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Economic And Input-Use Efficiency Of Nitrogen Management Techniques In Non-Irrigated Maize Production, Katie J. Bathke

Honors Theses

The efficiency of nitrogen (N) management has become a main concern in agricultural cropping systems for understanding the optimal N rate to help producers improve economically and reduce the exhaustion of natural resources environmentally. Nitrogen rates vary both temporally and spatially by the interactions of the soil environment and rainfall through a growing season. Thus, a site-specific approach can further optimize this variability with the understanding of the role soil variability plays in the N rate applied to a non-irrigated field. The objective of this study was to evaluate the various nitrogen treatments for their nutrient use efficiency and economic …

G08-1784 Drinking Water: Nitrate-Nitrogen, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt, Bruce I. Dvorak, Ralph Pulte

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nitrate-nitrogen is sometimes present in drinking water. At certain levels it can present a health risk. Properly locating and constructing wells along with regularly testing can help manage risk and are discussed in this 2008 NebGuide.

G06-1621 Soybean Inoculation: Understanding The Soil And Plant Mechanisms Involved (Part One Of A Two-Part Series), Lori J. Abendroth, Roger Wesley Elmore, Richard B. Ferguson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nitrogen gas (N₂) comprises nearly 80 percent of total atmospheric gases, yet most organisms are unable to use N2 as a source of nitrogen. Legumes, such as soybean, are able to capture atmospheric nitrogen and utilize it through the process of nitrogen fixation. This NebGuide is part one of a two-part series on soybean inoculation. Here, we will investigate how soybean inoculation occurs and which environmental conditions impact nitrogen fixation.

Ec06-155 Nutrient Management For Agronomic Crops In Nebraska, Richard B. Ferguson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nebraska is blessed with fertile soil and vast supplies of groundwater which combine to create an environment well-suited to the production of corn, wheat, grain sorghum, alfalfa, edible beans, and other agronomic crops used for human or animal consumption.

This manual is a guide to nutrient use from all sources for the production of Nebraska's major agronomic crops: corn, winter wheat, grain sorghum, oats, alfalfa, dry edible beans, soybean, sugar beets, popcorn, sunflower, millet, potatoes, and cool and warm season grasses for hay and pasture. Part I of the manual contains information focusing on basic principles of soil fertility for …

2006 Beef Report Summaries, James Gosey

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Reports on recent beef research are briefly summarized in this publication. Summaries of the research featured in the 2006 Beef Report appear here. Topics include cow-calf, growing, finishing and beef products.

Nf02-507 Manure Testing: What To Request?, Charles A. Shapiro, Charles S. Wortmann, Richard Deloughery

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Manure testing is necessary to make optimum use of manure while protecting water resources. The tests most frequently needed to optimize nutrient management are total and ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH, soluble salts, sodium, and dry matter content. This NebFact is a guide to providing information on a Manure Sample Sub­mission Form for reliable interpretation of results.

G02-1466 Determining The Need To Fertilize Landscape Trees And Shrubs (Revised March 2004), Scott J. Dewald, Steven D. Rasmussen, Charles A. Shapiro, Scott J. Josiah

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Most Nebraska soils are fertile enough to support tree and shrub growth without applying fertilizer. However, when woody plants exhibit poor growth or reduced vigor, yet have had adequate moisture and are not experiencing pest problems or other environmental limitations, the proper applicatin of fertilizer may be necessary. This NebGuide explains how to determine if fertilization of established trees and shrubs is required and how to apply the needed amount.

G02-1460 Fertilizing Winter Wheat I: Nitrogen, Potassium, And Micronutrients, Jurg M. Blumenthal, Donald H. Sander

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Soil testing, recommended rates, and timing for fertilizing winter wheat with nitrogen, potassium, and micronutrients.

Management practices which provide an adequate, but not excessive, supply of plant nutrients are essential for top yields of high quality winter wheat in the High Plains.

Drought-Stressed Corn, Thomas Dorn, Bruce Anderson, Richard J. Rasby

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact details how to identify drought stress in corn, its effect on potential yield and how to maximize economic return from drought-damaged corn.

Nf01-491 The Corn Stalk Nitrate Test, Charles A. Shapiro, Richard L. Deloughery

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact is about several soil and plant nitrogen tests that have been developed for use, before planting or mid-season, to help farmers decide how much nitrogen to apply to their corn.

G99-1390 Altering Swine Manure By Diet Modification, Duane Reese, Richard K. Koelsch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide explores options for altering the nitrogen and phosphorus content of swine manure.

