From WATTAgNet:A mapping research study conducted by researchers from the University of Missouri, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service and DuPont Pioneer could help corn producers in the Midwest increase their yield.Researchers are about halfway through a three-year study that examines how maps, technology and expertise can help Corn Belt producers plan seeding rates, nitrogen needs and hybrid selection for their specific area.Data from more than 400 cornfields will compare 80 years of county soil maps from the USDA with environmental response unit maps. The project uses public soil databases, proprietary analytics from DuPont Pioneer, high-resolution elevation data and information on soil types, topography and watersheds.“The study found that ERU maps provided better representation of corn yield environments than soil maps did in 80 percent of the fields,” said University of Missouri Extension corn specialist Brent Myers. ERU maps consider soil depth, texture, organic matter and water-holding capacity — all factors that affect crop production costs and yield.“Our intent is to bring the best of this public-private collaboration to bear on the challenge of sustainability and productivity for U.S. growers,” said USDA-ARS soil scientist Newell Kitchen, who is based on the MU campus.