Education Commons^™

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.

G84-721 Growing Annual Flowers, Don Steinegger, Susan D. Schoneweis, Steven Rodie, Anne Streich

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses using annuals in landscape design, how to select transplants and proper seeding, planting and cultivating methods.

Annual flowers can be a prime source of color to accent and enliven a home's landscape. While flowering trees and shrubs provide short bursts of color, most annuals begin blooming within a month of planting and flower until frost. The wide range of colors, sizes and species adapted to either sun or shade makes it possible to plant annual flowers almost anywhere. Annuals are perfect for beds, borders, rock gardens, window boxes, hanging baskets or as temporary ground covers and fillers. …

G84-697 Ground Covers: Their Establishment And Maintenance (Revised June 1992), Don Steinegger, Luann Finke

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how to plant and maintain ground covers to take advantage of their low-maintenance features.

Ground covers are low-growing plants, usually less than 12 inches tall, that spread to form dense mats which bind and hold the soil in place. Many also have a season of effective bloom. Turfgrass is the most common ground cover. However, sites that are less suitable for turfgrass, such as slopes, steep banks, and shaded areas, can often grow other ground covers successfully.

A well-established ground cover generally requires less maintenance than the typical turfgrass lawn. Ground covers are not totally maintenance-free, nor …

G83-652 Seeding And Renovating Alfalfa, Bruce Anderson, James T. Nichols

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses alfalfa production, including site selection and preparation, fertilization, variety selection, seeding, companion crops, stand management, weed control and stand renovation.

Alfalfa can produce more protein per acre than any other crop in Nebraska. Up to 100 percent of the protein needs of most livestock can be supplied by alfalfa in addition to large amounts of vitamins, minerals, and energy.

G83-659 Irrigating Onions, C. Dean Yonts, David Nuland, Paul Fischbach

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide outlines the onion's water requirements as it develops through the season and how to best meet them to assure marketable grade and optimum yield.

Growing an irrigationd crop of onions is a very involved process. This is because the onion is a shallow rooted biennial that depends on daylength and temperature for the development of the marketable product—the bulb.

G82-601 Using Phosphorus Fertilizers Effectively, E.J. Penas, D.H. Sander

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

For most effective use of phosphorus, the fertilizer needs to be placed to ensure quick contact by growing roots and minimal contact with the soil.

Phosphorus (P) fertilizers are second only to nitrogen fertilizers in importance for growing crops in Nebraska. However, the principles affecting efficient phosphorus use are totally different. Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient both inside the plant and in the soil, while phosphorus moves very little in the soil. In addition, total plant phosphorus requirements are much lower than those of nitrogen. Plant leaves commonly contain ten times more nitrogen than phosphorus. However, phosphorus is concentrated in …

Ec81-1240 Vegetable Gardening In Nebraska, Dale T. Lindgren, Laurie Hodges, Don Steinegger, Ralph E. Neild

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nebraskans are increasing their consumption of fresh vegetables — as appetizers, salads, side dishes, and snacks. Fresh vegetables are an integral part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. Although Nebraska's climate and soil are well-suited for many vegetables, most are supplied from out of the state, even during summer. Growing fresh vegetables can provide higher nutrition and flavor at less expense than buying fresh produce at the grocery store. A garden also can be a source of personal enjoyment and satisfaction.

This extension circular helps the gardener decide when, where, and how to plant and maintain a vegetable garden.

G81-552 Effects Of Weather On Corn Planting And Seedling Establishment, Ralph E. Neild

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Corn planting usually begins when the average daily temperature first rises 55°F and the soil becomes sufficiently warm enough to initiate germination and sustain seedling growth. This may be as early as the middle of March in central Texas 700 miles south of Nebraska or as late as the middle of May in central South Dakota. Corn may be planted as early as the first week of April in southeast Nebraska and continue into the first week of June. Most of the corn, however, is planted between May 4 and May 21.

Corn planted early when the temperature is cool …

G80-526 The Effect Of Weather On Corn: Preseason Precipitation And Yield Of Unirrigationed Corn, Ralph E. Neild

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide examines the results of studies done on the effects of weather on unirrigationd corn.

