Education Commons^™

G95-1241 Annual Broadleaf Weed Control In Winter Wheat (Revised January 1999), Gail` A. Wicks, Robert N. Klein, Alex Martin, Drew J. Lyon

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This guide discusses preventive, cultural, and chemical weed control in winter wheat. The best weed control is obtained by using a combination of these methods. Winter and summer annual broadleaf weeds have an important economic impact on Nebraska winter wheat. They compete with winter wheat for water, light, space, and nutrients, reducing Nebraska winter wheat yields by an estimated 10 percent each year. The dollar loss, with wheat at $2.50 per bushel, is over $2.1 million per year. Weeds also slow harvest and increase combine repair costs. Producers may be docked at the elevator for excessive grain moisture and/or weed …

G95-1260 Fate Of Insecticides Used For Termite Control In Soil, Shripat T. Kamble

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides information on effects of soil and chemical properties affecting behavior of termiticides in soil.

Termites cause substantial damage to residential and commercial buildings in the United States. It has been estimated that the annual cost for controlling termites and repairing their damage in the United States exceeds $1.7 billion. Subterranean termites, the most destructive of all termites, account for 95 percent of this damage.

Ec94-1772 Windbreaks In Sustainable Agricultural Systems, James R. Brandle, Teresa Boes, Vernon Quam, John Gardner

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Sustainable agriculture is a system of whole-farm resource use balanced with whole-farm productivity. The overall level of productivity achieved is dependent upon the ability to coordinate and manage simultaneously the soil, water, plant, and animal resources within climatic and economic limits. Both the kind and amount of plants and animals supported by the system are important and play significant roles, both individually and collectively in maintaining a healthy farm environment. In the future, integrated systems will help reduce human impact on resources while providing sufficient supplies of high quality food and fiber.

Windbreaks provide protection for people, animals, buildings, crops, …

Nf94-162 Clostridium Botulinum, Susan S. Sumner, Julie A. Albrecht

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.

Nf93-121 Practices That Reduce Risk Of Spreading Rhizomania, John A. Smith, Eric D. Kerr

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses the rhizomania virus in sugar beets.

G92-1084 Culture Of Cole Crops, Laurie Hodges, R.E. Neild

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

How to grow successfully broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kohlrabi.

Cole crops, which include broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kohlrabi, can be successfully grown on most soils if drainage is good and the crop is supplied with adequate water and nutrients, particularly nitrogen. Light-textured soils usually produce earlier crops but heavier soils hold more moisture and tend to produce crops that hold quality longer at maturity.

Cole crops have shallow root systems. Inadequate moisture may cause small cauliflower heads to form prematurely. Rainfall or irrigation following a prolonged dry spell may cause splitting of cabbage and kohlrabi. Supplemental …

G92-1108 Evaluating Corn Rootworm Soil Insecticide Performance, J. F. Witkowski, Lance J. Meinke, Gary L. Hein, Keith J. Jarvi

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication describes a technique used to evaluate the relative performance of insecticides in protecting corn roots from feeding damage by corn rootworm larvae.

Insecticides applied at planting or cultivation time are commonly used in continuous corn to protect the roots from damage by western and northern corn rootworms.

Measuring the relative performance of these insecticides in protecting corn roots from rootworm larval damage is important.

G92-1081 Factors That Affect Soil-Applied Herbicides, R. S. Moomaw, Robert N. Klein, Alex Martin, Fred Roeth, P.J. Shea, G.A. Wicks, R. G. Wilson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Characteristics of soil-applied herbicides are discussed, including site of uptake by weeds, solubility, adsorption, persistence, leaching potential, photodecomposition, and volatility. For best performance, preemergence and preplant herbicides must be placed in the top 0 to 3 inches of soil. Placement is important because the herbicide must enter the germinating weed seedling in order to kill it. Herbicides can be blended into the soil by mechanical incorporation, rainfall, or sprinkler irrigation, depending on the herbicide. Herbicide characteristics that determine their performance are site of uptake by weeds, solubility, adsorption, persistence, leaching potential, photodecomposition, and volatility. An understanding of these factors will …

G91-1000 Guidelines For Soil Sampling, Richard B. Ferguson, K.D. Frank, Gary W. Hergert, Edwin J. Penas, Richard A. Wiese

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Soil test values are no better than the soil samples you collect. Proper soil sampling procedures must be followed to obtain meaningful test results for fertilizer decisions.

