This document summarizes information about organic hops production in the United States. It outlines that organic hops production is finding a niche among growing microbreweries that currently import organic hops. It also discusses that organic hops production relies on crop rotations, cover crops, and natural pest and weed control instead of synthetic pesticides. Varieties that have potential for organic production on the East Coast and Pacific Northwest are also listed.
Discovery of the wild progenitor of Lima bean: a contribution to local commu...CIAT
This document discusses research on wild and domesticated lima beans. It provides information on the origins and domestication of lima beans, including evidence that there were two separate domestication events from two different gene pools of wild lima beans in South and Mesoamerica. The document also discusses the use of different genetic markers like chloroplast DNA and nuclear ribosomal DNA to study the phylogenetic relationships between wild and domesticated lima bean varieties to better understand their evolution and domestication history. In addition, it recognizes the contributions of numerous researchers who have studied lima beans.
Discovery of the wild progenitor of Lima bean: a contribution to local commu...
Hermann warsaw info top yields
1. M I D W E S T
Producing High Corn Yields –
Herman Warsaw’s
Challenging Legacy
By H.F. Reetz, Jr.
H
erman and Evelyn Warsaw bought their monitor flashed “ROCKS” due to the heavy
Illinois farm in 1941. It had a USDA- volume of ears coming into the machine.
established corn yield of 38 bu/A. The keys to Herman Warsaw’s success in
Herman knew he needed to build the yield corn production are found in his diligence in
potential if his operation was to survive. By observing the soil and the crop, gathering infor-
1960, he had reached a good average produc- mation, revising the plan, and carefully imple-
tion level, but decided to try to menting the details. Deep
find the limits of the fields he Herman Warsaw developed tillage, working in the residue
was farming. He started build- a corn production system from a 200 bu/A crop and still
ing fertility levels, increasing that got the attention of other leaving the residue from
plant population, and looking farmers and agribusiness another 100 bu/A crop on the
for other limiting factors. when he set a new world surface, helped increase soil
Fifteeen years later, in 1975, corn yield record in 1975. His tilth, support a healthy earth-
he set a new world corn yield deliberate approach to worm and micro-organism
record of 338 bu/A and gave a removing yield-limiting fac- population, and incorporate
challenge to university and tors and gathering and act- applied nutrients into the root
industry researchers. As a ing on information chal- zone. High populations
new crop production systems lenged the thinking of all helped build the crop canopy
researcher at Purdue Univer- those who knew him. His early to capture all of the
sity, I had produced my first accomplishments left a lega- available sunlight, to support
200 bu/A corn yield that year, cy for all of us to build on. development of large, well-
yet it didn’t sound very im- filled ears, and to produce
pressive compared to this Illinois farmer’s massive amounts of crop residue that con-
achievement. tributed to further improvement in soil tilth.
Fortunately, PPI took some leadership in Herman’s field had very high phosphorus
getting a group of us together to visit the (P) and potassium (K) levels, not just in the sur-
Warsaw farm and then for some brainstorming face layer, but throughout the root zone. So the
on what we could do to achieve higher yields on plants were assured of an adequate supply
our research plots. throughout the season, regardless of rainfall
Herman continued to refine his production and soil moisture distribution. He used mainte-
system, constantly looking for the next limiting nance applications of P and K from commercial
factor to be eliminated. From 1975 to 1989, he fertilizer and periodic heavy applications of
produced five yields over 300 bu/A, with a 15- manure. Table 1 shows the results of incre-
year average of 274 bu/A. In 1985, he eclipsed mental soil tests taken in 1978 from different
his own earlier record with a new world-record areas of his fields. Note that the high yield areas
yield of 370 bu/A from a measured 1-acre area are significantly higher than the fence-row sam-
in his field. I rode the combine with Herman as ples (representing unfertilized, native prairie
he harvested the crop and watched the machine soil).
creep along at 1.2 mph while the electronic Soil test levels from a 10-inch sample
20 Better Crops/Vol. 84 (2000, No. 1)
2. depth collected on August 6, 1985, in the field
that produced 370 bu/A of #2 corn, are shown
in Table 2.
The corn hybrid, FS 854, was planted at
37,000 seeds per acre on April 25. Harvest was
on October 17, with a final stand of nearly
36,000 plants per acre. Harvest moisture was
22.2 percent.
Was it profitable? Most decisions ultimate-
ly come to dollars and cents. Analysis of
Warsaw’s production system costs for 370 bu/A
corn is shown in Table 3.
Based on the 370 bu/A yield, Herman’s Herman Warsaw of Saybrook, Illinois, produced
out-of-pocket costs were $1.25 per bushel, and outstanding corn yields and encouraged others to
total costs were $1.60 per bushel. He sold the question and study the factors limiting production.
crop that year for $3.09 per bushel. High yield
management paid a good return...more than more about growing corn than most farmers or
$550/A. This return more than covered the researchers.
costs of building the high yield system. But the Over the last three or four years Herman
real payoff came in what he learned from the was farming, he annually hosted an average of
plot that could be applied on the rest of his 400 about 1,000 visitors to his farm...by busloads or
acres of corn production. The intensive, high as individuals. They came to see first-hand
population management had too many risks what a 300 bu/A corn production system
(mostly of lodging) to be used on the whole looked like. Farmers, researchers, government
farm, but he was able to produce a farm-aver- officials...a wide range of interests from around
age of 200 bu/A in 1985...considerably above the world...walked the fields, looked at the
the average for the area...by implementing implements, and listened to the expert tell his
much of what he learned from his “research” story under the old maple tree.
