Education Commons^™

Ec98-148 Grassland Management With Prescribed Fire, John Ortmann, Daniel D. Beran, Robert A. Masters, James L. Stubbendieck

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This circular provides an overview of the use of fire in grassland management. It describes the history and importance of fire in the grassland ecosystem, how plants respond to fire, and the uses and potential benefits of prescribed fire. It also summarizes fire planning, and legal and safety considerations. And finally, it provides guidance on some special uses of fire.

Nf98-362 Chemical Weed Control In Tree Planting Projects: Part I - Pre-Emergence Herbicides, John Duplissis

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact examines weed control in tree planting projects.

G96-1346 Plants For Shade Landscapes, Don Steinegger, Donald E. Janssen, Roch E. Gaussoin, Steven Rodie, Anne Streich

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide includes a plant list for shade landscapes.

While some may think of shade as a deterrent to gardening, it can be an asset if the special needs of shade-loving plants are considered. There are also ways to reduce the amount of shade, allowing more sunlight and air circulation into the landscape. To solve shade garden problems, shade's positive and negative aspects need to be considered.

G97-1331 Backyard Wildlife To Feed A Hummingbird, Ron J. Johnson, Donald H. Steinegger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The sixth in the backyard wildlife series, this NebGuide describes plants and nectar feeding for attracting hummingbirds to your backyard in Nebraska. Four species of hummingbirds are found in Nebraska, one in the east and three in the west. Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate through eastern Nebraska in spring and fall, and some nest here, mostly along the Missouri river valley. Typically, ruby-throat migration in Nebraska peaks about May 5-17 and September 2-18, but northward migration may occur from April to June and southward flights from August to early October. Broad-tailed and rufous hummingbirds are seen in the Nebraska panhandle during fall …

Nf97-328 A Guide To Grasshopper Control In Cropland (Revised May 2004), Gary L. Hein, John B. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Grasshoppers have been a major concern to farmers and ranchers since Nebraska was first settled. The potential for devastation, while still serious, is not as great as it was 100 years ago because many of the prime grasshopper breeding areas along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains are now under tillage. Statewide, grasshopper populations fluctuate in cycles with large numbers occurring for two to four years, followed by moderate numbers for several years.

This NebFact discusses grasshopper damage to cropland, how to determine when control is required and methods of control.

Nf95-213 1995 Home Garden And Landscape Fungicide Survey, John E. Watkins, John C. Fech

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact has information on the various fungicides available and what types of plants they are registered for.

Ec94-132 Freeze Injury To Nebraska Wheat, Robert N. Klein, Drew J. Lyon, John E. Watkins

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nebraska’s adverse weather conditions affect winter wheat during much of its growth. The newer varieties of wheat have increased winter hardiness, and better management practices have reduced winter injury of winter wheat, yet low temperature injury during winter and spring can be destructive. Wheat has little resistance to low temperatures after it begins growing in the spring; therefore, injury from freezes at this time can occur in any part of the state. This publication describes temperature conditions that cause winter injury, symptoms of injury at different spring growth stages, and management practices to use when wheat is injured.

G94-1196 Vegetables And Herbs As Ornamentals (Revised November 1996), Susan D. Schoneweis

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the use of vegetables as ornamental plants.

Many vegetables have ornamental, as well as food value. In fact, when tomatoes were first introduced to Europe, they were believed to be poisonous and were used only as ornamentals. Using vegetables as ornamentals is not just for those without space for a traditional vegetable garden. Incorporating vegetables into the landscape and using them as decorative container plants for porches and patios can make vegetable gardening more fun.

Ec94-138 Pigweed Identification: A Pictorial Guide To The Common Pigweeds Of The Great Plains, M.J. Horak, D.E. Peterson, D.J. Chessman, L.M. Wax

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Several pigweed species are found in the Great Plains. Pigweeds commonly reduce crop yields and interfere with harvest. One means of controlling these weeds is through the use of herbicides. Recent research indicates that some pigweed species respond differently to various herbicides; therefore, proper identification is needed for good control.

