Education Commons^™

G84-692 Aeration Of Stored Grain (Revised April 1993), David P. Shelton, Thomas L. Thompson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the role of aeration as part of a comprehensive management program for maintaining the quality of stored grain.

Grain is stored for a variety of reasons including expectations of higher prices and for use as animal feed. Regardless of the reason, a comprehensive management program is required to maintain grain quality. This includes: 1) making sure that the grain going into storage is dry, clean and in good condition; 2) regularly inspecting the grain to locate temperature, moisture, or insect problems; and 3) aerating the grain to maintain uniform temperature and moisture conditions, prevent localized hot spot …

G83-681 Velvetleaf, Fred Roeth, Russell Moomaw, Alex Martin, Orvin Burnside

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides guidelines on how to control velvetleaf by prevention, cultural and mechanical methods, and by use of recommended herbicides.

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic.), a member of the Mallow family, is related to cotton, hollyhocks, and numerous weeds. Other common names include buttonweed, Indian mallow, butterprint, piemarker, velvetweed, and cottonweed. The preferred name, velvetleaf, amply describes its velvety-textured, hairy-surfaced leaves.

A native of China and presumably introduced into the U.S. from India as a fiber crop, this annual weed is adapted to cropland throughout most of the United States. Over the past 10 years, velvetleaf has increased dramatically …

G82-602 Predicting The Last Irrigation For Corn, Grain Sorghum And Soybeans (Revised August 1991), Norman L. Klocke, Dean E. Eisenhauer, Terry L. Bockstadter

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide presents criteria and "rules of thumb" for predicting the last irrigation for corn, grain sorghum and soybeans.

Determining when to apply the last irrigation of the season is an important water management decision. One extra irrigation may mean wasting an additional one to three inches of water and two to five gallons of diesel fuel per acre. On the other hand, applying that one extra irrigation could mean several bushels per acre in crop yield.

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 …

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 …

G81-551 Ecofarming: Spring Row Crop Planting And Weed Control In Winter Wheat Stubble, Gail A. Wicks, Norman L. Klocke

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Weed control, stubble management and planters for planting in winter wheat stubble are covered here.

Planting corn, sorghum or soybeans into untilled, weed-free winter wheat stubble that is 10 months old is an accepted practice in the Central Great Plains States. In Nebraska, this system is known as ecofallow. Treating the stubble with herbicides following wheat harvest (ecofallow) offers several advantages:

Weed and volunteer wheat growth can be eliminated. Weed growth robs valuable moisture that could be used by the next year's crop.

Standing stubble provides an excellent snow trap during the winter. Snow melt can provide moisture for the …

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 …

G80-509 Canada Thistle, Robert G. Wilson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The growth and control of Canada thistle is covered here.

Canada thistle plant

Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L) Scop.] is a native of Eurasia and was probably introduced to America around 1750. Since that time it has spread throughout the northern part of the United States. Canada thistle is estimated to infest 800,000 acres in northern and western Nebraska.

A perennial that reproduces from seed and by an extensive root system, Canada thistle is dioecious, with the male and female flowers on separate plants. For viable seed to be produced, both male and female plants need to be present.

G80-521 Common Stalk Borer In Corn (Revised April 2000), Robert J. Wright, Thomas E. Hunt, Keith J. Jarvi

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The life history and appearance of common stalk borers is described, along with information on damage they can cause, economic injury levels and ways to control them in corn.

In the past, the common stalk borer, Papaipema nebris, has not been a major pest of corn in Nebraska. Stalk borer damage in corn commonly is confined to occasional plants in the first few rows near field margins, fence rows, grass terraces and waterways. In addition to attacking corn, this insect attacks over one hundred other species of plants, including ornamentals, broadleaf weeds and grasses. It may feed on soybeans …

G79-430 Oat Production In Nebraska (Revised March 1992), Russell Moomaw, Charles A. Shapiro

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Information is provided for various oat production practices including seed selection, fertilizing, planting, weed control and harvest. Oats were among the first crops grown by pioneers who settled eastern Nebraska. As recently as 1950, Nebraska produced 2.7 million acres of oats. Acreage has declined steadily, however, and in 1990 there were just 300,000 acres. Oats are grown throughout the state, with the majority being in eastern Nebraska where the cool, moist climate provides for the best growth. The feed value of oats also favors its production in northeast Nebraska where swine, dairy cattle, and beef cattle production are heavy. An …

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.

