Education Commons^™

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.

G88-875 Weed Control In Soybeans, Russell S. Moomaw, Robert N. Stougaard, Alex Martin, Fred Roeth, David Mortensen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides information on mechanical and chemical weed control methods, including herbicides to use for preplant incorporated, preemergence and postemergence. Soybeans are a relatively easy crop to grow. Limited insect and disease problems presently are associated with their production in Nebraska. Weeds, however, are a major production problem. Each 100 pounds of weed growth results in a one bushel loss in soybean yield. Weeds that emerge with the crop and remain in the row are the strongest competitors. Those that emerge later than six weeks after planting have little effect on yield, so it is important to focus on …

G88-888 Flow Control Devices For Center Pivot Irrigation Systems, William L. Kranz

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Several factors contribute to the need for sprinkler flow rate regulators. This NebGuide discusses them.

Many center pivot irrigation systems operate on undulating terrain. Systems operated on undulating terrain experience large pressure differences in the pivot pipeline. Since water distributed by each sprinkler is determined by the pressure in the pipeline, water applied by these systems can be non-uniform.

Pressure regulating devices that equalize the flow of water from individual sprinklers have become more common since uniform water application may save water and increase overall crop production. When installing a sprinkler package on a new system or replacing sprinklers on …

G88-876 Ridge Plant Systems: Equipment, Elbert C. Dickey, Paul J. Jasa, Robert N. Klein, Dean E. Eisenhauer, David P. Shelton, Bryn J. Dolesh, John A. Smith

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Ridge plant systems, ridge cleaning equipment, planter stabilizing attachments, cultivation and ridge management are discussed here. Ridge plant systems are methods of planting crops into a ridge formed during cultivation of the previous crop. Such systems combine tillage and herbicides to control weeds. Weed seed and residue lying on the soil surface are pushed from the ridge to the area between the rows by row-cleaning devices on the planter. Crop seed is planted into the old row in a cleanly tilled strip at an elevation slightly higher than the row middles. A band application of herbicide behind the planter typically …

G87-835 Ecofarming: No-Till Ecofallow Proso Millet In Winter Wheat Stubble, Robert E. Ramsel, Lenis Alton Nelson, Gail A. Wicks

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

No-till farming is gaining acceptance in semiarid areas of the Central Great Plains. Proso millet can be planted no-till into wheat stubble. This NebGuide tells you how. No-till farming is rapidly gaining acceptance in semiarid areas of the Central Great Plains. Corn and sorghum are now being no-till planted directly into undisturbed wheat stubble and grown successfully. They are planted the spring following wheat harvest. Proso millet can also be planted no-till into wheat stubble.

G87-859 Fertilizer Recommendations For Soybean (Revised August 2006), Richard B. Ferguson, Charles A. Shapiro, Achim R. Dobermann, Charles S. Wortmann

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Soybean production in Nebraska has expanded significantly over the past twenty years and is second only to corn in area planted, at almost five million acres. In general, the fertilizer requirements for soybean are typically less than for other crops such as corn, sorghum, and wheat. This guide provides recommendations on how to manage soil fertility with fertilizer and lime applications to optimize the profitability of soybean production.

G86-826 Irrigating Alfalfa (Revised October 1990), Delynn Hay

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Alfalfa has certain water use characteristics. Knowing these and how to monitor soil moisture, apply water, manage irrigation, and schedule water application will help you grow a high quality crop. Irrigation makes it possible to grow high quality alfalfa throughout Nebraska on a wide variety of soils. Alfalfa, relatively drought tolerant, will produce yields almost proportional to the amount of water available to the crop. This means that alfalfa will respond favorably to irrigation. Because of its longer growing season, the seasonal water requirement of alfalfa will be higher than for other crops. Irrigation management must consider characteristics such as …

G86-775 Prussic Acid Poisoning, Norman Shcneider, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Prussic acid poisoning and its treatment are discussed in this NebGuide, along with methods to reduce its occurrence.

Sudangrass, forage sorghum, and sorghum-sudangrass hybrids are often used for summer pasture, green chop, hay, or silage. Under certain conditions, livestock consuming these feedstuffs may be poisoned by prussic acid (HCN).

Exposure to excessive prussic acid--also called hydrocyanic acid, hydrogen cyanide, or cyanide--can be fatal. However, producers can manage and feed their livestock to avoid problems with prussic acid.