This extension contains a generalized distribution map; photographs of seeds, seedling, and mature plants; and text describing other identifying features for each pigweed species. The species are grouped with others that have similar shape and form. The pigweed species listed in this publication are: redroot pigweed, smooth pigweed, Powell amaranth, …

G93-1183 Butterfly Gardening, Dale T. Lindgren, Stephen M. Spomer, Amy Greving

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide outlines planting schemes and arrangements that will help attract butterflies to a garden area.

Butterflies can be found in almost any part of Nebraska, from the Pine Ridge's coniferous forests and across the grasslands of the Sandhills to the deciduous forests along the Missouri River. Watching butterflies, much like bird watching or observing wildflowers has become a popular and enjoyable pastime. Since many natural butterfly habitats have been lost to urbanization and other development, some environmental organizations have incorporated butterfly conservation into their programs. Many people are taking a personal interest in attracting these fascinating insects to their …

Mp92-63 Adult Corn Rootworm Management, Lance J. Meinke

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The western corn rootworm (WCR), and the northern corn rootworm (NCR) are among the most economically important insect pests of field corn in the Unitd States. Crop losses and control expenses attributed to corn rootworms annually cost producers millions of dollars. Corn rootworm larvae can cause substantial injury to corn plants by feeding on corn roots.

This Extension circular covers these two corn rootworms, their population dynamics, management considerations, and research/emerging technologies.

G92-1076 Canola Production, Lenis Alton Nelson, Alan Grombacher

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Canola, which produces a vegetable oil low in saturated fat, has potential for becoming an alternative crop for Nebraska agriculture. Canola produces an oil that has the lowest saturated fat content of any vegetable oil. Today, there is an increasing demand for this oil by diet-conscious consumers. In 1985, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized rapeseed and canola as two different species, based on their content and uses. Rapeseed oil is used in industry, while canola oil is used for human consumption. High erucic acid rapeseed (HEAR) oil contains 22-60 percent erucic acid, while low erucic acid rapeseed …

G92-1119 Rust Diseases Of Turfgrass, John E. Watkins, Roch E. Gaussoin

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the various rust diseases common to Nebraska and offers suggestions for maintaining a vigorous and disease-resistant lawn.

Rust diseases occur on all turfgrasses; however, most rust problems occur on Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and zoysia. In the cool-temperate regions of North America, cool season turfgrasses may suffer severe injury late in summer by attack from one of the rust pathogens. In addition, rust-weakened plants are much more susceptible to injury from environmental stresses and to attack by other turfgrass pathogens.

G92-1096 Understand Your Soil Test: Ph-Excess Lime-Lime Needs, K.D. Frank, Delno Knudsen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The relationships among pH, soil type, and lime requirements are explained.

Accurate soil tests can be an excellent management tool. Misuse of soil tests leads to increased production costs, yield losses, or both. The elements required by plants for proper growth have been determined by experimentation. Experience has shown that soils across Nebraska differ greatly in their capacity to supply these elements. The amount of each element supplied by a soil depends on several factors. Two important ones are: (1) the type of material from which the soil was formed, and (2) the treatment the soil has received since being …

G92-1069 The Poinsettia, Jay Fitzgerald, Don Steinegger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Growing poinsettias so that they rebloom is easier if you understand and follow some basic horticultureicultural and pest management procedures.

Poinsettias are the most popular decorative plants for the Christmas and New Year holiday seasons. The newer cultivars often remain colorful until spring and do not have to be discarded when they finish blooming. Following a few basic principles can bring the plants back into full bloom.

The poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima is a native to the area around Taxco, Mexico, and was introduced to the United States by Joel R. Poinsett, the first United States ambassador to Mexico. Poinsettia or …

Nf92-80 General And Specialty Mail-Order Seed Sources, Susan Schoneweis

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact is a list of seed companies which carry vegetable seeds or plants.

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 …

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.

G87-836 Coldframes And Hotbeds, Dale T. Lindgren

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Coldframes and hotbeds can help the home gardener in many ways. This NebGuide explains uses, construction, and management.

Hotbeds and coldframes are mini-greenhouses in that both use solar energy and sunlight. Coldframes and hotbeds can help the home gardener start, grow and maintain plant material and the commercial grower propagate and display plant material.