The best guideline for determining fertilizer needs is a reliable analysis of a soil sample that is representative of the field. Proper procedures must be followed to collect representative soil samples.

G91-1045 Turfgrass Weed Prevention And Management (Revised December 1994), Roch E. Gaussoin, Alex Martin

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses control strategies and recommendations for weed control in turf.

Weeds are a major problem in lawns and normally are the most visible of turfgrass pests. Weeds affect the function, health and appearance of the turf as they compete with desirable turfgrass plants for space, light, water and nutrients.

Ec91-123 Drought Management On Range And Pastureland: A Handbook For Nebraska And South Dakota, Patrick E. Reece, Jack D. Alexander, James R. Johnson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Drought is generally defined as a prolonged period during which annual precipitation is less than 75 percent of average. Based upon this definition, drought has occurred in 21 percent of the years in the northern Great Plains since 1940. Poor distribution of precipitation in a single year or less than average precipitation in successive years can also cause drought conditions.

This extension circulation discusses the following: how plants respond to drought, management preparation for drought, herd management, animal response to drought, predicting forage production and stocking rates, drought management plans, rangeland resource inventory, grazing management, and plant recovery after drought.

G91-1022 Guide To Growing Houseplants, Don Steinegger, Frederick P. Baxendale, John E. Watkins

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Proper care can extend houseplants' lives. This NebGuide offers hints on conditioning, light, fertilizing and more.

Many people enjoy houseplants; in fact, raising them is one of the fastest growing indoor hobbies. Caring for houseplants offers opportunities for people who like to work with living things and watch them develop. Today, houseplants are an integral part of indoor decor -- especially in winter.

An artificial indoor environment often hinders plant development. High temperatures, low humidity, lack of sunlight, poor soil conditions, and improper watering contribute to most houseplant problems. In addition, insects or plant diseases occasionally damage houseplants.

While plants …

Cc90-342 Soil Compaction...Fact And Fiction: Common Questions And Their Answers, Alice J. Jones, Robert D. Grisso, Charles A. Shapiro

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

What causes soil compaction? Compaction occurs when soil particles move closer together because of external forces exerted by humans, animals, equipment and water droplets. It can be found on the soil surface and at almost any depth. Compacting soils leads to conditions that are less than optimum for crop growth, soil water management and efficient use of agricultural chemicals.

G90-945 A Gardener's Guide For Soil And Nutrient Management In Growing Vegetables, E.J. Penas, Dale T. Lindgren

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

How to manage soil and nutrients when growing vegetables is discussed here, as is soil testing, soil pH, organic matter, and the use of commercial fertilizers.

Using fertilizers as nutrient sources in growing vegetables is one cultural practice that can improve production if done correctly. This means using the right fertilizer material, applying it at the correct rate and time, and using the proper method of application.

Fertilizer needs for vegetables depend on the kind of vegetable grown, chemical properties of the soil, previous cropping history, and adequate water for plant growth. Guidelines here are based on soil chemical properties …

G89-901 Understand Your Soil Test: Sulfur, K.D. Frank, Delno Knudsen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Factors leading to sulfur deficiency, soil and water tests, soil test interpretation and fertilizer materials that contain sulfur are covered here.

Sulfur, one of the macro-nutrients, may be deficient in some sandy soils but usually is plentiful in other soils of the state. The amounts contained by healthy crops are on the same order as phosphorus, ranging from 0.2 percent to .5 percent sulfur. It is a component of certain amino acids, and so is part of several proteins essential for plants and animals.