G86-811 High Quality Seed Wheat, Lenis Alton Nelson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses high quality winter wheat, the options farmers have in obtaining high quality seed, seed size, year-old seed, seed treatment, and replanting the same seed year after year. Winter wheat uniquely allows the least time between the harvest of one crop and the planting of the next of any annual crop. This short time period may necessitate making a hurried decision about the seed to be planted. In the end, the farmer must be responsible for planting good, high quality seed. The phrase "high quality seed wheat" means different things to different people. High quality wheat seed is …

Mp51 Distillers Grains, Glen Aines, Terry Klopfenstein, Rick Stock

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

In the conventional production of alcohol from grain for fuel, byproducts are produced with excellent feeding value for ruminants. Appropriate use of these byproducts aids the efficient production of animals and enhances the economics of alcohol production. In the fermentation of corn to produce alcohol, the starch in the corn is converted to alcohol and carbon dioxide. The nutrients in the corn other than starch are concentrated about three times because corn is about two-thirds starch. Even though starch is high in energy, the one-third of the corn remaining in the byproduct after fermentation contains as much energy per pound …

G86-796 Growing Degree Day Requirements And Freeze Risk As A Guide To Selecting And Planting Corn Hybrids, Ralph E. Neild

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the growing degree day requirements for Nebraska's four corn-growing regions, and how using these requirements can aid in planting date decisions.

Variations between locations, between seasons at a particular location, between planting times at a particular location and season, and between the requirements of different hybrids result in differences in the number of days it takes for corn to mature. These variations in days are all closely related to differences in temperatures when the corn is being grown.

G86-782 Distribution Of Crop Residue A Requirement For Conservation Tillage, John A. Smith

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes problems associated with inadequate distribution of crop residue behind the combine, and identifies techniques to obtain proper distribution.

Uniform distribution of crop residue during harvest is essential to the successful use of conservation tillage systems. Crop residue on the soil surface reduces soil erosion and conserves soil moisture. However, the residue must be properly managed to achieve these benefits. Uniform distribution behind the combine is an important part of this management. Large capacity combines equipped with 24- to 30-foot grain platforms and 8- to 12-row corn headers complicate residue distribution. When crop material is collected from a …

G86-803 Assessing Hail Damage To Corn, J.J. Vorst

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication examines how hail damages the corn plant, how the degree of damage can be determined and how the extent of yield loss is estimated.

In the U.S., approximately half of all hailstorms occur between March and May. These early storms are responsible for only minor corn yield losses, however, because the corn either has not yet been planted or is too small to be damaged significantly. Even when fields are severely damaged early in the growing season, they can often be replanted.

On the other hand, about a third of all hailstorms occur between June and September. These …

G86-812 Sorghum Yield Loss Due To Hail Damage, Charles A. Shapiro, T. A. Peterson

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 grain sorghum. A hailstorm can cause yield losses in sorghum ranging from slight to total. Research has been conducted to accurately predict the effects of hail damage on sorghum yields. Results from these studies are used by hail insurance companies to assess yield losses and determine adjustments paid to clients. Information in this NebGuide will acquaint producers with procedures used to assess sorghum hail damage. These procedures may also be useful in estimating crop yields wherever stand loss or defoliation …

G86-809 Ecofarming: No-Till Sorghum Following Ecofallow Corn Or Sorghum, Robert N. Klein, Gail A. Wicks

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes using no-till sorghum in ecofallow rotations, including hybrid selection, planting and weed control methods, fertilizing, and possible insect and disease problems. The ecofarming system using a winter wheat-ecofallow corn or sorghum-fallow rotation has increased corn and sorghum yields because more water is conserved by controlling weeds with herbicides than with tillage. The land is fallowed the year following corn or sorghum and planted to winter wheat in the fall. Often enough precipitation is received during winter and/or early spring that another crop of sorghum could be grown instead of fallowing and planting wheat. If about 2000 lb/A …

G85-753 Irrigation Scheduling Using Crop Water Use Data, C. Dean Yonts, Norman L. Klocke

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes using the "checkbook" method to schedule irrigations based on crop water use data.

Irrigation scheduling determines when and how much water to apply to meet crop demand. Soil water status and current crop water use are key factors for scheduling irrigations. Field observations and crop growth stage are important, but scheduled irrigations result in better rainfall use while avoiding crop water stress or excessive irrigation.

G85-750 Terrace Systems For Nebraska, Elbert C. Dickey, Tom Hamer, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how different terrace shapes and systems can be used to reduce soil erosion losses on sloping fields. Loss of valuable topsoil to erosion prompted Nebraska farmers to build terraces as early as the 1920's. Current estimates indicate that water erodes as much as 140 million tons of soil annually from Nebraska's fields.

