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Corn Yields From Fertilizer Recommendations Made By Some Soil Testing Laboratories Serving Kentucky, Lloyd W. Murdock, William Hendrick

Agronomy Notes

One of the most economically important services available to Kentucky farmers is that of soil testing and fertilizer recommendations. Fertilizer purchases on the order of 150 million dollars per year are currently made by farmers in Kentucky. Until about 30 years ago there was no routine, rapid method for analyzing soils to determine fertilizer needs. Since then, as better methods were developed, soil testing laboratories have been set up for routine farmer use. For many years only the soil testing service provided through the University of Kentucky (UK) was readily available to farmers in Kentucky. Even though the University still …

A Cropping System For Intensive Grain Production On Sloping Land, Kenneth L. Wells, H. C. Vaught, Morris J. Bitzer, M. W. Russell

Agronomy Notes

From the beginnings of Kentucky Agriculture, soil erosion and related losses in productivity have been major problems for Kentucky farmers. Improved soil conservation practices during the past forty years have been especially significant in the recovery and progress of our agricultural industry. No-tillage methods for crop production, which were pioneered in Kentucky, have proven useful in controlling erosion and holding production at high levels. During recent years, the marketplace has strongly encouraged grain production, with the unfortunate effect that many Kentucky hillsides have been returned to grain production without sufficient erosion control measures. This report describes innovations in use of …

Effect Of Lime On No-Tillage Corn Yields, Robert L. Blevins, Lloyd W. Murdock

Agronomy Notes

The rapidly growing popularity and adoption of no-tillage systems of corn production have required us to re-evaluate some of our long established soil fertility practices and recommendations. Recent work by researchers at Kentucky and adjacent states show that the soil surface becomes very acid after a few years of continuous no-tillage corn production. This rapid decrease in soil pH is primarily associated with surface application of nitrogen fertilizers. Most lime recommendations and related research information for row crop production are based on plow-down application. Therefore, the effectiveness of surface-applied and unincorporated lime under no-tillage systems becomes a question of concern. …

Zinc Fertilization Of Corn In Kentucky, W. W. Frye, H. F. Miller, Lloyd W. Murdock, D. E. Peaslee

Agronomy Notes

Of the agronomic crops, corn is especially sensitive to zinc deficiency. The major symptom of zinc deficiency in corn is broad white stripes in the leaves at or near the growing point in the early growth stages of the plant. It has been referred to as "white bud" disease because of the characteristic whitish area on one or both sides of the midrib near the base of new leaves. It can be seen as a new leaf unfolds from the whorl. Growth is stunted resulting in shorter than normal internodes. The pith of the stalk may become darkened at the …

Boron Fertilization Of Corn In Kentucky, Lloyd W. Murdock, Kenneth L. Wells, H. F. Miiller

Agronomy Notes

The need for use of boron (B) for alfalfa production has been recognized for many years in Kentucky and is presently recommended for general use as an annual topdressing on alfalfa fields. Use of B is also recommended in Kentucky for red clover fields which are to be harvested for seed. In recent years, there has been interest in use of fertilizer B for good corn production in Kentucky. Plant available B is greatly affected by soil pH and decreases with increasing soil pH. Because of this, some states recommend use of B on corn grown on soils with a …

Alfalfa Response To Varying Rates Of Phosphorus And Potassium Fertilization On Deep, Red, Limestone - Derived Soils Of The Pennyroyal Area In Kentucky, H. C. Vaught, Kenneth L. Wells, K. L. Driskill

Agronomy Notes

The Western Pennyroyal area of Kentucky consists largely of deep, well-drained limestone-derived soils occurring on an undulating to rolling landscape. A thin loess mantle overlies the limestone residuum in many areas. Soils on these landscapes are capable of good crop production, providing the basis of the rather intensive grain-hay- tobacco-livestock farming systems common to the Pennyroyal area. Because of the well-suited physical characteristics of these soils, alfalfa is a very important hay crop to this area.