plots. A videotape was produced by the
Herman Warsaw was a student of corn... University of Illinois in 1983-1985, to docu-
and of the soil
and water re- TABLE 1. Soil test results collected from Herman Warsaw’s farm in March 1978.
sources that he Sample depth, inches
managed in pro- 0-3” 3-6” 6-9” 9-12” 12-18” 18-24”
ducing it. He
P-1, lb/A Normal production area 202 134 76 38 28 20
loved to talk High yield-lighter subsoil 234 192 58 20 12 8
about his passion High yield-darker subsoil 252 204 108 42 44 36
for increasing Fence row sample 44 26 8 6 6 4
corn yields and at
the same time K, lb/A Normal production area 914 470 346 348 366 400
High yield-lighter subsoil 740 404 270 232 300 382
protecting those High yield-darker subsoil 1,400 556 412 332 328 320
resources which Fence row sample 652 452 320 338 284 262
he had carefully
improved over O.M., % Normal production area 6.6 5.4 5.5 5.4 4.1 3.6
High yield-lighter subsoil 5.9 5.7 4.9 4.9 3.2 1.4
the years. While
High yield-darker subsoil 4.7 4.3 4.0 3.7 4.3 4.3
his explanations Fence row sample 5.8 4.5 4.0 3.3 2.7 2.3
didn’t always
match the “sci- pH Normal production area 5.5 5.7 5.7 5.6 5.8 5.9
ence”, there was High yield-lighter subsoil 5.0 5.5 5.8 6.1 6.1 6.6
High yield-darker subsoil 5.2 5.7 5.6 5.5 5.3 5.4
no question that
Fence row sample 6.0 5.9 6.0 5.8 6.0 6.7
this man knew
Better Crops/Vol. 84 (2000, No. 1) 21
3. TABLE 2. Soil test levels from a field that TABLE 3. Production costs, $/A, that produced
produced 370 bu/A corn in 1985. 370 bu/A corn in 1985.
Phosphorus P-1 161 lb/A Input category Cost per acre
Potassium 800 lb/A Fertilizer $201.05
Magnesium 871 lb/A Lime $10.42
Calcium 4,850 lb/A Herbicide/insecticide $39.10
Cation exchange capacity 23 meq/100g Seed $26.72
Sulfate-S 35 ppm Field operations, harvesting,
pH 6.0 and drying $186.50
Organic matter 5.3% Total out-of-pocket costs $463.79
Zinc (Zn) Good Estimated land cost $130.00
Iron (Fe) Good Total production costs $593.79
Boron (B) Good
Copper (Cu) Good mineral nutrition and physiology of the FS 854
corn hybrid that Herman Warsaw used for his
ment Warsaw’s high yield system. This tape has record yields and concluded that the high K
been used throughout the world to teach people level of the soil helped maintain plant growth
about the approach this master farmer used to regulator activity needed to keep nitrogen (N)
set a new standard in corn production. Of uptake and utilization functioning at full capac-
greater importance, however, it helps keep alive ity about two weeks longer at the end of the
the legacy left by Herman Warsaw. That is, we growing season. With lower K levels, the N
can substantially increase yields and profits in uptake system in this hybrid started to break
crop production by paying attention to details down, and the plant began breaking down pho-
and eliminating yield-limiting factors...while at tosynthetic enzymes in the lower leaves to meet
the same time being responsible stewards of the N requirement of the developing grain. This
our soil and water resources. reduced the supply of sugars available to feed
the roots, further decreasing the ability to
Physiology of High-Yield Corn absorb water and nutrients. By keeping the
The late Dr. Richard Johnson (Deere and lower leaves healthy and functional for about
Company) projected the theoretical maximum two weeks longer in the season, the potential for
corn yield in the Midwest to be about 490 bu/A. building higher grain yields was realized.
(Better Crops with Plant Food, Winter 1981-82,
p. 3-7). Using a 120- to 130-day growing sea- Renewing the High-Yield Challenge
son, with about 90 days of full crop canopy and Herman Warsaw didn’t have tools such as
a daily solar energy input of roughly 20 billion computers or satellites, but his style was defi-
calories per acre, the corn crop could produce nitely site-specific. The impact of his challenge
625 lb/A of dry matter per day [allowing for and the PPI/FAR program that helped get uni-
about one-third of the fixed carbon dioxide versity and industry researchers to address it
(CO2) to be re-released in respiration]. have been great. We must encourage the new
Assuming 25 percent of the dry matter produc- generation of researchers and farmers to keep
tion goes to root growth and 55 percent of the the high-yield challenge alive. Continued
remaining above-ground dry weight goes to the progress depends on their becoming infected
grain, a corn crop producing dry matter at 625 with the Warsaw passion for eliminating that
lb/A/day for 90 days would yield 490 bu/A of next limiting factor to produce higher yields
#2 corn. and responsibly manage the production
Areas of the western U.S. with higher solar resources they have available.
energy rates per day could have increased Dr. Reetz is PPI Midwest Director, located at
potential. A corn yield potential estimate of 600 Monticello, Illinois. E-mail: hreetz@ppi-far.org. We
bu/A has been made by scientists in Ontario gratefully acknowledge the contribution of Darrell
based on hydroponics (see page 9 of this issue). Smith, Farm Journal, for his assistance in recovering
Dr. Richard Hageman, University of some of the information in this article. Herman
Illinois plant nutrition specialist, studied the Warsaw passed away in 1989.
22 Better Crops/Vol. 84 (2000, No. 1)