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 …

G84-723 Maximizing The Use Of Farm Strip Plots, John Havlin, Roger Wesley Elmore

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Strip plots are an effective means of comparing soil and crop management practices. Guidelines are given for establishing strip plots and evaluating the results. Farmers, extension and industry personnel, and researchers have a common interest in strip plots set out on farm fields to study various soil and crop management practices. Strip plots or tests are usually designed to compare differences between tillage methods, herbicide treatments, varieties, fertilizer sources or rates, methods of chemical application, and many other crop production inputs. Strip tests established in farmer fields could satisfy wider interests, and conceivably yield more useful information, if the planners …

G84-737 Soybean Inoculation -- When Is It Necessary?, Roger Wesley Elmore

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses when soybean seed should be inoculated and why, and provides recommendations on inoculant types to use. Soybeans can obtain up to half of their nitrogen needs from the air when nitrogen-fixing rhizobia bacteria are present in the soil. Nitrogen fixation is a result of the symbiotic (beneficial to both) relationship of rhizobia and plants. Establishing rhizobia (inoculation) in a field that has never grown soybeans is needed to insure nitrogen fixation. Reinoculation may be necessary in fields with a past history of soybeans.

G84-702 Root And Soil Analayses For Nematodes In Corn, David S. Wysong, Eric D. Kerr

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how to interpret laboratory results of samples submitted for nematode analysis and discusses ten species that are potentially damaging to corn.

Several kinds of plant parasitic nematodes (small, soil-inhabiting roundworms) are associated with root injury, poor plant color, stunted growth, and reduced grain yields in field corn. Symptoms caused by these pests are often confused with root rot diseases, nutritional deficiencies or climatic stresses. Special laboratory analyses are, therefore, necessary to determine if nematodes are the primary cause of reduced corn performance. Since corn growers may be unfamiliar with nematode diseases, the following discussion of laboratory reports …

G84-687 Soybean Planting Date: When And Why, Roger Wesley Elmore, A. Dale Flowerday

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Soybeans differ from corn and sorghum in their response to planting date. This NebGuide provides guidelines that are helpful in making planting decisions for soybeans. Soybean response to planting date is important not only in years when planting is delayed by inclement weather, but also when weather does not disrupt the normal planting season. When planting is delayed, and in doublecrop situations, correct crop and variety planting decisions are necessary to obtain maximum yields. Early season freezes, hail storms, flooding, and other situations can reduce crop stands to a point where late planting is necessary. When planting is not delayed …

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.

G84-686 Irrigating Dry Beans (Revised September 1984), C. Dean Yonts, David S. Nuland

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes furrow and center pivot irrigation techniques and practices that will be helpful to both new and experienced dry bean growers.

Traditionally, dry bean production in Nebraska has been on irrigationd lands in the North Platte River Valley of the Panhandle. However, production acreage is expanding into new areas, north, south, and east from the North Platte Valley.

G83-673 Maturity Dates And Freeze Risks Based On Growing Degree Days, Ralph E. Neild, D. T. Smith

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Explanation of growing degree days (GDD) necessary for crop maturity and tables showing estimated maturity dates and freeze risks for different GDD accumulations for different planting times in regions of Nebraska.

The concept of growing degree days (GDD) resulted from observations that:

There is a base temperature below which plants do not grow.

The rate of growth increases with temperature above this base.

Crop hybrids require different GDD accumulations to reach maturity.

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 …

G81-581 Cross Fences For Pastures Under Center Pivot Irrigation, James T. Nichols

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses different types of fences for center pivot irrigated pastures.

Irrigated pastures produce more forage and maintain stands longer under a "graze-rest" system of use. When grazing is practiced season-long, cross fences are necessary to control 1) when and for how long grazing is permitted on a particular pasture, and 2) the degree of desired use. These controls are not possible without cross fences, and sound grazing management becomes difficult.

G81-563 Grazing Management Of Irrigated Grass Pastures, James T. Nichols

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses factors and principles of plant growth that influence irrigated pasture production; suggests management practices that allow irrigated pastures to express their production potential; and suggests stocking rates for various levels of production and classes of cattle.

Grazing management has a major impact on the production potential from irrigated pasture. Proper management practices can maximize pasture production -- poor management ultimately results in unacceptable production levels.