Life Sciences Commons^™

Sp721 Sunflower: An Alternative Crop For Tennessee Producers - Production Guidelines And Tennessee Hybrid Trials, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Tennessee producers are interested in crops that can be grown to diversify and/or complement their current cropping systems that include corn, cotton, soybeans and wheat. There is a growing demand for birdseed, and sunflower is an important component of that feed, either as a sole ingredient or in a blend with other seeds such as millet, corn, sesame, sorghum, wheat and oats. Sunflower oil is used for human consumption and is also a suitable feedstock for biodiesel. An increasing demand for biodiesel will increase the demand for oilseed crops such as sunflower. Thus, there may be increased opportunities for some …

Pb1580 2010 Weed Control Manual For Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

This manual contains the 2010 University of Tennessee weed control recommendations for corn, grain sorghum, cotton, soybeans, burley and dark tobacco, wheat, forage crops, sunflowers and farm ponds. These recommendations are based on results of research and demonstrations conducted by the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Agricultural Extension Service. Decisions regarding recommendations are made by the University of Tennessee Weed Control Committee and are based on available data at various locations in the state.

This publication contains pesticide recommendations that are subject to change at any time. The recommendations in this publication are provided only as a guide. It is …

W229-Interpreting Mehlich 1 And 3 Soil Test Extractant Results For P And K In Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

The Mehlich 1 and 3 soil test extractants are the most widely used in laboratories of the southern United States today. Tennessee began using the Mehlich 1 extractant in December, 1981. Existing soil test calibration data in Tennessee are based on the Mehlich 1 soil test extractant,1,2 which became available in 1953.

W076 Selecting Corn Hybrids For The Field, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Hybrid selection is one of the most important decisions a producer will make. Hybrid traits are introduced through breeding or genetic modification and there are many available options. Certain physical traits fit some field environments better than others or are better suited to specific end uses, such as silage vs. grain. The higher seed cost of specialty traits means growers must balance perceived benefits with the cost of using the newer technology. In addition to yield, producers should consider days to maturity, disease and insect resistance, and sometimes herbicide tolerance when selecting a hybrid to plant.

W077 Planting Corn For Grain In Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Although seed genetics can dictate yield, a poorly planted seed never reaches its yield potential. Favorable weather plays an important role in stand quality, but producers can save money on replant costs by managing factors that can be controlled, such as field selection and planting time, seedbed preparation, seeding rate, planter settings and insect management.

W215 Organic Certification In Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) defines organic agriculture as “a production system that is managed by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity.” Organic production methods minimize the use of purchased off-farm inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, while maximizing the use of on-farm practices that promote naturally occurring ecological relationships.

Pb378 Forage & Field Crop Seeding Guide For Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

No abstract provided.

W164 Replanting Corn - In A Failed Roundup™ Ready Corn Stand, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

In spring 2007, a widespread freeze occurred that led to the replanting of about 200,000 acres of corn in Tennessee. In most years, replant decisions have to be made on a limited number of acres when corn fields have insufficient stands for optimum yields. Producers are then forced to make a number of decisions quickly, because planting delays, particularly into mid-May, can greatly affect yield potential of the replanted crop.

W127 Common Beneficial Arthropods Found In Field Crops, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

There are hundreds of species of insects and spiders that attack arthropod pests found in cotton, corn, soybean and other field crops. A few common and representative examples are presented herein. With few exceptions, these beneficial arthropods are native and common in the southern United States. The cumulative value of insect predators and parasitoids should not be underestimated, and this publication does not address important diseases that also attack insect and mite pests. Without biological control, many pest populations would routinely reach epidemic levels in field crops. Insecticide applications typically reduce populations of beneficial insects, often resulting in secondary pest …

W129 Bt Cotton, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Bt cotton has been genetically modified by the insertion of one or more genes from a common soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. These genes encode for the production of insecticidal proteins, and thus, genetically transformed plants produce one or more toxins as they grow. The genes that have been inserted into cotton produce toxins that are limited in activity almost exclusively to caterpillar pests (Lepidoptera). However, other strains of Bacillus thuringiensis have genes that encode for toxins with insecticidal activity on some beetles (Coleoptera) and flies (Diptera). Some of these genes are being used to control pests in other crops, …

W127-Common Beneficial Arthropods Found In Field Crops, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Insects, Pests, Plant Diseases and Weeds

There are hundreds of species of insects and spiders that attack arthropod pests found in cotton, corn, soybean and other field crops. A few common and representative examples are presented herein. With few exceptions, these beneficial arthropods are native and common in the southern United States. The cumulative value of insect predators and parasitoids should not be underestimated, and this publication does not address important diseases that also attack insect and mite pests. Without biological control, many pest populations would routinely reach epidemic levels in field crops. Insecticide applications typically reduce populations of beneficial insects, often resulting in secondary pest …

Sp645-When Are Micronutrients Needed For Farm Fields, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

This factsheet provides a listing of secondary and micronutrient soil tests available through the University of Tennessee Soil Testing Laboratory in Nashville. It also summarizes all of the university’s secondary and micronutrient recommendations and guidelines based on current research. Some recommendations are based upon soil test values (Table 1) interpreted as either satisfactory (levels adequate for excellent crop production) or unsatisfactory (levels indicating a need for fertilization). For other micronutrients, such as boron or molybdenum, a general recommendation is made for those crops observed to respond consistently to such fertilization. For copper, the soil test is currently only used to …

Pb1096 Liming Acid Soils In Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Soil test results indicate that approximately 50 percent of the cropland in Tennessee is too acid for optimum crop production. Because of this, determining the need for lime should be the first step in developing a sound crop fertilization program. Lime neutralizes excess soil acids and increases pH. If not limed as needed, soils continue to become more acid, reducing the soil’s potential to produce healthy plants and profitable yields.

