Education Commons^™

G97-1323 Best Management Practices To Reduce Atrazine Runoff From Corn Fields In Nebraska, Thomas G. Franti, Fred W. Roeth, Gary L. Zoubek

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide presents best management practices (BMPs) which can be used to reduce atrazine runoff from dryland and irrigationd corn fields in Nebraska. Atrazine is one of the most widely used herbicides in Nebraska. It is used alone or combination with other herbicides for weed control in both dryland and irrigationd corn. Atrazine is popular because of its effectiveness and economy. However, environmental concerns are an increasingly important part of producer decisions regarding weed control, fertility and irrigation management practices. A public concern is reducing atrazine runoff to surface waters. Best management practices (BMPs) reduce the amount of atrazine at …

Nf97-321 Converting Crp To Cropland In The Nebraska Panhandle, Drew J. Lyon, Tom Holman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses techniques for converting CRP ground to cropland, including minimum tillage and crop rotations.

Nf97-324 Returning Crp Land To Crops: Cool-Season Grass Management/Cropping Suggestions, Keith J. Jarvi, Melinda Mcvey Mccluskey, William L. Kranz, Steven D. Rasmussen, Charles A. Shapiro, David P. Shelton, John F. Witkowski, Richard T. Clark, Terry Gompert, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Alex Martin, David Holshouser

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact contains suggestions for returning CRP land to crop production.

G96-1281 Spring Freeze Probabilities, Steven J. Meyer, Allen L. Dutcher

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Spring freeze probabilities, based on 45 years of data, are examined for 48 locations in Nebraska. The effect of spring freezes on Nebraska's main crops is also discussed.

The potential of a late spring freeze is of great concern to farmers, gardeners, nurserymen, and other plant growers. A climatological analysis of spring freeze events across Nebraska can provide a measure of the risk involved with planting at a certain time of spring.

Nf96-307 Managing The Russian Wheat Aphid With Resistant Wheat Varieties, John Thomas, Gary Hein, David D. Baltensperger, Lenis Alton Nelson, Scott Haley

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact has information on using resistant wheat varieties to control Russian wheat aphids.

G96-1312 Autumn Freeze Probabilities, Steven J. Meyer, Allen L. Dutcher

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Autumn freeze probabilities based on 47 years of data are examined for 48 locations in Nebraska.

The potential of an early autumn freeze is of great concern to farmers, gardeners, and other plant growers. A climatological analysis of autumn freeze events across Nebraska can provide a measure of the risk involved with planting different hybrids, varieties and cultivars.

Nf96-301 Gray Leaf Spot In Corn, David S. Wysong

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact has information on ways to manage gray leaf spot in Corn.

Nf96-281 Soil Fertility Considerations For Land Coming Out Of Crp, Charles A. Shapiro, Gary W. Hergert, Melinda Mcvey Mccluskey

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses soil nutrients and fertility for CRP farmland.

G96-1300 Insects That Feed On Corn Ears, David L. Keith, J. F. Witkowski

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

How to identify mature and immature insects that infest and damage ears of corn.

Several kinds of insects infest the developing ears of corn, raising farmers' concerns and sometimes causing economic damage. Some of these insects can reduce both yield and quality of seed corn, pop corn, sweet corn and field corn. Control decisions depend in part on the economics of the corn crop produced. In many cases, particularly in field corn where the value of the crop per acre is somewhat lower, the insects may not be sufficiently damaging to require control. The higher value of seed corn compared …

G96-1305 Water Runoff From Sprinkler Irrigation: A Case Study, Norman L. Klocke, William L. Kranz, C. Dean Yonts, Kelly Wertz

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide illustrates the influence of soil texture, topography and irrigation system characteristics on potential runoff.

When water is applied to a field through a sprinkler irrigation system, it should soak into the soil where it lands rather than drain to a low spot or off the field altogether. Runoff causes non-uniformity of water application, poor irrigation efficiency and possible leaching of chemicals to the groundwater. Some systems like LEPA (Low Energy Precision Application) are designed so water does not immediately soak into the soil. However, proper LEPA designs also call for tillage practices that hold the water on the …

Nf96-310 Costs Of Harvesting And Hauling Corn Stalks In Large Round Bales, H. Douglas Jose, Lance L. Brown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact calculates the costs of harvesting corn stalks for either livestock fodder or industrial uses.

G94-1231 Harvesting Corn And Sorghum For Silage, Rick Grant, Rick Stock

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication describes how to make high-quality corn and sorghum silage.

Quality Silage

Silage feeding quality is determined by 1) the nutrient content of the crop stored, 2) the stage of maturity and moisture content when harvested and 3) the effectiveness of silage preservation.