Studies of the effects of weather on unirrigationd corn in Nebraska between 1950 and 1974 show the following four factors to be closely related to yield:

Technology--the availability of better hybrids, nitrogen fertilizer, herbicides, insecticides and other improvements have resulted in a yield increase averaging 1.3 bushel per acre per year since 1950.

Preseason precipitation--that which occurred between September 1 and May 15 had a beneficial effect. Yield increased on the average of 1.1 bushel per acre for each inch that preseason precipitation was …

G80-513 Protect Soil With Vegetative Residues, C,R, Fenster

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Keeping a protective cover of vegetative residues on the soil surface is the simplest and surest way to control both water and wind erosion.

Crop residues are vital to conservation of soil and water. Keeping a protective cover of vegetative residues on the soil surface is the simplest and surest way to control both water and wind erosion. Vegetative residues on the soil surface improve infiltration of water into the soil, reduce evaporation, and aid in maintaining organic matter. Residues left upright all winter trap snow which increases soil water.

G80-496 Tomatoes In The Home Garden, Laurie Hodges, Dale T. Lindgren, Susan Schoneweis

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide outlines tomato rearing practices, cultivars and possible pest, disease and weed control problems.

Tomatoes come in a wide range of fruit colors, sizes, shapes and maturities. Ripe tomatoes may be red, yellow, orange, pink or even green. Shapes vary from globe or round to slightly flattened, pear-like or cherry-sized. Often consumers complain tomatoes purchased in grocery stores are lacking in flavor or have tough skin. In a home garden, you can grow the tomatoes you prefer, including a wide selection of fruit colors, flavors, textures and sizes. Although rumored, there is no direct link between fruit acidity and …

G79-474 Understanding Wind Erosion And Its Control, William A. Hayes, C.R. Fenster

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Wind erosion is a serious hazard on millions of acres of land in the United States, most of which are in the Great Plains.

There are a number of things an individual can do control wind erosion but basically they all point to accomplishing one or more of the following objectives:

1. Reduce the wind velocity at the soil surface. This is done with windbreaks, crop residues, cover crops, surface roughness, and wind stripcropping.

2. Trap soil particles. This is accomplished by ridging or roughening the soil surface to trap moving soil particles.

3. Increase size of soil aggregates. This …

G79-481 Setting A Realistic Corn Yield Goal (Revised January 2004), Achim Dobermann, Charles A. Shapiro

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Corn growers need to set a realistic corn yield goal in order to make sound decisions on corn hybrid, seeding rate, fertilizer application, and irrigation need. The goal should be the most profitable yield that can be expected for the particular set of soil, climate, and management practices. Yield goals should gradually increase over time, but cannot exceed the theoretical yield potential. This NebGuide discusses how to set a realistic corn yield goal by acknowledging climatic yield limitations of corn in Nebraska and the yield history in a field.

G78-426 Popcorn Production, Nora D'Croz-Mason, Richard P. Waldren

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide addresses seed selection, soil requirements, production management, pest control, marketing and sale of popcorn.

Commercial popcorn production in the United States has always been concentrated in the Corn Belt. Iowa was the largest popcorn producer until the mid 1940s. As hybrids replaced open-pollinated varieties, popcorn production shifted to Illinois then to Indiana. During the mid 1970s popcorn production moved west, and in 1977 Nebraska became the nation's largest producer. During the 1980s popcorn acreage has fluctuated among states, but Nebraska often has had the nation's highest yield because 85 percent of its crop is irrigated.

G73-8 Fertilizing Sugar Beets (Revised June 1978), L.A. Daigger, F.N. Anderson, D. Knudsen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Management practices which provide an adequate, but not excessive, supply of plant nutrients are essential for high yields of high quality sugarbeets in western Nebraska. This publication discusses the amounts of nitrogen, rainfall or irrigation, and applied fertilizer that are needed to produce sugar beets.

G78-398 Irrigated Small Grain Production, Philip Grabouski, Walter Trimmer, Louis Daigger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Excellent management practices for irrigated small grains are necessary to obtain high yields. What varieties should I use? How should the seedbed be prepared? What row spacing is best? What plant nutrients are needed? How much fertilizer should I use? When should I apply the fertilizer? What is the water intake rate of my soil? How much will it hold? When is the best time to irrigate? These are some of the questions in the mind of the irrigated small grain producer and are answered in this NebGuide.