Comparisons Of Nitrogen Fertilizer Sources Under Kentucky Soil And Climatic Conditions, Kenneth L. Wells, Lloyd W. Murdock, Harold F. Miller

Agronomy Notes

A summary of yield data comparing different nitrogen fertilizer sources in field experiments conducted by the Agronomy Department staff should provide information that will help answer some of the inquiries regarding the comparative value of some of the nitrogen fertilizers being marketed in Kentucky. Since the nitrogen rates per acre shown in all tables are ACTUAL NITROGEN the COST PER POUND OF NITROGEN in the different materials is an important consideration when evaluating the various products.

1974 Preliminary Report Of Kentucky Small Grain Variety Trials At Bowling Green And Lexington, Charles Tutt, Morris J. Bitzer, Verne C. Finkner

Agronomy Notes

Each year the small grain variety trials are conducted at Princeton, Murray, Bowling Green and Lexington. In 1974, the plots at Princeton and Murray were severely infected with a complex of diseases including Barley Yellow Dwarf, Septoria glume blotch, wheat scab and an unidentified disease in the wheat. As a result of the intensity of these diseases, the data obtained from these plots was very erratic and the results were not considered to be experimentally valid. The data obtained at Bowling Green and Lexington were quite valid and representative of the general situation in Kentucky.

Soybean Seed Quality Survey, Dennis M. Tekrony

Agronomy Notes

During the past four years soybean acreage has nearly tripled in Kentucky to 1.1 million acres in 1973. Even though the total acreage has increased substantially, the average yield per acre has declined slightly during the same period to 28 bushels per acre in 1973. Why this low statewide average yield when we know that some Kentucky farmers consistently produce yields of over 40 bushels per acre? Many factors can contribute to this problem including; improper use of herbicides and pesticides, inadequate soil fertility, non-adapted varieties, low quality planting seed, and timely management of all production practices. The objective of …

Grain Sorghum Performance Tests-1972, James H. Herbek, Morris J. Bitzer

Agronomy Notes

Grain sorghum performance tests provide estimates of the relative performance of grain sorghum hybrids in Kentucky. These estimates, hopefully, will aid growers in their selection of a hybrid. The choice of the best grain sorghum hybrid for a given set of crop management conditions and environmental variables is an important step to profitable grain sorghum production. Hybrids should be selected that are well adapted to a given area and have records of high performance.

Grain sorghum performance tests were conducted at three locations in Kentucky in 1972. This report presents the yield and other agronomic data obtained at these locations.

Grian Sorghum Performance Tests - 1971, James H. Herbek, Morris J. Bitzer

Agronomy Notes

Grain sorghum varieties were evaluated at four locations (Carlisle, Daviess, Hopkins, and Todd Counties) in Kentucky in 1971.

Tall Fescue Seed Production In Kentucky, Dennis M. Tekrony, C. J. Kaiser, Warren C. Thompson, Robert C. Buckner

Agronomy Notes

Producing tall fescue seed has traditionally been a profitable venture for many Kentucky farmers. It can still provide additional income if: (1) it is properly managed and fertilized and (2) it is integrated into a total farming program which in most cases includes livestock.

Preliminary Report, 1970 And 1971 Kentucky Small Grain Yield Trials At Lexington, Princeton And Bowling Green, Verne C. Finkner, Charles Tutt, Morris J. Bitzer

Agronomy Notes

No abstract provided.

Soil Surveys In Kentucky, Harry Hudson Bailey, Robert L. Blevins

Agronomy Notes

Soil surveys are a scientific inventory of the soil and land resources of an area. They locate the different kinds of soils and provide information as to their physical and chemical properties. The survey reports also contain tables and charts showing the use of the soils for agriculture, engineering, community development, recreational areas, woodland, and wildlife.

Today there is some type of soil survey activity in every county of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky has cooperative soil survey arrangements with the USDA Soil Conservation Service and the U.S. Forest Service.

Preliminary Report, 1969 And 1970 Kentucky Small Grain Yield Trials, Verne C. Finkner, Charles Tutt, Dennis M. Tekrony

Agronomy Notes

No abstract provided.

