Earth Sciences Commons^™

Considerations In No-Till Small Grain Production, David C. Ditsch, John H. Grove, Lloyd W. Murdock, James H. Herbek

Soil Science News and Views

Small grains have become an important component of many crop rotations in Kentucky. Seedbed preparation has typically involved various degrees of tillage in which much of the residue from the previous crop is buried. Under such conditions, a field may be vulnerable to severe soil loss during periods of heavy rainfall until the plants have produced enough vegetative growth to cover the soil surface. Eliminating tillage in small grain production would not only reduce soil loss but also reduce labor cost and increase the timeliness of planting. Interest in no-till small grain production is growing. One survey reports that in …

Micronutrients In Kentucky, William O. Thom

Soil Science News and Views

Micronutrients required for normal plant development and fruiting include boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc. Unlike the macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S), the quantities of micronutrients needed by agronomic crops is very small. Kentucky soils may contain large amounts of micronutrients in their mineral composition but only small amounts may be available for plant uptake. The soil availability and crop uptake of micronutrients are influenced by soil pH, soil temperatures, crop root growth, soil moisture, crop species and soil organic matter content.

Effect Of Soil Additives On Water Infiltration On Kentucky Soils, Lloyd W. Murdock

Soil Science News and Views

Many products are advertised and sold in Kentucky as soil additives to aid the movement of water into and through the soil. Most of these additives contain compounds that reduce the surface tension of water. That means that they change the way water is absorbed onto surfaces that have a tendency to repel water. However, their effectiveness in this regard has been questioned due to the huge volume of soil to be effected and the fact that our Kentucky soils are not hydrophobic. In order to determine the effectiveness of these types of products, an experiment was designed to test …

Mineralogy Of Kentucky Soils, Anastasios D. Karathanasis

Soil Science News and Views

Very few mineralogical data have been published for soils in Kentucky. As an initial attempt to classify mineralogy of the subsoil, a general mineralogy map of the state was constructed based on currently available information (Fig. 1). The map suggests that quartz, mica, and feldspars are the dominant minerals of the sqnd and silt size fractions and that illite, smectite, kaolinite and hydroxyinterlayered vermiculite or smectite dominate the clay size soil fraction. Soils of the Western Coalfields, Eastern Coalfields, and Eastern Pennyrile regions generally contain more quartz in the sand and silt fraction than soils of the Purchase, Western Pennyrile, …

Using Urea Nitrogen As A Fertilizer, Kenneth L. Wells

Soil Science News and Views

Solid granular or prilled urea (45-46% N) has become widely available in Kentucky, as has 28% nitrogen solution (UAN solution) which is half urea and half ammonium nitrate. When applied to a field, urea is transformed to ammonium N soon after application. The rate of transformation is greatly increased by urease, the enzyme found to varying degrees in soil and on plants and plant residues. Due to the chemical reactions involved as urea nitrogen undergoes transformation, there is some degree of likelihood for volatilization loss of some N. Whether such a loss will occur, and how much N will be …

Effectiveness Of Liming Materials, Monroe Rasnake

Soil Science News and Views

A number of different sources of liming materials are available to Kentucky farmers and homeowners. The best one for any particular use depends on several factors:

1. Size of area being treated
2. How quickly the reaction is needed
3. Method of application
4. Cost of the material
5. Quality (neutralizing value) of the material

Following is an evaluation of some liming materials based on those factors.

Fertilizing Alfalfa For Optimum Yields, William O. Thom

Soil Science News and Views

Alfalfa is one of the most important forage crops in Kentucky. It is grown on a wide range of soil types, has the ability to produce high yields, and will respond to good management including a sound soil fertility program.

Plant Available Water And Plant Water Stress, Ronald E. Phillips

Soil Science News and Views

The 1983 growing season in Kentucky was a vivid reminder that water is essential for good plant growth. And the water used by plants is taken from the reserve or water stored in soil.

Does Use Of Gypsum Improve Soil Structure In Kentucky?, V. P. Evangelou, Kenneth L. Wells

Soil Science News and Views

Gypsum is sometimes recommended as a soil amendment in order to improve structure. Although this practice is often used for reclamation of sodic soils (Na⁺ saturated) in the western USA, it's value in improving soil structure in Kentucky is questionable. The following discussion explains way.

Use Of Urea For Crop Production In Kentucky, Wilbur W. Frye

Soil Science News and Views

Current trends indicate that urea will become the major source of solid and liquid N fertilizer in the future. Although urea has several advantages over other N fertilizers, especially in manufacturing, transporting, and marketing, there are some potential agronomic problems that farmers should keep in mind when using urea.

Effect Of Irrigation On Corn, Soybeans And Alfalfa Yields In Kentucky, Lloyd W. Murdock

Soil Science News and Views

Irrigation is not widely used in Kentucky for two reasons: 1) high average yearly rainfall, and 2) lack of easily accessible and dependable water sources. However, even with the high yearly rainfall, droughts do occur during the growing season. According to past history, they are more likely to occur in West Kentucky than Central Kentucky and least likely to occur in East Kentucky.