Ec94-1772 Windbreaks In Sustainable Agricultural Systems, James R. Brandle, Teresa Boes, Vernon Quam, John Gardner

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Sustainable agriculture is a system of whole-farm resource use balanced with whole-farm productivity. The overall level of productivity achieved is dependent upon the ability to coordinate and manage simultaneously the soil, water, plant, and animal resources within climatic and economic limits. Both the kind and amount of plants and animals supported by the system are important and play significant roles, both individually and collectively in maintaining a healthy farm environment. In the future, integrated systems will help reduce human impact on resources while providing sufficient supplies of high quality food and fiber.

Windbreaks provide protection for people, animals, buildings, crops, …

G93-1146 Cover Crop Use In Crop Production Systems, Robert G. Wilson Jr., John A. Smith, Russell Moomaw

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how cover crops can be integrated into various cropping systems. Agricultural producers are hearing more about cover crops, but many are unsure how such plants might be used in current crop production systems. Cover crops are legumes, cereals or an appropriate mixture. They are grown specifically to protect soil from erosion, protect emerging crops from blowing soil particles, improve soil structure, enhance soil fertility, reduce nutrient leaching, recycle nutrients and suppress weeds. A number of plant species could be used, but they must be successfully integrated into a diverse number of cropping systems used in Nebraska. Nebraska …

G93-1126 Crambe Production, Lenis Alton Nelson, Alan Grombacher, David D. Baltensperger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This is a complete guide to the specifics of crambe production, from seedbed preparation to harvesting, storage and marketing. Crambe (Crambe abyssinica) is an oil crop from the mustard family. The seed contains 30 to 35 percent oil with 40 to 60 percent erucic acid in the oil. The erucic acid oil content of crambe is 8-9 percent more than that of rapeseed.

G93-1133 Estimating Percent Residue Cover Using The Line-Transect Method, David P. Shelton, Roger Kanable, Paul J. Jasa

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how to use the line-transect method to estimate the percentage of the soil surface covered with crop residue.

Crop residue left on the soil surface is one of the easiest and most cost-effective methods of reducing soil erosion. Research in Nebraska and other midwestern states has shown that leaving as little as 20 percent of the soil surface covered with crop residues can reduce soil erosion by one-half of what it would be from residue-free conditions. Greater amounts of residue cover will further reduce erosion.

G92-1071 Ridge Plant Systems: Weed Control, Robert N. Klein, Gail A. Wicks, Alex Martin, Russell S. Moomaw, Fred Roeth, Robert G. Wilson, Paul J. Jasa

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Advantages and disadvantages of the ridge plant system, weed control before and at planting and economics of the system are discussed. Ridge planting combines tillage and herbicides to achieve improved weed control in row crops. Crop seed is planted into ridges formed during cultivation and/or ditching of the previous crop. In ridge planting, the planter follows the old row and ridge clearing sweeps or disks move the surface soil, residue and much of the weed seed out of the row. Weed seeds are deposited between the rows where, upon germination, they can be controlled with cultivation. Two cultivations are generally …

G92-1115 Corn Quality For Industrial Uses, David S. Jackson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Characteristics of corn used by industry are discussed here. Publications frequently refer to the term "Corn Quality," but this term means little without being placed in context. The Official U.S. Standards for Grain defines Corn Quality for typical marketing transactions involving grain marketed in the United States. It rates corn quality based on purity, color, the amount of broken and foreign material, total numbers of damaged kernels (including heat-damaged, sprouted, frosted, weather or ground damaged, moldy, diseased), heat-damaged kernels, stones, moisture, and test weight. Official standards, however, are only useful as general indicators of grain quality.

G92-1098 Cultivators For Conservation Tillage, Robert D. Grisso, Paul J. Jasa

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Cultivating residue-covered fields and ridge-till considerations are among the topics covered here.

In any conventional, conservation or no-tillage planting system, crop cultivation can be an excellent method of weed control. Cultivators used in residue-covered fields must allow residue to flow through the implement without clogging.

Extra penetration force may be required to cultivate no-till fields as compared to tilled fields. While many high-clearance cultivators are designed to handle conservation tillage conditions, some older cultivators can be modified to work in residue-covered fields when residue flow and soil penetration are maintained.

Combining mechanical and chemical weed control is economical and effective …

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 …

G92-1097 Root And Crown Rot: Winterkill Complex Of Winter Wheat, John E. Watkins, Ben Doupnik, Jr., Eric D. Kerr, Robert N. Klein

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Root and crown rot--winterkill complex is discussed, including nature of the complex, symptoms, control, and management rationale. Root and crown rot of winter wheat is an interrelated disease complex caused by the interaction of infection of roots and crowns by Bipolaris sorokiniana and/or Fusarium graminearum and harsh winter conditions. It is an insidious, persistent and inconspicuous disease complex that reduces wheat yields each year. In extreme cases, entire fields or large areas within fields are killed. The ultimate effect is loss of stands, poor plant vigor, reduced yield and lower grain quality.

G92-1103 White Mold Of Dry Beans, James R. Steadman, Howard F. Schwartz, Eric D. Kerr

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

White mold symptoms, infection and control are covered here.