Preliminary Report Soybean Performance Tests 1970, Dennis B. Egli

Agronomy Notes

The data presented below represent the preliminary results of the 1970 Soybean Performance Tests . A more complete version of the data, including data from previous years , will be published at a later date in "Results of the Kentucky Soybean Performance Tests - 1970."

No-Tillage -- Suitability To Kentucky Soils, Robert L. Blevins

Agronomy Notes

As more farmers adopt no-tillage methods of farming the questions arises whether or not all soils are suited to this practice. To get an idea of how well suited the no-tillage method of corn production is to wide variety of soils, we made a survey in five different physiographic regions of Kentucky in 1969.

Summary Of Fertilizer Use And Estimated Use Of Plant Nutrients On Tobacco, Corn, Hay And Pastures In Kentucky, Kenneth L. Wells

Agronomy Notes

Nearly 650, 000 tons of fertilizer were used by Kentucky farmers during the first half of 1969. Plant food content (N+P₂O₅ + K₂O) was 38%, or nearly 247,000 tons. Slightly over half (58%) was sold in bagged, one-third (33%) in bulk, and 8% in fluid form. Mixtures made up 70% of the total tonnage, and materials made up 30%. The statistics tabulated below show a more detailed breakdown of the fertilizer tonnage used.

Soil Surveys In Kentucky, Harry Hudson Bailey, Robert L. Blevins

Agronomy Notes

Soil surveys are a scientific inventory of the soil and land resources of an area. They locate the different kinds of soils and provide information as to their physical and chemical properties. The surveys also contain tables and charts showing the use of the soils for agriculture, engineering, community development, recreational areas, woodland, and wildlife.

Today there is some type of soil survey activity in every county. The University has cooperative soil survey arrangements with the USDA Soil Conservation Service and the U. S. Forest Service.

Irrigating Corn On Well-Drained, Limestone-Derived Soils, John L. Ragland, J. C. Redman

Agronomy Notes

In trying to determine if it would pay Kentucky farmers to irrigate corn, one of the most important steps is to ascertain the long-time average yield increases to be expected from supplemental irrigation. The yield data reported below are the results of an experiment applicable for a fairly large group of soils occurring in Kentucky.

Molybdenum Recommendation For Legumes, J. L. Sims, Warren C. Thompson, S. H. Phillips

Agronomy Notes

Molybdenum is recommended in Kentucky for legumes (soybeans, alfalfa, clovers and other forage legumes) beginning in 1969. The application should be made as a seed treatment and at the rate of 0.4 to 0.8 (4/10 to 8/10) ounces of molybdenum per acre. Molybdenum is recommended only on soils testing less than pH 6.2.

Kenblue Kentucky Bluegrass, Robert C. Buckner

Agronomy Notes

Since the early 19th century the Blue Grass Region of Kentucky has had a worldwide reputation for its Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) As early as 1835, people from adjoining states visited the region to see its luxuriant fields and to learn of the culture and management of this valuable grass. This interest has led to the development of a profitable seed industry in central Kentucky. Kentucky produced the bulk of Kentucky bluegrass seed for the nation during the latter half of the 19th and the first half of the 20th centuries.

Since 1960, foreign importation and competitive production of …

Tobacco Bed Treatment With Enide 50w, J. W. Herron, J. F. Freeman

Agronomy Notes

Enide 50W is recommended for trial use on tobacco beds for 1968. The results of treatments with Enide in Kentucky in 1967 have been somewhat variable; therefor e, until additional information is obtained and the tobacco grower becomes more experienced in applying the chemical, it should be used on a trial basis.

Response Of Corn To Broadcast Applications Of Zinc, Harold F. Miller

Agronomy Notes

Where zinc deficiency in corn occurs on Kentucky soils it has been corrected by applying 3 to 6 pounds of elemental zinc per acre in the row at planting time. In some areas of the state, corn planters with row fertilizer attachments are not generally used, raising the question as to library the amount of zinc required when broadcast applications are made.