There are situations in which it is necessary to change the nutrient content and/or the odor-producing potential of swine manure in order for pork production to thrive. For example, current Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) permit procedures for livestock facilities require producers to document that sufficient land is available for crop use of the nitrogen (N) in manure. If sufficient land is not available for managing nutrients in manure, producers can alter the nitrogen and phosphorus content of swine manure by modifying the pig's diet. …

Nf99-397 Gray Leaf Spot Of Perennial Ryegrass In Nebraska, John E. Watkins

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Gray leaf spot, caused by the fungus Pyricularia grisea, was reported in the early 1970s to be a damaging disease of annual ryegrass grown for forage in the southeastern United States. Forage yield losses were so severe that the disease was named ryegrass blast.

This NebFact discusses the diagnosis, future occurrences, and management of gray leaf spot in Nebraska and surrounding states.

G98-1370 Abandonment Planning For Earthen Manure Storages, Holding Ponds And Anaerobic Lagoons, Richard K. Koelsch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The purpose of this NebGuide is to define some critical issues to be addressed by an abandonment plan of an earthen manure storage, anaerobic lagoon or runoff holding pond.

A Nebraska construction permit for a Livestock Waste Control Facility (LWCF) requires a written plan defining possible abandonment procedures in the event the operation (and associated LWCF) is discontinued. The plan must be approved by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) prior to permit issuance.

Nf96-249 Nitrogen Application Practices In Nebraska, William Miller, Ray Supalla, Benedict Juliano

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses nitrogen application among Nebraska farmers.

G96-1279 Drinking Water: Nitrate-Nitrogen (Revised November 1998), Paul J. Jasa, Sharon Skipton, David L. Varner, Delynn Hay

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses practices recommended to manage nitrate-nitrogen in a domestic water supply. Many Nebraskans have questions about the impact of nitrate in their drinking water. Water quality monitoring shows that nitrate is present in groundwater throughout much of Nebraska and that concentrations are increasing in some areas. Nitrogen is essential for all living things as it is an essential component of protein. Nitrogen exists in the environment in many forms and changes forms as it moves through the nitrogen cycle. However, excessive concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water can be hazardous to health, especially for infants and pregnant women.

Nf96-248 Factors Considered To Decide Nitrogen Application Rate, William Miller, Ray Supalla, Benedict Juliano

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses nitrogen application among Nebraska farmers.

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.

G96-1306 Feeding Dairy Cows To Reduce Nitrogen, Phosphorus, And Potassium Excretion Into The Environment, Rick J. Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses feeding strategies to optimize dairy cow performance while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

Reducing N, P and K Excretion--The Challenge

Increasingly, our society demands livestock production systems that not only produce economic, high-quality food products, but also minimize negative environmental impacts. Feeding management has improved continuously and helps explain increases in milk production averages. The future challenge for dairy producers and nutritionists will be to properly formulate rations for high production levels while simultaneously minimizing the environmental impact of excessive N, P and K excretion in the urine and manure. A realistic approach will be to keep formulation …

G95-1266 Environmental Considerations For Manure Application System Selection, Richard K. Koelsch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Selection and operation of manure application equipment must consider environmental issues along with materials handling and economic factors.

Land application of livestock manure faces growing scrutiny because of potential surface and groundwater contamination and odor nuisances. Producers must consider features of a manure application system that enhance their ability to use manure's nutrients, and provide ways to minimize nuisances experienced by neighbors during manure application.

Ec96-144 Fertilizer Management For Conservation Tillage, Charles A. Shapiro, Richard B. Ferguson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Conservation tillage as a means of reducing soil erosion has increased in popularity due to government conservation compliance and economic factors. Management of crops under reduced tillage has necessitated changes in the use of several inputs. The goal of this publication is to focus on the use of fertilizers under reduced tillage with special emphasis on corn production practices.

Ec95-141 Nebraska's Manure Resource, D. H. Sander, J.E. Power, B. Eghball

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Manure is a valuable resource that is sometimes perceived as a liability. For centuries, manure has provided needed nutrients which increased and stabilized food production. With the advent of inorganic chemical fertilizers, the value of manure as a nutrient source decreased because hauling and spreading costs were higher than the cost of chemical feritlizers. In addition, the water content of manure is high and even when the water is removed, its nutrient content is low compared to chemical fertilizers. Therefore, manure has often been viewed in American agriculture as a "waste" to be disposed of rather than a resource to …

G95-1241 Annual Broadleaf Weed Control In Winter Wheat (Revised January 1999), Gail` A. Wicks, Robert N. Klein, Alex Martin, Drew J. Lyon

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This guide discusses preventive, cultural, and chemical weed control in winter wheat. The best weed control is obtained by using a combination of these methods. Winter and summer annual broadleaf weeds have an important economic impact on Nebraska winter wheat. They compete with winter wheat for water, light, space, and nutrients, reducing Nebraska winter wheat yields by an estimated 10 percent each year. The dollar loss, with wheat at $2.50 per bushel, is over $2.1 million per year. Weeds also slow harvest and increase combine repair costs. Producers may be docked at the elevator for excessive grain moisture and/or weed …