One of the most important diseases affecting dry beans in western Nebraska and Colorado is white mold caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. In a recent year, losses from this disease averaged as high as 20 percent, with a few individual field losses exceeding 65 percent.

G91-1046 Conservation Tillage And Planting Systems, Paul J. Jasa, David P. Shelton, Alice J. Jones, Elbert C. Dickey

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Tillage system descriptions and comparisons are included here. Moldboard plowing, followed by such secondary tillage operations as disking and harrowing, was once the most common, or traditional, tillage system before planting. Soil erosion potential from rainfall on sloping lands was great and requirements for labor and fuel were high compared to other tillage and planting systems. One of the most commonly used tillage systems in Nebraska today is two diskings followed by field cultivation. Unfortunately, the potential for soil erosion may be great because the number of tillage operations involved may not leave adequate residue cover for erosion control. Today …

G91-1023 Insects That Attack Seeds And Seedlings Of Field Crops, Stephen D. Danielson, Robert J. Wright, Gary L. Hein, Leroy Peters, James A. Kalisch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses how to identify and control eight insects that feed on planted seeds and seedlings.

Planted seeds of field crops can attract several kinds of insects. In many cases, the insects do not cause enough damage to justify control procedures. However, under some conditions seed pests may be very destructive. Seed that is slow to germinate and establish is more likely to be damaged. Situations such as first-year crops following sod or pasture, ecofallow, or reduced tillage/heavy crop residue conditions have a good chance for seed/seedling damage. Consider grower experience and past pest problems when deciding about individual …

G90-983 Equipment Adjustments For Herbicide Incorporation, Robert Grisso, Elbert C. Dickey, Alex Martin

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses how to operate liquid herbicide application equipment on tillage implements.

Heightened concerns for energy and soil conservation have caused producers to reduce the number of secondary tillage operations while trying to maintain satisfactory incorporation of herbicides. Many herbicides are carried into the soil by rainfall or sprinkler irrigation and do not require mechanical incorporation. However, some soil-applied herbicides require mechanical incorporation to reduce volatility and photodecomposition losses. These are Eradicane, Sutan+ and Treflan.

G90-964 How Soil Holds Water, Norman L. Klocke, Gary W. Hergert

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the physical characteristics that influence how soil holds water.

Dryland and irrigationd agriculture depend on the management of two basic natural resources, soil and water. Soil is the supporting structure of plant life and water is essential to sustain plant life. The wise use of these resources requires a basic understanding of soil and water as well as the crop.

The available water capacity and characteristics of soils are critical to water management planning for irrigationd and dryland crops. The management decisions of what crops to plant, plant populations, when to irrigation, how much to irrigation, when …

G89-953 Soybean Chlorosis Management, Edwin J. Penas, Richard A. Wiese

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Four management ideas that make it possible to grow soybeans on alkaline soils are covered here.

Chlorosis (yellowing) in soybeans can be a problem wherever soybeans are grown on alkaline soils in Nebraska. Serious chlorosis is likely to occur when the pH of these alkaline soils is 7.5 or higher. Soybean chlorosis problems occur in the Platte and Elkhorn River Valleys and, to a lesser extent, in the Republican and Loup River Valleys, and on high lime soils in central and western Nebraska. Not all high pH soils cause chlorosis of soybeans even though they are alkaline.

Soil tests of …

G89-924 Fertilizing Proso Millet (Revised December 2002), Jurg M. Blumenthal, David D. Baltensperger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Soil testing and fertilization of proso millet with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients is discussed. Management practices that provide an adequate, but not excessive, supply of plant nutrients are essential for top yields of proso millet in the High Plains.

G89-932 Minimum Center Pivot Design Capacities In Nebraska, William L. Kranz, Derrel L. Martin, Greg Lackas

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Factors to consider in choosing an appropriate center pivot design are covered here. Irrigators investing in a center pivot irrigation system need to consider this important question: How much supplemental water is required by the crop? Irrigation system capacity needed to meet crop requirements is defined in units of gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per minute per acre (GPM/AC). If the system capacity is too low, crop stress occurs during some portion of the growing season. If the capacity is too high, surface runoff may result, or capital investment for the pumping plant and center pivot may be greater …

G89-906 Barley Yellow Dwarf Disease Of Barley, Oats, And Wheat, John E. Watkins, Leslie C. Lane

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The symptoms of barley yellow dwarf are covered here, as are disease occurrence and spread, and control.

Barley yellow dwarf (BYD) is distributed worldwide. It is the most economically important disease of barley and oats in North America. Barley yellow dwarf, wheat streak mosaic (WSM) and soil-borne wheat mosaic (SBWM), are three virus diseases that caused serious cereal grain yield losses in Nebraska during the last decade.

Since the mid-1980s barley yellow dwarf has become increasingly widespread in Nebraska, and now is a serious concern to oat and wheat producers. Outbreaks occasionally reach epidemic proportions as occurred in wheat in …