G79-471 Choosing Corn Hybrids, Lenis Alton Nelson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication explains what factors to consider and compare when selecting a corn hybrid and how to obtain recent hybrid test data. One of the most important decisions a corn producer makes is choosing the hybrid seed. Hundreds of hybrid names and numbers are advertised and offered for sale. Selecting the few that offer the greatest yield and profit potential requires time, effort, and study. This should be a continuous process for a corn grower because important information on new or established hybrids may be encountered at any time.

G78-395 Feeding Corn And Sorghum Silages To Beef Cattle, Paul Q. Guyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Corn and sorghum silages are versatile feeds that can be supplemented so that they are satisfactory for part of most growing and finishing rations. Harvesting corn as silage and planting forage sorghums for silage have the advantage that they maximize beef production per acre compared to harvesting these crops by other methods and other cropping programs. Another important advantage is that harvesting, storage and feeding can be completely mechanized.

However, as the costs of machinery, fuel, and labor have increased, the cost of harvesting silage has increased more rapidly than harvesting as grain.

G77-386 Wheat In Poultry Rations, T.W. Sullivan, E.W. Gleaves

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication examines the advantages and disadvantages of wheat as a component of poultry feed.

Wheat is usually considered a source of human food rather than an ingredient for poultry and livestock feeds. This is especially true in the United States, where corn, milo and other feed grains are abundantly produced. In recent years one of every two bushels of wheat produced in the United States has been exported. If world production and supplies of wheat are high, a surplus develops and wheat prices are lowered. When this situation occurs wheat becomes an attractive alternative to corn or milo in …

G77-382 Right Crop Stage For Herbicide Use Corn, Sorghum, Small Grains (Revised May 1992), Drew J. Lyon, Robert G. Wilson Jr., Alex Martin

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Herbicides recommended for postemergence application in corn, sorghum, and small grains are discussed in this NebGuide. Proper timing of postemergence herbicides is essential to achieve maximum weed control and minimum crop injury. As field crops grow and mature, their tolerance to herbicides changes. As a general rule, annual and biennial weeds are more susceptible to postemergence herbicides when they are in the seedling stage. As they mature they become increasingly difficult to control, facing the grower with the problem of when to apply the herbicide to achieve the least crop injury and the most satisfactory weed control. Field crops differ …

G77-360 Balancing Corn Silage Dairy Rations, Foster G. Owen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The grain required to balance a ration high in corn silage is much different from the grain needed when feeding high amounts of alfalfa hay. The most common problem is failure to properly balance for protein and calcium. This NebGuide discusses the points to take into account in balancing rations high in corn silage.

G77-361 Using Starter Fertilizers For Corn, Grain Sorghum, And Soybeans, Edwin J. Penas, Gary W. Hergert

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Starter fertilizer may increase early growth of corn and grain sorghum. Grain yield increases from starter nutrients are most likely on low phosphorus soils and some sandy soils.

Proper use of a starter fertilizer is an important management tool for crop producers striving for top yields. While the use of a starter fertilizer can be important for crop production on many soils, it is more important for corn production on irrigated sandy soils than on fine textured soils.

G76-294 Band Application Of Herbicides (Revised March 1986), Russell S. Moomaw, Alex Martin

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Many row crop producers prefer to use hebicide band applications because of reduced costs. Savings can be substantial with the more expensive materials. Properly applied, band applications of herbicides can satisfactorily protect the crop from weed growth. Herbicide row banding can be done either at crop planting time or postemergence after the crop and weeds have emerged.

G76-301 How To Tell Corn, Sorghum Maturity, J.D. Eastin, J.T. Hultquist, C.Y. Sullivan

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Researchers have discovered a way to tell when corn and grain sorghum have stopped filling — when they are physiologically mature. A layer of cells near the point where the kernel is attached to the plant turns dark brown as the kernel nears maturity and, finally, black when the kernel is mature.

This NebGuide discusses how to read maturity in the layers of corn and sorghum.

G74-174 Fertilizer Suggestions For Corn (Revised November 2003), Charles A. Shapiro, Richard B. Ferguson, Achim R. Dobermann, Charles S. Wortmann

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Fertilizer nutrient requirements for corn are based on expected yield and nutrient levels in the soil. Crop production in Nebraska typically requires applying nitrogen to supplement that available in the soil. Phosphorus is the second most likely nutrient to be deficient in the soil for good corn yields.

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 …

G74-99 Estimating Corn And Sorghum Silage Value, Paul Q. Guyer, Douglas D. Duey

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Arriving at fair and equitable prices for silage requires judgment and attention to detail.