Ec89-119 Hail Damage Assessment And Replant Decisions, Charles A. Shapiro, Timothy A. Powell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Hail is one of the many hazards that can damage a growing crop. Early in the growing season a producer has the option to replant a field seriously damaged by hail. The question is, how do you decide if it is worthwhile to replant, and what information do you need to make an informed decision? Factors to consider when deciding to replant are the expected yield reduction due to hail, the cost of replanting, and the yield potential of the replanted crop. Other information needed to make a rational decision is included in this publication, and several examples are given.

Ec89-723 Irrigation Scheduling Using Soil Moisture Blocks In Silty Soils, William L. Kranz, Dean E. Eisenhauer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Irrigation takes some risk out of crop production by providing a reliable source of water that allows the producer to manage soil water. Monitoring soil water is fundamental to determining how much irrigation water should be applied, and when the soil is able to store the amount of water to be applied.

This publication describes how to use soil mositure blocks to schedule irrigations in fine textured soils.

Ec89-724 Irrigation Scheduling Using Tensiometers In Sandy Soils, William L. Kranz, Thomas Dorn, Dean E. Eisenhauer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Monitoring soil moisture is fundamental to determining how much irrigation water should be applied and when the soil is able to store the amount of water to be applied. Establishing when and how much water should be applied is often referred to as irrigation scheduling.

This extension circular discusses soil moisture terms; what is a tensiometer, its installation and use; and worksheet.

G89-900 Phytophthora Root Rot Of Alfalfa, John E. Watkins, Fred A. Gray, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Disease cycle, symptoms and management practices for phytophthora root rot are discussed in this NebGuide.

Phytophthora root rot (PRR) is a major cause of seedling death in newly established alfalfa, and causes a progressive decline of established stands in Nebraska. This disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. medicaginis and occurs in most of the alfalfa producing areas in North America.

The Phytophthora that infects alfalfa is different from the Phytophthora that causes root rot in soybeans. Growers sometimes think the two diseases are the same for the respective crops, but they are two different diseases with …

Ec88-422 Household Cleaning And Laundry Products: Which One For The Job?, Shirley Niemeyer, Kathleen Parrott, Rose Marie Tondl, Anna Marie White, Carol Thayer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nebraskans invest considerable resources in their homes and furnishings, and in clothing. We want these items to be attractive, functional, and to give us good service. A key to protecting our household investment is to give our homes, furnishings, and clothing appropriate care and maintenance. This circular discusses the various options in home cleaning and laundry products, methods and equipment, chemicals to remove soil and stains, and labor and time saving products to make the job of cleaning our homes easier.

G88-868 Forcing Flowering Branches, Debra Schwarze

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This guide explains the procedure for forcing flowering branches, discusses the use of flowering branches in decorating or display and provides a chart of plant type, color, cutting and forcing times.

Introduction

Branches from flowering trees and shrubs can be forced into bloom easily and inexpensively. Flowering branches can bring the outdoors inside and add color during a long winter. These branches also give the floral designer some unique and inexpensive alternatives.

Trees and shrubs which bloom early in the spring form flower buds the previous fall before dormancy. After at least 8 weeks of cold weather (under 40° F) …

G88-867 Forcing Spring Flowering Bulbs, Debra Schwarze

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This guide discusses the various aspects of forcing spring flowering bulbs, including planting, cold treatment, forcing, care, and forcing in water.

Introduction

Spring flowers can be a bright addition to any home. With just a little effort, many types of spring flowering bulbs can fill your home with flowers throughout the winter. Tulips, narcissus (daffodils), hyacinths, crocus, grape-hyacinths, scillas and other bulbs can be forced into midwinter bloom.

The term forcing can be a bit misleading. There is little force involved, but rather the bulbs receive their cold treatment early and are allowed to bloom out of season. The term …

G88-873 Growing Shrubs From Seed, Richard J. Lodes, Mike Kuhns

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide is about gathering and growing seeds for shrubs.