Fertilization Management In Double Cropping, John H. Grove

Soil Science News and Views

Double crop systems are being widely adopted by grain and silage producers in Kentucky. The wheat-soybean grain intensive system accounts for nearly 750,000 acres of cropland in the state each year. Alternative silage systems for beef and/or dairy producers involve a fall seeded small grain (wheat, barley, triticale) that is harvested at an immature stage of growth. Immediately afterward a crop for silage (corn, grain sorghum) or grain (soybean, grain sorghum) is planted. When reduced and no-tillage management practices are used the timeliness of planting is improved and losses of surface soil moisture are minimized as the second crop starts …

Nitrogen Placement For No-Till Corn, Kenneth L. Wells

Soil Science News and Views

An estimated 18 to 20 percent of all corn grown in Kentucky is no-till planted. This 400 to 500 thousand acres is directly planted into sod, residues from the previous year, or a winter cover crop. Many field trials have been conducted by University of Kentucky agronomists during the past 15 years to determine nitrogen fertilization practices best suited for this kind of corn production. These recommendations are published annually in "AGR-1 Lime and Fertilizer Recommendations," and call for 25 lbs more actual fertilizer N per acre than conventional corn. This is largely justified by: (1) a greater potential for …

Anhydrous Ammonia Use For Corn, William O. Thom

Soil Science News and Views

Anhydrous ammonia is the most concentrated form of nitrogen fertilizer available to corn producers in many areas of Kentucky. It is a simple chemical compound made up of one part nitrogen and three parts hydrogen (NH₃), existing as a gas at normal outdoor temperatures. This makes it necessary to store and handle the material in closed containers under pressure. The product contains 82% nitrogen, making it one of the highest analysis and most economical fertilizers available for corn production.

Quality Of Legume Inoculants In Kentucky, M. Scott Smith

Soil Science News and Views

Successful and profitable production of legumes requires nodulation by Rhizobium bacteria which supply the crop with fixed N. The appropriate strains of bacteria are often absent from soils, since they do not persist without a suitable host plant. Under these conditions, that is when the specific legume crop has not been planted in the field for more than 3 or 4 years, it is necessary to inoculate the seed (or sometimes the soil) with Rhizobium.

Fertilization Of Double-Crop Soybeans, Grant W. Thomas

Soil Science News and Views

The improvement of minimum-and no-tillage methods has helped increase the double-cropped acreage of soybeans in Kentucky to about 700,000 acres. Similar increases have been observed in our neighboring states. Most double-cropped soybeans in Kentucky follow winter wheat harvested for grain. Thus, they are at a disadvantage if the wheat leaves the soybean crop with a nutrient-deficient soil.

Liming Needs Of Kentucky Soils, William O. Thom

Soil Science News and Views

A sound liming program is the first step in building and maintaining soil fertility. Lime lowers the acidity (raises pH) of soil and prevents the adverse effects of high concentrations of soluble aluminum, iron, and manganese on crop growth--effects often associated with acid soils. Maintaining a suitable pH assures adequate levels of calcium and magnesium. Liming an acid soil increases the availability of most essential plant nutrients, increases the efficiency of fertilizers, improves the effectiveness of some herbicides, and makes beneficial soil organisms more active.

Overview Of Sand And Gravel Resources Of Kentucky, Preston Mcgrain

Report of Investigations--KGS

Sand and gravel represent Kentucky's second-most important source of mineral construction material, being exceeded only by limestone. However, deposits which meet most requirements and specifications for aggregates are not evenly distributed. This report is an overview of the sand and gravel resources of Kentucky, summarizing data gathered from literature search and personal observations.

Principal production of sand and gravel in Kentucky is concentrated in the channels and valleys of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Approximately two-thirds of Kentucky's current production is derived from floating dredge operations in the Ohio River itself and glacial outwash deposits of Wisconsin age along its …

Molybdenum Nutrition Of Crops In Kentucky, J. L. Sims

Soil Science News and Views

Molybdenum (Mo) is one of eight micronutrient elements required for the growth of plants. Research conducted in California nearly 40 years ago established its need for plant growth. Mo deficiencies have been reported throughout the world, especially on acid soils in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Generally, the Mo requirement of leguminous crops is greater than for non~legumes, but many non-leguminous field and vegetable crops have responded to additions of fertilizer Mo under severe deficiency conditions. Of all the nutrient elements required by plants for growth, Mo is needed in smallest amounts.

Use Of Magnesium (Mg) For Crop Production In Kentucky, John H. Grove

Soil Science News and Views

Magnesium (Mg) is an important element in the nutrition of plants and animals, although it has long been considered a "secondary" nutrient for plants. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are "primary'' nutrients and are usually given the greatest consideration in crop fertility programs. However, as yield levels have risen, more attention has been directed towards Mg and other nutrient elements. Concern about hypomagnesemia (grass tetany) in ruminants (cattle, sheep) has led to particular concern about soil and plant Mg levels.