Arriving at fair and equitable prices for silage requires judgment and attention to detail. The amount of grain and moisture contained have major influences on its feed value, and can be used to increase the accuracy of silage pricing.

Grain usually comprises 50 to 55 percent of the dry matter and produces 65 to 70 percent of the protein and energy value in corn varieties selected for grain production. On the other hand, silage varieties are more variable, with some having considerably lower grain yields and …

G74-113 A Quick Test For Atrazine Carryover (Revised March 1989), Alex Martin, R.N. Stougaard, Patrick J. Shea

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

How can you tell if you have atrazine carryover in your fields? Plants grown in soil samples can tell.

Residues of atrazine may remain in the soil and affect some susceptible crops the next year. Crops most often affected include soybeans, field beans, sugarbeets, alfalfa, oats, wheat and many broadleaf horticultural crops.

Attempts to predict the extent of carryover and damage to sensitive crops the year following atrazine use have been only partially successful. The rate of atrazine disappearance and, therefore, the amount remaining the next year, is affected by soil texture, pH and organic matter content, as well as …

G74-174 Fertilizer Suggestions For Corn (Revised July 1995), Gary W. Hergert, Charles A. Shapiro, Richard B. Ferguson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Fertilizer nutrient requirements for corn are based on expected yield and nutrient levels in the soil. Nitrogen is the nutrient most often required for growing corn. Nearly all corn in Nebraska will need some nitrogen fertilizer unless there is substantial nitrogen in the soil from sources. Phorphorus is the second nutrient most likely to be needed, and needs are best determined with a reliable soil test. Potassium, sulfur, zinc, and iron fertilizer may be needed for growing corn on certain soils. Crop needs for calcium, magnesium, boron, chlorine, copper, manganese, and molybdenum are adequately supplied by Nebraska soils.

G74-149 Bloat Prevention And Treatment, Rick Stock, Richard J. Rasby, Duane Rice

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the types of bloat which may occur in cattle and methods to prevent and treat bloat.

Bloat is a form of indigestion marked by an excessive accumulation of gas in the rumen. Immediately after cattle consume a meal, the digestive process creates gases in the rumen. Most of the gases are eliminated by eructation (belching). Gases that are trapped and not eructated may form a foam or froth in the rumen which further prevents their elimination. Froth formation can be caused by many factors resulting from interactions between the animal, rumen microorganisms, and differences in plant biochemistry.

G74-100 Feeding High Moisture Corn, Terry L. Mader, Paul Q. Guyer, Rick Stock

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

In recent years the use of high moisture grain has become more popular due to the increased costs of handling and dry feed grains. For cattle feeders in particular, storing grains as high moisture is one practice that can improve their competitive position and reduce costs. Using high moisture grains allows greater opportunity to design a system that will minimize harvest, storage and feed processing costs.

Grains such as sorghum and wheat have been stored as high moisture, but corn is the principal high moisture grain stored. High moisture corn can be processed and stored as whole shelled corn, ground …

G74-125 Oats In Swine Diets (Revised December 1981), Ernest R. Peo, Donald B. Hudman, Mike Brumm

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Oats are not considered a standard feed grain in swine diets in Nebraska because of the small acreage planted. However, oats can be used by all ages of swine with some limitations. The feeding value of oats is 80 percent that of corn. With proper formulation, limiting the amount of oats in diets will cause no reduction in swine performance. The nutritive content of a feed grain is the primary factor in determining its use. This NebGuide discusses the processing of oats for swine diets, gestation diets, lactating diets, starter diets, and growing-finishing diet.

G74-123 Weed Control In Reduced Tillage Corn (Revised May 1982), Russell Moomaw, Alex Martin, David P. Shelton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Weeds compete with corn plants for water, nutrients and light. Historically, the soil has been extensively tilled to prepare a seedbed and to lessen or remove weed competition. This tillage centered around moldboard plowing.

Results of a recent survey indicate that most Nebraska farmers now use some form of reduced tillage, with the moldboard plow being used on only 11 percent of Nebraska's corn acreage. Reduced tillage is used in many forms.

This NebGuide discusses how to control weeds using the different types of tillage systems.

G73-15 Handling Feed Moisture In Ration Formulation And Inventory Control (Revised December 1983), Paul Q. Guyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nutritional quality control begins with knowing and adjusting for variation in the moisture content of feed ingredients. Moisture variations in feeds are almost always of more importance than variations in protein, mineral, and energy. Inventory control is affected by moisture content of feeds. Some feeds on hand are constantly changing in moisture content, and these changes frequently lead to financial losses when a price adjustment is not made for moisture losses.

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.