Dr. Ronnie W. Heiniger recieved a P.h.D. in Crop Ecology and Simulation Modeling from Kansas State University in 1994. He has received the Gerald O. Mott Meritorious Research Award from the Crop Science Society of America for modeling grain fill in sorghum. Dr. Heiniger's applied research programs in the areas of precision agriculture and remote sensing at North Carolina State University have received national recognition. In addition to his research work, Dr. Heiniger is the Corn Extension Specialist for North Carolina.

Dr. Heiniger is located at the Vernon G. James Research and Extension Center, a modern research facility in eastern North Carolina. This facility in the agricultural center of North Carolina provides easy access to laboratory, greenhouse, and field space. More information can be found at Dr. Heiniger's Vernon James Center Homepage.

INVOLVEMENT IN STUDENT EDUCATION

Geographical Information Systems in Agriculture and the Environment (CS/SSC 495G) is a hands-on class that trains students in the use of global positioning systems, agricultural geographic information systems, yield monitoring technologies, and issues concerning site-specific management of agricultural resources. Dr. Heiniger teaches sections on the use of yield monitors in agricultural crops, handling yield data, and using yield data to make crop management decisions. Dr. Heiniger also provides special lectures on corn cropping systems and precision agriculture for CS 011, CS 012, and BAE 121.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Precision Agriculture

Precision agriculture has been a major focus of Dr. Heiniger's research program. Currently, the major emphasis is on the use of multiband images to determine nitrogen fertilizer requirements for corn. The picture at right shows the impact of nitrogen on crop color. Images like this along with the use of thermal imaging to determine site-specific patterns in crop water stress have been used determine yield potential and fertilizer rates for corn. This research is part of a collaborative initiative called Remote Sensing and Precision Technologies to Optimize Nitrogen Management and Water Quality. 

Other current projects include the characterization of spatial patterns in soil moisture holding capacity. Completed projects have shown the value of site-specific cultivar selection, remote sensing to determine tiller number in wheat, and variable-rate applications of PIX on cotton (See Lint Yield Graph at left).

Corn and Wheat Cropping Systems

In addition to his work in precision agriculture, Dr. Heiniger conducts research into narrow-row corn systems, early-season corn management systems, wheat cropping systems, the impact of cropping systems on water quality, and the variability of yield due to changes in soil moisture. Dr. Heiniger's research emphasizes examining all aspects of the crop system as they relate to each other. Good examples in narrow-row corn systems are the interactions between row spacing, plant available water, and weed competition. Research is being conducted that examines weed competition and herbicide interactions in narrow rows and the effects of plant density and spacing on plant available water. Results from this research have already been incorporated into management systems that have contributed to the success of narrow-row corn in eastern North Carolina.

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Precision Agriculture

Precision agriculture is a primary focus for Dr. Heiniger's extension program. This includes one-on-one farm consulting, field and laboratory training in technology and GIS techniques, and field demonstrations. He was one of the original organizers and sits on the committee for the very successful Precision Agriculture Field Day series that is now in its sixth year. Dr. Heiniger's extension work has brought about the successful use of information technologies for North Carolina farmers.

Corn Extension

Dr. Heiniger conducts meetings on corn management techniques and production practices for extension faculty and farmers. He is the coordinator and primary author of the North Carolina Corn Production Guide and is involved in a number of extension field days including the Blackland Farm Manager's Field Tour and the Northeast Ag Expo. In addition to his other duties, Dr. Heiniger supervises and conducts the North Carolina Corn Yield Contest. For more information on corn production in North Carolina goto 'North Carolina Corn Kernels'.

Small Grain Extension