Can someone explain Tapps to me?

Question

I understand that it's a chemical reaction caused by injecting NH3 through a mixture of 10-34-0 and Thiosul. There are claims out there that one can raise 220bu/acre of corn by applying only 140lbs of nitrogen. How is this possible considering it takes 1.2lbs of nitrogen to produce 1 bushel of corn? This practice may work for one or two years untill there is no residual nitrogen left in the soil. I also understand that those that have used this practice also use high rates of manure. Isn't this a little dishonest in claiming to reduce the fertilizer imputs.

Answer 1

TAPPS is an new system of applying anhydrous.  The system was developed by Guy Swanson of Spokane WA.  Swanson sold his first Exactrix system in 1998 and has stirred considerable interest with his claims of increased N use efficiency.

It's effectiveness has not been widely tested, consequently the claims made have been neither validated nor rejected.  I hope the gentleman can help increase N use efficiency, but I, like you, find his claims to be somewhat suspect.

Answer 2

leave it to dad! lol :D

Answer 3

Tapps is a system of applying nitrogen in a form and with the placement of the fertilizer so it used by the plant in a more efficient manner than the current method of applying anhydrous ammonia.  It is not removing any more of the available soil N or requiring additional amounts of manure to be applied than the the conventional method.  It only requires about 60% as much N to get the same yields as conventional application which results in less nitrates in water run off or getting into the ground water.