Ec93-126 Procedures For Field Demonstrations Of Nitrogen Management Practices, Edwin J. Penas, Richard B. Ferguson, Gary W. Hergert, Charles A. Shapiro, G.D. Binford

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nitrate-nitrogen in groundwater is a major public concern. Agriculture is often targeted as the primary source; however, crop producers are reluctant to reduce the amount of nitrogen they apply in fear of reducing crop yields and profits. Soil testing for nitrate-nitrogen is being promoted as a way to fine-tune or improve nitrogen management, but adoption by producers has been slow. This publication explains how to conduct a field demonstration using scientifically acceptable methods that are practical for on-farm use.

G93-1171 Using A Chlorophyll Meter To Improve N Management, Todd A. Peterson, Tracy M. Blackmer, Dennis D. Francis, James S. Schepers

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how to use a chlorophyll meter as a tool to improve nitrogen management by detecting nitrogen deficiency and determining the need for additional N fertilizer. Fertilizer nitrogen (N) is increasingly recognized as the source of nitrate contamination in much of Nebraska's groundwater. Improving the efficiency of fertilizer N use reduces the amount of N that can potentially contaminate water resources. Effective management of fertilizer N is a major challenge for grain crop producers. Many factors that affect its efficiency are beyond a producer's control. Weather, equipment limitations and breakdowns, and availability of labor and fertilizer during critical …

G92-1102 Fertilizer Management For Dry Edible Beans, James A. Schild, Dave Nuland, Gary W. Hergert, Robert G. Wilson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Soil sampling and proper fertilization of dry beans will assist the producer in obtaining consistent top yields. Excellent yields of high quality dry beans can be obtained in western Nebraska. Traditional growing areas are the Panhandle and the southwestern part of Nebraska near Colorado. The highest bean yields are produced on fertile soils. Dry beans respond to fertilizer if the soil test shows the nutrient to be in the low to medium fertility range.

Nf91-49 Well Water, Nitrates And The "Blue Baby" Syndrome Methemoglobinemia, Ann Ziebarth

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Unit infants reach about six months of age their digestive system has a diminished capability to secrete gastric acid, thus the pH level can rise. At this pH level bacteria proliferates increasing the transformation of nitrate to nitrates. Thus, exposure to nitrate at levels in excess of 10 ppm can result in higher risk of methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobinemia, also known as blue baby syndrome, is characterized by a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen. This NebFact discusses the signs and symptoms, case histories and the treatment and prevention of the syndrome.

Ec91-735 The Impact Of Nitrogen And Irrigation Management And Vadose Zone Conditions On Ground Water Contamination By Nitrate-Nitrogen, K.D. Frank, Darrell Watts, Andrew Christiansen, Edwin Penas

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The single largest contaminant found in ground water samples taken throughout Nebraska is nitrate-nitrogen (nitrate-N). Much of it reaches the ground water as a "non-point source" contaminant leached out of the crop root zone.

Nitrate-N is essential to corn production. However, when leached from the crop root zone it can become a major source of ground water contamination. There are serious contamination problems in shallow aquifers beneath several river valleys in Nebraska. Increasing nitrate-N concentrations are beginning to appear in deeper aquifer.

Ec90-2502 Perspectives On Nitrates, Gary W. Hergert, Richard A. Wiese, Delynn Hay, William A. Lee, Ann Ziebarth, Richard B. Davis, Constance Kies, Carolyn Bednar, Norman Schneider, Alex Hogg, Robert A. Britton, J. David Aiken

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The potential adverse consequences of nitrate on both human and animal health has long been recognized. This extension circular is comprised of six papers that include:

• Nitrogen in our Environment
• Alternatives When Excessive Nitrate is Present in Drinking Water
• Nitrates, Nutrites and Methemoglobinemia
• Nitrates, Nutrities, N-Nitroso Compounds and Nutrition
• Excessive Nitrate/Nitrite Exposure: Nitrate Poisoning and Related Animal Health Effects
• Nitrates and Ground Water Quality Protection Policies

G90-945 A Gardener's Guide For Soil And Nutrient Management In Growing Vegetables, E.J. Penas, Dale T. Lindgren

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

How to manage soil and nutrients when growing vegetables is discussed here, as is soil testing, soil pH, organic matter, and the use of commercial fertilizers.

Using fertilizers as nutrient sources in growing vegetables is one cultural practice that can improve production if done correctly. This means using the right fertilizer material, applying it at the correct rate and time, and using the proper method of application.

Fertilizer needs for vegetables depend on the kind of vegetable grown, chemical properties of the soil, previous cropping history, and adequate water for plant growth. Guidelines here are based on soil chemical properties …

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.