Through the cooperation of Clarence Mitchell, Area Extension Specialist, a field was located where the 1966 corn crop showed zinc deficiency. Since the field was to be planted in corn (Connecticut 860) in 1967, a field trial with …

Soil Surveys In Kentucky, Harry Hudson Bailey, Robert L. Blevins

Agronomy Notes

Forty-one Kentucky counties have been surveyed and the results published, using the classification schemes of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. These counties and the field survey dates are : Adair (1961) , Bath (1959), Caldwell (1962), Calloway (1937), Christian (1912), Clark (1961), Elliott (1961), Fayette (1931), Fulton (1961). Garrard (1921), Graves (1941), Henderson (1963), Jefferson (1962), Jessamine (1915) , Logan (1919), McCracken (1905), Madison (1905), Marshall (1938), Mason (1903), Mercer (1930), Metcalfe (1962), Muhlenberg (1920), Rockcastle (1910), Scott (1903), Shelby (1916), Union (1902), Warren (1904).

Grass Seed Production, Robert C. Buckner, Warren C. Thompson

Agronomy Notes

Producing cool season grass seed crops has historically been a profitable venture on Kentucky farms.

When growing maximum yields of grass seed, the pH level should be maintained between 6.0 and 7.0, when the recommended rates of limestone are used, and when phosphate and potash are maintained at medium-to-high levels (based on a soil test). Similarly, grass should be grown in pure stands. Weeds and insects must be controlled to prevent yield reduction.

Following seed harvest, excess herbage should be removed, preferably by grazing. All cool season grasses can be grazed until growth stops in the late fall or early …

Fertilizing No-Tillage Corn And Soybeans, George D. Corder

Agronomy Notes

Planting corn and soybeans in sod (commonly referred to as "no-tillage" planting) is increasing in parts of Kentucky, and interest in this practice in other parts of the state is growing.

One question is often asked: 'What is the best method of liming and fertilizing no-tillage corn and soybeans?"

Since no-tillage planting is a comparatively new practice, only a limited amount of research on methods of fertilization has been done. However, research designed to find out how well plants can recover phosphorus and potassium applied on the surface of the soil will be started by the Department of Agronomy at …

Using Birdsfoot Trefoil In Kentucky Pastures, W. C. Templeton Jr., C. F. Buck, D. W. Wattenbarger

Agronomy Notes

Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) is an excellent pasture legume in the Corn Belt and in northeast United states . It has usually been considered too poorly adapted to Kentucky to merit trial by the farmers. Observations and grazing results in Woodford county during the last 14 years, however, indicate that this view is no longer valid.

A grazing trial was established in 1954, with birdsfoot trefoil and Kentucky bluegrass as one of three mixtures used. Trefoil was seeded alone in the spring, and an excellent stand was obtained. Bluegrass was drilled in the established trefoil in September 1954. There …

Certified Seed Of Kenblue Kentucky Bluegrass Seed Available, Department Of Agronomy, College Of Agriculture, University Of Kentucky

Agronomy Notes

A limited quantity of certified seed of Kenblue, a new variety of Kentucky bluegrass, will be available this fall. Kenblue was developed last year and officially released July 31, 1967 by the University of Kentucky and the USDA-ARS.

Kenblue is more insect- and disease-resistant than any of the other named varieties of bluegrass . Its adaptability to Kentucky conditions is also much higher, because Kenblue was developed from seed taken from 12 farms in seven Central Kentucky counties where bluegrass is normally grown for seed purposes . In each case, fields from which the seed was taken had been in …

Barsoy-A New Winter Barley, V. C. Finkner, S. H. Phillips

Agronomy Notes

The early maturity of Barsoy winter barley will fill a gap in the maturity dates of the barley varieties presently recommended. Double cropping of small grain and wheat has grown to the extent that 30,000 to 40,000 acres in Kentucky grow two crops each year. This practice will continue to develop and become more important on grain farms. The early maturity characteristic of Barsoy will allow an earlier planting of soybeans than will other barley varieties.