G77-328 Irrigation Water Quality Criteria, Gary W. Hergert, Delno Knudsen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide is intended to provide guidelines to help understand and interpret chemical water quality test results.

All well and stream waters contain dissolved minerals. The amounts and kinds of minerals vary from one location to another and may vary with time. When irrigation water is applied, the mineral salts are left in the soil after the crop has used the water. Most of these mineral salts are beneficial to crop growth and soil condition, but in some cases they may be harmful. Irrigation water quality problems may be caused by (1) total mineral salts accumulating so that crops no …

G77-337 Propagating House Plants, Dale T. Lindgren, Don Steinegger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Propagating house plants in the home is an inexpensive and enjoyable hobby. The home is not always the ideal place, but most house plants can be propagated there satisfactorily with a minimum of special equipment.

Methods of Propagation

House plants may be propagated asexually, in which all new plants will be identical, in most cases, to the parent plant, or sexually, where the new plants will not necessarily be identical to the parent plants. Plants are propagated sexually by seeds. Cuttings, air-layering, division and runners are asexual methods of propagation.

G75-282 Emergency Wind Erosion Control (Revised March 1992), John A. Smith, Drew J. Lyon, Elbert C. Dickey, Philip Rickey

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide covers temporary techniques for emergency wind erosion control, when time and prior planning don't allow soil or seedlings adequate protection using more desirable methods. Soil erosion by wind is a serious threat to growing crops, our land resource, and the air we breathe. The best solution to soil erosion is long-term planning. Recommended practices include residue or crop cover, strip cropping, and windbreaks. These practices are known to substantially reduce wind erosion in even the most extreme conditions. However, conditions sometimes occur when serious soil erosion is imminent or has just begun, and corrective action is required to …

G74-108 Wilts Of Cucurbits (Revised October 1994), James R. Steadman, David L. Keith, Laurie Hodges

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Discussion covers the symptoms, disease cycles, and control measures for bacterial and Fusarium wilts of cucurbits, including cucumbers, cantaloupe, watermelons, squash, and pumpkins. Wilt caused by squash vine borer also is covered.

G73-58 Programmed Soil Moisture Depletion: Top Yields With Least Water (Revised), Paul E. Fischbach, Burt R. Sommerhalder

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The development of automated irrigation has introduced a revised concept to irrigation water management that will mean savings of water and energy. By not completely refilling the root zone each irrigation, soil moisture storage capacity is left within the root zone to take advantage of any rainfall that occurs after an irrigation. Conservation of water is important because supplies are being depleted in many areas.

G73-2 Fertilizer Management For Alfalfa (Revised August 1977), Delno Knudsen, George Rehm

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Adequate soil fertility is necessary for alfalfa production on both dryland and irrigated soils of Nebraska. With adequate, but not excessive fertilizer programs, irrigated alfalfa should produce 6 to 8 tons per acre. Dryland alfalfa on the same soils should, on the average, produce 2 to 3 tons per acre.

This NebGuide covers the following areas for fertilizer management for alfalfa: soil and water tests, lime, fertilizer for establishment, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, micronutrients, nitrogen recommendations and special problems.

G73-66 Mound Design For Feedlots, Paul Q. Guyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Shaping each feedlot pen to minimize mud problems is an important part of feedlot design.

Mud is our most costly weather hazard. Shaping each feedlot pen to minimize mud problems is an important part of feedlot design. While mud cannot be eliminated, proper shaping can reduce the number of days when it is a profit robber. And, proper shaping will also reduce the number of fly breeding areas within the pen, adding to summer comfort and gains. The cost is minimal at most locations if shaping is done before installing fencing, bunks, waterers and aprons.

Ec38-118 Soil And Moisture Conservation In Nebraska, D.L. J. Gross, E.H. Doll

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

When the white men first explored Nebraska, they found little erosion taking place. They found the hills, particularly in eastern Nebraska, covered with a dense growth of grass, underlain with a thick mat of decaying debris. The valleys were even more densely covered with the water-loving grasses and sedges. The soil underneath the prairie was black and spongy, the result of centuries of accumulating humus. The valleys bordering the streams were boggy and abounded with springs. Clear water flowed constantly in the streams. The upland draws in the more favorable parts of the state were heavily covered with the big …