Soil Surveys In Kentucky, Harry Hudson Bailey

Soil Science News and Views

Fifty-four Kentucky counties have modern soil surveys (published 1959, or later) using the mapping and soil classification procedures of the National Cooperative Soil Survey. The cooperators in the program include the USDA-SCS, USDA-FS, Kentucky Department for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station.

The Status Of Sulfur Fertilization Of Crops In Kentucky, Lloyd W. Murdock

Soil Science News and Views

Sulfur has long been recognized as being essential for the growth of plants and animals due to it being necessary for production of several amino acids. Although regarded as a "secondary" element, it is required by plants in fairly high amounts, very similar to that of phosphorus. Sulfur deficiency symptoms in plants are somewhat similar to those of nitrogen since an overall uniform pale-green leaf color develops. Sulfur deficiencies are often found in crops growing on sandy soils with low organic matter content.

Influence Of Soil Type On Nitrogen Fertilization Of Corn, Grant W. Thomas

Soil Science News and Views

In Kentucky, response of corn to nitrogen fertilizer is influenced strongly by soil characteristics. These soil properties are of both a permanent and temporary nature.

Water Relationships Of Kentucky Soils, Ronald E. Phillips, Grant W. Thomas

Soil Science News and Views

Plant water stress is the most limiting single factor in crop production in Kentucky. It almost always occurs sometime during July and/or August even though it's variability makes it hard to predict. Even though the 1979 growing season was an exception to this generalization the 1980 growing season was a vivid reminder of this fact especially in Western Kentucky.

Conservation Tillage Practices, Monroe Rasnake

Soil Science News and Views

The loss of topsoil from farmlands has become a serious problem in some parts of Kentucky. During the past 20 years, grain crop acreage has tripled. The production of soybeans, which leaves the soil in a condition more susceptible to erosion, has grown from almost none to 1.7 million acres. Much of this increased acreage has come at the expense of soil conserving crops such as hay and pasture on sloping class II and III land with an erosion hazard. Use of large equipment, larger fields, chemical weed control, etc., has added to the scope of the problem with which …

Hydrology And Water Quality In The Central Kentucky Karst: Phase 1, James F. Quinlan, Donald R. Rowe

KWRRI Research Reports

Study of springs and cave streams has shown that heavy metal-rich effluent from a wastewater treatment plant can be traced to Hidden River Cave (beneath the city of Horse Cave) and thence 4 to 5 miles north to a group of 39 springs at 14 locations along a 5-mile reach of Green River. Nickel, chromium, copper and zinc in these effluent-bearing springs are in concentrations of as much as 30 times greater than other springs upstream and downstream from this reach, 20 times greater than the Green River, and 60 times greater than in shallow domestic wells between Horse Cave …

Oil And Gas Geology Of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, William D. Rose

Bulletin--KGS

This report presents an overall study of the geologic occurrence of oil and gas in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Includes a systematic description of all oil and gas pools within the County, structure and stratigraphy diagrams, and maps.

Wild Life In Kentucky, William Delbert Funkhouser

Report of Investigations--KGS

The reptiles, birds and mammals of the Commonwealth, with a discussion of their appearance, habits and economic importance. Illustrated with ninety photographs, maps and diagrams.

Two images have been redacted for reasons related to NAGPRA, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

Report On The Geology And Coals Of The Central City, Madisonville, Calhoun, And Newberg Quadrangles (In Muhlenberg, Hopkins, Ohio, Mclean, Webster, Daviess, And Henderson Counties), F M. Hutchinson

Bulletin--KGS

A report on coal viability and other natural resources in Central City, Madisonville, Calhoun, and Newburg Quadrangles (in Muhlenberg, Hopkins, Ohio, McLean, Webster, Daviess, and Henderson Counties), Kentucky.

• General Geology - pp 3 - 27
• Central City Quadrangle - pp 28 - 68
• Madisonville Quadrangle - pp 69 - 98
• Calhoun Quadrangle - pp 99 - 116
• Newberg Quadrangle - pp 117 - 127

Some Kentucky Clays, Including Kaolinic, Plastic And Fire Clays: Clays In Several Parts Of Kentucky, With Some Account Of Sands, Marls And Limestones, Aug Foerste, James H. Gardner

Bulletin--KGS

The bulletin is preliminary in character and is offered now simply in order to meet the urgent calls for all information concerning our clays that is at present available. A more comprehensive report, in which not only the geology and distribution of our clays, but also their technological values, will be given, will follow in due course.

Data for such a bulletin are being gathered as rapidly as circumstances will permit. Among the clays upon which more field work is required are some of those associated with the coals and Conglomerate Measures of the Eastern Coalfield; those in other Lower …