Digital Commons Network^™

Using Urea Nitrogen As A Fertilizer, Kenneth L. Wells

Soil Science News and Views

Solid granular or prilled urea (45-46% N) has become widely available in Kentucky, as has 28% nitrogen solution (UAN solution) which is half urea and half ammonium nitrate. When applied to a field, urea is transformed to ammonium N soon after application. The rate of transformation is greatly increased by urease, the enzyme found to varying degrees in soil and on plants and plant residues. Due to the chemical reactions involved as urea nitrogen undergoes transformation, there is some degree of likelihood for volatilization loss of some N. Whether such a loss will occur, and how much N will be …

Effectiveness Of Liming Materials, Monroe Rasnake

Soil Science News and Views

A number of different sources of liming materials are available to Kentucky farmers and homeowners. The best one for any particular use depends on several factors:

1. Size of area being treated
2. How quickly the reaction is needed
3. Method of application
4. Cost of the material
5. Quality (neutralizing value) of the material

Following is an evaluation of some liming materials based on those factors.

Fertilizing Alfalfa For Optimum Yields, William O. Thom

Soil Science News and Views

Alfalfa is one of the most important forage crops in Kentucky. It is grown on a wide range of soil types, has the ability to produce high yields, and will respond to good management including a sound soil fertility program.

Plant Available Water And Plant Water Stress, Ronald E. Phillips

Soil Science News and Views

The 1983 growing season in Kentucky was a vivid reminder that water is essential for good plant growth. And the water used by plants is taken from the reserve or water stored in soil.

Developing A Fertilizer Program For Tobacco, J. L. Sims

Soil Science News and Views

Use of adequate amounts of required fertilizer nutrients are necessary to increase both yield and quality of tobacco if they are lacking in a soil. However, to insure maximum profits from the tobacco crop, careful consideration must be given to fertilizer management (kinds, rates, and methods and times of fertilizer application), the chemical and physical characteristics of the soil, and the crops grown in rotation with tobacco. To develop a profitable fertilization program for tobacco requires thoughtful planning on the part of the grower. Late summer and early fall is a good time to make these plans for the future.

Soil Testing: Improving Reliability, John H. Grove

Soil Science News and Views

Late summer is a good time to check forage and row crop fields for possible nutritional problems and to make plans for fall soil sampling. "Problem" areas can be identified for selective sampling and the test results can be used to plan fertilizer and lime expenses for the next crop production season. Fields scheduled for tobacco, small grain and/or double cropping need to be sampled first in order to determine lime, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) needs before fall application.

Sewage Sludge For Land Application, William O. Thom

Soil Science News and Views

Sewage sludge is a product of waste water treatment plants that function as environmentally acceptable pollution control facilities. In past years most of the sludge had been landfilled, dumped at sea or buried. But environmental and economic considerations have resulted in greater interest in its application on cropland.

Does Use Of Gypsum Improve Soil Structure In Kentucky?, V. P. Evangelou, Kenneth L. Wells

Soil Science News and Views

Gypsum is sometimes recommended as a soil amendment in order to improve structure. Although this practice is often used for reclamation of sodic soils (Na⁺ saturated) in the western USA, it's value in improving soil structure in Kentucky is questionable. The following discussion explains way.

Weed And Feed, William W. Witt, Harold B. Rice

Soil Science News and Views

Fertilizer and herbicide combinations are often applied prior to planting, at planting, or after crop emergence, a procedure sometimes called "weed and feed". The opportunities for utilizing this system are numerous with the major advantage being saving an extra trip across the field. In order for the system to work, it must ensure that both fertilizer and herbicide are present when needed. When both the crop plant and weedy plant are at growth stages which allow for compatible applications with a single treatment, this can be highly successful. Conversely, when these two plant systems are not at compatible growth stages, …

Causes Of Soil Compaction And Ways To Minimize Them, Lloyd W. Murdock

Soil Science News and Views

In order for a soil to become compacted, two conditions must be present, pressure and a soil that will compact . Different soils have different compaction characteristics. Sandy loam soils compact most readily; however, most soils with a high percentage of sand compact easily. Silt loam soils are more resistant to compaction, but they too are easily compacted when wet. When silt loam soils are not wet, it requires high pressure to compact them. When the soil is wet, each particle is lubricated and less pressure is required to compact the soil. Clayey soils can be compacted; but, as they …

Use Of Urea For Crop Production In Kentucky, Wilbur W. Frye

Soil Science News and Views

Current trends indicate that urea will become the major source of solid and liquid N fertilizer in the future. Although urea has several advantages over other N fertilizers, especially in manufacturing, transporting, and marketing, there are some potential agronomic problems that farmers should keep in mind when using urea.