Education Commons^™

Ec91-136 Managing Deficient Soybean Stands, Gary E. Pepper, David B. Willmot

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Soybean producers whose crops suffer poor stand emergencemay wonder whether or not replanting presents a viable economic alternative. Sometimes growers elect to replant deficient stands, but doing so can add considerable expense to their operations through the costs for seed, tillage operations, and perhaps even herbicides. The grower's economic risk is compounded by the possible loss in potential yield due to late seeding, which eventually leads to a reduction in net profit. Making the decision to either replant or stick with a somewhat deficient field is difficult.

The information in this circular is intended to help growers decide which course …

Ec91-735 The Impact Of Nitrogen And Irrigation Management And Vadose Zone Conditions On Ground Water Contamination By Nitrate-Nitrogen, K.D. Frank, Darrell Watts, Andrew Christiansen, Edwin Penas

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The single largest contaminant found in ground water samples taken throughout Nebraska is nitrate-nitrogen (nitrate-N). Much of it reaches the ground water as a "non-point source" contaminant leached out of the crop root zone.

Nitrate-N is essential to corn production. However, when leached from the crop root zone it can become a major source of ground water contamination. There are serious contamination problems in shallow aquifers beneath several river valleys in Nebraska. Increasing nitrate-N concentrations are beginning to appear in deeper aquifer.

G90-1001 Spray Drift Of Pesticides, Larry D. Schulze, Robert Grisso, Robert Stougaard

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses conditions that cause particle drift, and methods private and commercial applicators may employ to reduce drift potential from pesticide spray applications.

Spray drift of pesticides away from the target is an important and costly problem facing both commercial and private applicators. Drift causes many problems including:

1. damage to susceptible off target sites,

2. a lower rate than intended which can reduce the effectiveness of the pesticide, wasting pesticide and money, and

3. environmental contamination, such as water pollution and illegal pesticide residues.

Drift occurs by two methods; vapor drift and particle drift. This NebGuide focuses mainly …

Ec90-2502 Perspectives On Nitrates, Gary W. Hergert, Richard A. Wiese, Delynn Hay, William A. Lee, Ann Ziebarth, Richard B. Davis, Constance Kies, Carolyn Bednar, Norman Schneider, Alex Hogg, Robert A. Britton, J. David Aiken

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The potential adverse consequences of nitrate on both human and animal health has long been recognized. This extension circular is comprised of six papers that include:

• Nitrogen in our Environment
• Alternatives When Excessive Nitrate is Present in Drinking Water
• Nitrates, Nutrites and Methemoglobinemia
• Nitrates, Nutrities, N-Nitroso Compounds and Nutrition
• Excessive Nitrate/Nitrite Exposure: Nitrate Poisoning and Related Animal Health Effects
• Nitrates and Ground Water Quality Protection Policies

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.

G88-884 Ecofarming: Selecting Corn And Grain Sorghum Hybrids, Planting Dates, And Planting Rates In A Winter Wheat--Row Crop--Fallow Rotation, Robert N. Klein, Gail A. Wicks, P. T. Nordquist

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses selecting corn and sorghum hybrids, factors that affect yield, plant populations, and more. Treating winter wheat stubble with herbicides after harvest, and then planting corn or grain sorghum in the untilled stubble the next spring, is a practice used for over 15 years in many parts of the Central Great Plains. The residue protects the soil from wind and water erosion. This method of farming is one of the most effective soil and water conservation practices adapted in this century.

Ec86-113 A Guide For Planning And Analyzing A Year-Round Forage Program, Steven S. Waller, Lowell E. Moser, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Efficient grazing management programs cannot succeed without proper stocing rates. However, proper stocking rate alone will not insure a successful grazing program. Successful grazing management only occurs when all factors affecting production are manipulated properly: season of use; kind, class, and/or combination of animals; grazing distribution; grazing program; fertilization; pest control; and water management as well as stocking rate. The following suggestions in this circular are a guide to initial planning of new pastures and the modification of existing grazing programs.

