Daniel Schaefer

Researchers

Areas of Expertise:

Soil Conservation
Water Quality
Cover Crops
Nutrient Management

Nutrient Stewardship Director
Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA)
217-202-5173
dan@ifca.com

With a master’s in crop science and decades of experience in the fertilizer industry, Dan has conducted research related to strip-till and soil conservation systems, N management and the maximum return to nitrogen (MRTN) program. Prior to IFCA, he spent 31 years as an agronomist at Illini FS.

In his role at IFCA, he’s responsible for working with University of Illinois researchers on developing research protocols to continue improving nutrient management recommendations. He sees great promise in soybean research where he hopes that by identifying the correct timing and package of applied nutrients, farmers can take the next big step in soybean yield.

Fun Facts!
Dan’s favorite vacation destination is Maui. Some of his personal and professional highlights include:

Earning both an undergrad and master’s degree while working full time and growing his young family
Learning through his nutrient loss research how timing and application methods impact water quality

Research Projects

Controlled-Release N, P & K Fertilizer Management in Strip-Till 30” Rows and No-Till 15″ Rows for High-Yield SoybeansMarlee Silberman2024-11-05T10:22:10-06:00

Controlled-Release N, P & K Fertilizer Management in Strip-Till 30” Rows and No-Till 15″ Rows for High-Yield Soybeans

This project aims to better understand how strategic nutrient management can impact soybean yield across northern and central Illinois. It will evaluate different nutrient strategies under no-till, strip-till, 15” rows, 30” rows, with cover crops, and without cover crops. Data will be used to inform future year trials and ultimately provide farmers with best management practices for nutrient management in soybean crops.

Learn More

Can following the MRTN approach reduce tile nitrate loss in conventional and cover cropping systems?Alison McKenney2024-11-05T10:32:09-06:00

Can following the MRTN approach reduce tile nitrate loss in conventional and cover cropping systems?

Based on year 1 insights, this year 2 project will focus on validating the maximum return to nitrogen (MRTN) approach as a viable method to determine N rates for corn in a corn/soybean rotation both with and without cover crops. This is particularly important in the tiled fields of central Illinois where it is critical to reduce nitrate loss.