Growing shrubs from seed is educational and fun. Many shrub species are not available commercially, so gathering seed and growing your own plants may be the only way to get them. Interesting or unusual shrubs from a neighbor's yard or from the wild can be propagated from seed. Shrubs started from seed also may be less expensive than commercially produced seedlings.

Ec88-116 Universal Soil Loss Equation: A Handbook For Nebraska Producers, A. J. Jones, D. Walters, W. G. Hance, Elbert C. Dickey, J.R. Culver

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Tons of soil are lost from agricultural fields in Nebraska each year as a result of water erosion. The accelerated loss of topsoil reduces the availability of plant nutrients and water needed for optimum crop production. In addition, the eroded soil frequently moves into surface waters causing sediment to be deposited in streams and reservoirs and nutrients to be released into other biological systems. The purposes of this workbook are to provide an understandng of how soil erosion estimates are determined, to estimate erosion control resulting from numerous cropping systems, and to inform the producer of alternative practices which may …

G87-831 Identification Of Soil Compaction And Its Limitations To Root Growth, Alice J. Jones, Elbert C. Dickey, Dean E. Eisenhauer, R.A. Wiese

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide will help you identify soil compaction and determine if compaction is limiting yield. Soil compaction is primarily caused by working or driving on wet fields. Compaction can develop at or below the soil surface (Figure 1) and can lead to inefficient fertilizer and water use and reduced yields. Observation of crop growth and soil surface conditions can give clues as to the extent of soil compaction.

G87-828 Growing Perennials, Don Steinegger, Anne Streich

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Planning, soil preparation, and maintenance are necessary in growing a perennial garden of color and interest throughout the growing season.

Herbaceous perennials are non-woody plants that live two or more years under local conditions. The above ground parts of these plants are generally killed to the ground by frost in the fall, but the roots and/or underground parts live through the winter. Growth is renewed and the cycle begins anew in the spring.

While perennials do not require yearly replanting, they still require regular maintenance. For best results, a proper site analysis, soil preparation and routine maintenance are necessary. With …

G86-807 Where Do Weeds Come From?, John Furrer, Robert G. Wilson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses weed seed entry and loss from the soil, and provides examples of the density and diversity of the soil weed seed population. Weed Seed in the Soil Most weeds owe their beginning to seed in the soil. The soil acts as a seed storage reservoir and a growth medium for weedy plants. The kind or species and numbers of seed in the soil is closely linked to the cropping history of the land. Grasslands contain seed associated with grassland plants and cropland contains seed affiliated with weeds growing on cultivated land. Grasslands that have been cultivated and …

G86-810 Garden Compost (Revised February 1993), Don Steinegger, Donald E. Janssen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the advantages of compost, the compost heap, ingredients, uses and instructions for making compost.

Compost is a mixture of partially decomposed plant material and other organic wastes. It is used in the garden to amend soil and fertilize plants.

G86-774 Western Corn Rootworom Soil Insecticide Treatment Decisions Based On Beetle Numbers, J. F. Witkowski, David L. Keith, Zb Mayo

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how counting western corn rootworm beetles throughout the summer can be used to determine the need for insecticide applications the following spring.

Western corn rootworms are one of Nebraska's most serious insect pests of corn. Eggs laid in the soil from late July through September overwinter and begin hatching in late May or early June. Larvae feed on corn roots, causing plants to lodge, and may reduce grain yields. The greatest injury usually occurs from late June to mid-July, when all corn roots may be destroyed if infestations are heavy. Fully grown larvae pupate in the soil …

G85-751 Thatch Prevention And Control (Revised July 1992), Roch E. Gaussoin, Terrance P. Riordan

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how thatch accumulation damages turfgrass sites, and gives methods for removing accumulations and preventing their reoccurrence.

Thatch is a problem on many turfgrass sites. It consists of a tightly intermingled layer of dead and decaying turfgrass tissues derived from stems, roots and leaves.