G81-550 Ecofarming Operating High Capacity Sprayers (Floaters) For Herbicide Application, Gail A. Wicks, Charles R. Fenster, Norman L. Klocke

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide will help you determine whether you are covered by or exempt from the Worker Protection Standard and provide information on how to comply.

Many flotation sprayers are only used to spray fertilizers and herbicides in the spring. Ecofarming, however, represents a March to November market for them. Successful ecofarming requires precision spraying of herbicides on the winter wheat stubble, and offers tremendous opportunities for professional applicators. Commercial application eliminates some of the field work for the farmer, which is an important element for more efficient farming. The commercial applicator is also able to do a better job since …

G81-562 Guidelines For Using Pipewick And Other Selective Applicators, William E. Lueschen, Alex R. Martin, John D. Furrer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The use of selective applicators is being rapidly adopted by farmers to supplement their weed control programs. A low-cost method of removing tall, escaped weeds from short stature crops, selective application is also environmentally appealing since the herbicide is applied only to the target weeds and thus only small amounts of herbicides are used.

There are three basic types of applicators available: ropewicks, recirculating sprayers (RCS), and carpeted rollers. This NebGuide discusses each applicator and how it can be used on the farm.

G80-500 Ecofarming: Selection Of Tractor Mounted Or Pull-Type Sprayers, Norman L. Klocke, G. A. Wicks, R. Fenster

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Uniform application of dependable herbicides in the ecofarming program is a key to its success. A good sprayer is needed to accomplish this, and not every new sprayer available will do the job. The following sprayer components should be checked carefully: pump, tank, tank agitation, flow-control assembly, strainers and screens, distribution system (including boom), and nozzles. Each of the components is important if the sprayer is to do an accurate and uniform job of application.

G80-518 Factors In Marketing Corn, W. Duane Foote

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses grain standards for corn and how they effect the value of corn.

Grading standards have been established for corn, wheat, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, flax seed, soybeans, triticale, and mixed grain. Grade requirements are designed to describe grain and provide the foundation for pricing. Within a defined range, grain standards inform buyers and sellers about the general characteristics of the grain being graded. Thus, a uniform system of grading is essential for the orderly marketing of grain.

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.

G78-421 How To Choose An Irrigation Consultant, James R. Gilley

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Presented here are some guidelines and criteria to aid in the selection process for irrigation management assistance.

The complexity of agricultural technology makes it difficult for the farmer to apply this technology on a day-by-day basis. Refinement and application of agricultural technology in the field has generally been through industrial representatives and federal and state extension programs.

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.

G74-131 No-Till Corn In Alfalfa Sod, Alex R. Martin, Russell S. Moomaw

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nebraska produces about 1,740,000 acres of alfalfa annually. Corn or grain sorghum usually follows alfalfa in the crop rotation. The moldboard plow or chisel plow are commonly used to break up alfalfa sod for corn planting. The plow is a high consumer of energy, requiring about 2.25 gallons of diesel fuel per acre.

Research conducted in Nebraska has been used to develop a system in which the alfalfa is killed with herbicides and corn is planted directly into the sod without tillage. Plowing is eliminated and energy requirements can be reduced to about 1/4 that used in the conventional plow …

G73-27 Hedging Vs. Cash Contracts, Lynn H. Lutgen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide examines the advantages and disadvantages of hedging versus cash contracts.

There is substantial risk in agricultural production and marketing. Weather, insects, disease, world conditions and other circumstances can affect production and costs.

The actual market price which will exist when the commodity being produced is ready for sale is also unknown. Good management can at least partially compensate for the uncertainty associated with these and other unknowns.

The objective is to discuss two alternatives available to producers for reducing the market gamble or market risk. The alternatives are (1) hedging on the futures market and, (2) selling on …

G73-35 How To Plant Wheat, C. R. Fenster, G. A. Peterson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Winter wheat needs a seedbed that is firm enough to provide good seed-soil contact and is moist enough to provide water for germination and seedling establishment. Winter wheat needs a seedbed that is firm enough to provide good seed-soil contact and is moist enough to provide water for germination and seedling establishment. Other Nebraska Experiment Station information is available on how to properly prepare the seedbed.