Sp597 Flooding Harvested Crop Fields In Winter: Effects On Crop Production And Opportunities For Waterfowl Management, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Flooding crop fields in winter to attract waterfowl and other wildlife is a management tool that has been used for several years. Ducks and geese are attracted to waste grain and weed seeds, while shorebirds, wading birds and mammals visit flooded fields in search of fish and/or invertebrates. Landowners are interested in this management practice because flooding fields in winter provides a place to hunt (or lease) and is visually pleasing with a variety of wildlife species using the property. In addition, there is evidence that flooding crop fields is actually cost-effective for the producer by providing increased weed control …

Pb443 Corn Production In Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Corn is the most important grain crop in Tennessee. The total acreage of corn grown for grain and silage has been about 700,000 to 900,000 since 1970, with the silage acreage remaining about 140,000 acres each year since 1970. This is about one-fourth the total acreage of corn grown in Tennessee in 1930, but increased yields have tended to offset reduced acreage.

The average yield 55 years ago was about 20 to 25 bushels per acre, which was no better than the yields recorded 100 years ago. Tennessee farmers increased corn yields from 35 bushels per acre in 1955, to …

Pb1608 Soybean Production In Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

The soybean plant belongs to the Leguminosae family. All plants in this family are known as legumes and many have the ability to supply their own nitrogen needs. The average composition of a soybean seed is 40 percent protein, 21 percent oil, 34 percent carbohydrates and 5 percent ash on a dry matter basis. Soybeans grown in Tennessee average about 20 percent oil and 40 percent protein. Soybeans are an important crop in Tennessee and rank in the top three for cash receipts for row crops each year. Soybean acres harvested for the last five years have ranged from 950,000 …

Pb819 Growing Vegetable Transplants In Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

The production of vegetable plants for commercial and home use is increasing in Tennessee. This is partially due to the expansion of greenhouse flower and ornamental production. To meet the demand for home gardeners, growers have gradually added vegetable plants to their spring production operation. Growers are finding that production of quality plants is a profitable business in urban areas.

Successful vegetable plant production is not a simple practice, because it requires technical knowledge of production practices within an enclosed environment, careful planning and man age ment. Combining the required environmental conditions favorable for vegetable plant growth, either in a …

Pb962 Producing Cantaloupes In Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Cantaloupes are a warm-season crop that requires 70 to 90 days, depending upon the variety, from seeding to marketable fruit. Their consumption has increased by 11 percent since 1958. Almost all of the increase in consumption can be credited to the installation of salad bars in fast-food restaurants. Cantaloupes are very sensitive to cool temperatures. If they are exposed to cool temperatures (50 degrees or less) for short periods of time during the growing period, growth will be severely stunted. Plants will continue to survive, but their growth rate and fruit set rate per plant decreases. About 700 acres of …

Sp435-C No-Till Establishment Of Forage Crops, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Agriculture has changed in many ways during the last 50 years. One of the greatest changes has been the use of no-till planting methods. When no-till planting is mentioned, most people usually think of crops such as corn, soybeans and cotton. The problem of soil erosion with conventional row-crop production has been significantly decreased by using herbicides to kill a cover crop and planting without tillage. Though often overlooked, no-till technology is also well-suited to be used in forage crop establishment.

Pb737 Commercial Tomato Production, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Commercial tomato production requires a high level of management, large labor and capital inputs and close attention to detail. Tomato production is subject to the variations that occur in weather, which may result in severe crop damage and losses. Labor requirements for production, harvesting, grading, packaging and transporting are very intense. Prices can change daily when growers are dealing on the fresh market. Gross returns to top level growers range from $1,500 to $10,000 per acre. If you plan to enter the tomato business, be sure to first study these aspects thoroughly.

Three distinct production areas exist in Tennessee. In …

Pb576 Wheat Production In Tennessee, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Tennessee’s climate is well suited for the production of high-quality, lowprotein, soft red winter wheat. This wheat is in demand by the flour milling industry and well-established local markets are adequate.

Tennessee-produced soft wheat is used primarily for milling general purpose or family flours, pastry flours and cake flours. Very little of Tennessee’s wheat is used for livestock feed, except as byproducts of the milling industry.

Winter wheat is a cool-season crop and can be grown successfully in all counties of the state. Soft red winter wheat varieties recommended and commonly grown in Tennessee have adequate winter hardiness to survive …

Pb897 Commercial Bush Snapbean Production, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

Snapbean production in Tennessee ranges from 6,000 to 9,000 acres and contributes $7 to $9 million annually to the state’s economy. The major production area is located within a 50-mile radius of Crossville, with some early production in the south central portion of the state. Small acreages are grown throughout the state for local sales.

Presently, the acreage is about 45 percent processing and 55 percent fresh market. Fresh market packing operations have increased about five-fold in the last few years.

The varying elevations and temperatures enable producers to plant early at lower elevations and make summer plantings at higher …

Pb1544 Comparing The Cost Of Broadcasting Versus Injecting Nitrogen In No-Tillage Corn, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Field & Commercial Crops

No-tillage has become a popular production option with many Tennessee farmers in the past 20 years. In 1993, no-tillage production systems were used on 290,000 acres of corn in Tennessee, or 44 percent of the total corn acreage planted in the state (TDA). Many farmers see no-tillage as a way to reduce the cost of growing corn. Others have chosen no-tillage as a way to comply with governmental regulations covering the farming of highly-erodible soils.

Input levels and prices are important to consider in any production system. A major expense in corn production is nitrogen (N) fertilizer. No-tillage budgets published …