The main difference between hotbeds and coldframes is that hotbeds have a supplemental heat source. This supplemental heat source may be organic, such as manure, or non-organic, such as an electric heating cable. Construction can be simple and inexpensive or quite sophisticated. Hotbed/coldframe size can vary.

Ec86-1548 Common Insect Pests Of Trees In The Great Plains, Mary Ellen Dix, Judith E. Pasek, Mark O. Harrell, Frederick P. Baxendale

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication was developed by entomologists on the Pest Management Task Force of the Great Plains Agricultural Council Forestry Committee to provide the public and professionals with information needed to identify and manage common insect pests of trees in the Great Plains. It is designed for those with no formal training in entomology and is not intended to summarize everything known about a particular insect.

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.

G85-762 Soybean Yield Loss Due To Hail Damage, Charles A. Shapiro, T.A. Peterson, A.D. Flowerday

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the methods used by the hail insurance industry to assess yield loss due to hail damage in soybeans. A hailstorm can cause yield losses in soybeans ranging from slight to total destruction of the crop. Extensive research has been conducted to accurately predict the effects of hail damage on soybean yields. Results from these studies are used by hail insurance companies to assess yield losses and consequent adjustment made to clients. The information in this NebGuide should be valuable to producers facing replant decisions, and may also be useful in cases of insect damage. Yield loss predictions …

G84-725 Measuring Harvest Loss Of Dry Edible Beans, John A. Smith

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how to measure losses before, during and after harvest operations, so that problems can be corrected and losses reduced. Harvesting dry edible beans in Nebraska normally includes three separate field operations--cutting, rodding or windrowing, and combining--over a period of three to seven days. The success of these operations is very dependent on equipment selection and adjustment, weather and field conditions, and operator skill.

G84-698 Selecting A Ground Cover (Revised July 1999), Anne Streich, Don Steinegger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how to evaluate a site for ground cover and the characteristics of the most common ground cover species grown in Nebraska.

Ground covers are low-growing plants used in landscaping for mulching or covering the soil. They are typically low growing but may range in height from just inches to over 4 feet tall. Ground covers differ in color, texture and form and can be herbaceous, woody, succulent or grassy. Some have attractive flowers, while others are grown only for their foliage.

Selecting the best species for a site is important to its success as a ground cover. …

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 …

G83-648 Wild Proso Millet (Revised April 1992), Robert G. Wilson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes wild proso millet and its life cycle and provides recommendations for control.

Wild proso millet (Panicum millaceum L.) is one of the fastest spreading weeds in the corn belt. In the early 1970s, wild proso millet was found in a few isolated corn fields in Wisconsin. By 1987 wild proso millet had infested over one million acres in Wisconsin, had infested most of the southern corn-growing counties in Minnesota, and was present in Iowa, North and South Dakota, Illinois, Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska.

In Nebraska, wild proso millet was found first in a small area in …

Ec81-1869 Guide To The Identification Of Physiological Disorders Of Landscape Plants, John E. Watkins, Donald H. Steinegger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Physiological disorders are plant diseases caused by non-living agents. Other terms for this group of disorders are abiotic diseases or noninfectious diseases.

Physiological disorders are often confused with pathogen-caused diseases but they do not spread from plant to plant as do diseases caused by living organisms. Landscape plants are often exposed to toxic materials, mechanical damage, nutritional stress, homeowner neglect and other stress factors in the urban environment.

This 4-color extension publication highlights the following physiological disorders of landscape plants: sun scald, drought, lightning injury, winter injury, root girdling, iron chlorosis, salt injury, herbicide injury and air pollution.

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 …

Ec81-1870 Guide To The Identification Of Diseases Of Shrubs, John E. Watkins

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This 4-color extension circular identifies the following diseases of shrubs in the home garden and landscape disease series: rose mosaics (rose mosaic virus and rose yellow mosaic virus), rose rust, fire blight, powdery mildew, crown gall, scab, iron chlorosis, honesuckle leaf blight, and phomopsis twig blight.