G73-46 Hessian Fly On Wheat, John E. Foster, Gary L. Hein

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the life cycle, control and prevention of the Hessian fly. Plant-safe dates and resistant wheat varieties are also examined.

The Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), is not native to the United States, but was probably introduced by Hessian soldiers during the Revolutionary War. This insect was given its common name by Americans because of its damage on Long Island in 1779. The pest has become distributed throughout the United States wheat production areas since then.

The Hessian fly belongs to the family of insects known as gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a group noted for their habit of …

G73-24 Winter Wheat Varieties, Lenis Alton Nelson, R.H. Hammons, P. Stephen Baenziger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides brief descriptions of selected winter wheat varieties released since 1984. The University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources conducts wheat variety trials in all parts of Nebraska. Private companies enter their varieties or hybrids in the test voluntarily. Public entries are chosen by the agronomy staff at the University. The current copy of the annual Extension Circular, Nebraska Fall-Sown Small Grain Variety Tests, includes detailed yield, bushel weight, other performance data, and period of years data. Nebraska Cooperative Extension and the University's Agricultural Research Division jointly publish these circulars which are available from Extension offices …

Rb63-211 Performance Of Alfalfas Under Five Management Systems, W.R. Kehr, E.C. Conard, M.A. Alexander, F.G. Owen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This bulletin reports stands, forage yields, and other agronomic data on alfalfas of diverse origin or type tested under five management systems at Lincoln, Nebraska.

Narrow-crowned and broad-crowned types were tested. The management systems involved non-irrigated alfalfa-bromegrass tests (a) continuously grazed with steers, (b) cut for hay, and (c) rotationally grazed with sheep; an irrigated alfalfa-bromegrass test rotationally grazed with dairy cattle; and irrigated tests of alfalfas in pure stands cut for hay.

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 …

Ec38-118 Soil And Moisture Conservation In Nebraska, D.L. 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 and prairie was black and soggy, the result of centuries of accumulating humus. The valleys bordernig 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 …

Ec35-50 Bindweed Eradication, T.A. Kiesselbach, P.H. Stewart, D.L. Gross

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Field bindweed, also known as small-flowered morning glory, European morning glory, Creeping Charlie, Russian Creeper, and Creeping Jennie, is becoming each year a greater menace to farm lands. The infestation of cultivated fields with this pest lowers the yield of crops an average of 30 percent, increases the labor costs, and reduces land and loan values. It is therefore important that land-owners learn to identify bindweed and guard against its introduction on their farms. Where it has become established, steps should be taken at once for its eradication.

This 1935 extension circular discusses identifying field bindweed, prevalence and spread of …

Ec33-136 Corn In Nebraska, P.H. Stewart, D.L. Gross, T.A. Kiesselbach

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Corn is Nebraska's most important crop. Of the nearly 19 million acres under cultivation in the state, over 10 million acres or more than 50 percent is normally planted to corn. This is three times the acreage of wheat, four times that of oats, and ten times that of barley. The 10-year average acre yield of corn for this state is 25.8 bushels compared with 26.9 bushels for the entire United States. Nebraska, with an average annual crop of approximately 258 million bushels, usually ranks third among all states in the total production of corn, being exceeded by Iowa and …

Ec31-133 The Management Of Nebraska Soils (Revised March 1936), P.H. Stewart, D.L. Gross

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The agricultural lands of this country are its greatest natural resource. History points out that nations with vast areas of good farm land are most likely to prosper and survive over long periods of time. Local communities, too, prosper and flourish in proportion to the productiveness of the surrounding land. Schools, social life, and business develop best in areas where the land is productive and properly managed and conserved.

Nebraska, in common with other states, has suffered by the depletion of soil fertility. The reduction in acres in legumes and grasses, and the deplation of the organic matter in the …