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Articles 91 - 120 of 183
Full-Text Articles in Soil Science
Contending With Soil Compaction, Kenneth L. Wells, Lloyd W. Murdock
Contending With Soil Compaction, Kenneth L. Wells, Lloyd W. Murdock
Soil Science News and Views
Most compaction results from use of machinery on soil which is too wet to work well, or from overworking soil and destroying natural structure. The resultant pressure from tires and tillage tools compresses more soil into a given volume. Regardless of reason, the proportion of solid soil material relative to total volume of soil increases. In the process, natural soil aggregates are broken down and large pores become smaller, generally resulting in soil more difficult for plant roots to penetrate.
Canola: A New Cash Crop For Kentucky, James H. Herbek, Lloyd W. Murdock, Dan Kirkland, T. Gray
Canola: A New Cash Crop For Kentucky, James H. Herbek, Lloyd W. Murdock, Dan Kirkland, T. Gray
Soil Science News and Views
For the past few years, Kentucky farmers have become more interested in "alternative" cash crops for their farming operations. One such crop that is starting to receive attention is Canola. Classified as an oil crop, Canola is a type of oilseed rape. Rape is a member of the mustard family and is closely related to turnip. cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and mustards. It is a cool-season annual and an important oilseed crop in many parts of the world that is used for both human consumption and industrial purposes. Major rapeseed production areas are in Europe and Canada. The seed contains approximately …
Update On Ridge-Tillage In Kentucky, David C. Ditsch, Monroe Rasnake
Update On Ridge-Tillage In Kentucky, David C. Ditsch, Monroe Rasnake
Soil Science News and Views
Grain crop producers in Kentucky are constantly evaluating various tillage systems that will best fit their particular cropping environment. One such tillage system that has shown some promise primarily in the mid-west is a system referred to as ridge-tillage. Ridge-till is basically a system by which a grain producer plants his crop on an elevated row that is maintained each year during cultivation for week control. The same ridge is re-used year after year thereby developing a controlled traffic pattern. Since the cultivation procedure is also recommended for maintaining the ridge, many ridge-till farmers have reduced their herbicide cost by …
Effect Of Crop Rotation On Corn And Soybean Yields, James H. Herbek, Lloyd W. Murdock, T. Gray
Effect Of Crop Rotation On Corn And Soybean Yields, James H. Herbek, Lloyd W. Murdock, T. Gray
Soil Science News and Views
Yield of both corn and soybeans has been shown to increase when grown in a rotation as compared to continuous cropping of either of the two crops. These yield improvements are commonly associated with fewer disease, insect and weed problems; better soil tilth; and in the case of corn, a nitrogen contribution from the preceding soybean crop. One or a combination of these factors are believed to have an effect. In the past few decades the yield benefits of rotations were often overlooked as fertilizers and pesticides were used as a substitute for crop rotation. However, research has shown that …
Carryover Effect Of New Soybean Herbicides On Corn, William W. Witt, J. A. Mills, G. L. Schmitz
Carryover Effect Of New Soybean Herbicides On Corn, William W. Witt, J. A. Mills, G. L. Schmitz
Soil Science News and Views
Scepter, Canopy, Gemini, Classic, and Command are new soybean herbicides which were introduced in 1986 and are being used in Kentucky. These herbicides have gained widespread popularity because of their excellent control of cocklebur, pigweeds, morningglories, and velvetleaf. In addition, they can be applied in a variety of ways which makes them attractive to the soybean producer. However, these herbicides do have potential shortcomings in that they can persist in the soil for several months and cause injury to rotational crops such as corn or wheat. Since greater than 60% of the soybeans grown in Kentucky are rotated to corn, …
The Conservation Reserve Program (Crp) And Conservation Compliance---Two Components Of The 1985 Farm Bill, Monroe Rasnake
The Conservation Reserve Program (Crp) And Conservation Compliance---Two Components Of The 1985 Farm Bill, Monroe Rasnake
Soil Science News and Views
The Conservation Reserve Program: This component of the 1985 Food Security Act is still open to participation by qualified landowners. Participation in CRP provides for farmers to be paid an annual rental fee for ten years to take highly erodible land out of row crop production and maintain a conservation cover crop. The annual rental fee for CRP land already signed up in Kentucky has averaged about 58 dollars per acre.
Maximum Net Returns From Fertilizers, Lloyd W. Murdock, Kenneth L. Wells, William O. Thom
Maximum Net Returns From Fertilizers, Lloyd W. Murdock, Kenneth L. Wells, William O. Thom
Soil Science News and Views
Considerable interest in trends taking place in the consumption of commercial fertilizers in Kentucky has been evident during the last two or three years. Due both to the stressed agricultural economy and to government programs, total tonnage has dropped significantly. This has made a direct impact on the fertilizer industry serving Kentucky. Concern has been expressed that UK is "telling farmers that they're using too much fertilizer", suggesting that this is the cause of the reduced volume experienced by many dealers. We hope to address this concern in such a way that UK's position regarding use of commercial fertilizers for …
Changes In Rainfall Patterns In Kentucky During The 1980'S, Kenneth L. Wells, R. E. Phillips, H. B. Rice
Changes In Rainfall Patterns In Kentucky During The 1980'S, Kenneth L. Wells, R. E. Phillips, H. B. Rice
Soil Science News and Views
Annual rainfall patterns in Kentucky have not been average during the 1980's. During this timespan there have been two droughts of statewide significance, and there has been wide variability within the state during most years. Because of this wide fluctuation, there has been some concern that rainfall patterns either are changing or have changed. In order to evaluate this concern, rainfall data from sites in western, south central, north central, east central, and eastern Kentucky were analyzed. An average amount of rainfall which would be predicted for these sites was calculated, using the average of that which fell annually from …
Nutrient Losses From Conventional And No-Till Cornfields, Robert L. Blevins, Wilbur Frye
Nutrient Losses From Conventional And No-Till Cornfields, Robert L. Blevins, Wilbur Frye
Soil Science News and Views
Farmers must be concerned about both the monetary loss and the threat of groundwater and surface water pollution associated with the loss of plant nutrients from their fields. There is also an increasing public concern about pollution and the role of agriculture in nonpoint-source pollution. Movement of water over the surface of the soil as well as through the soil profile increases the potential for loss of water-soluble nutrients, especially nitrates.
Potassium Mineralogy Of Kentucky Soils, Anastasios D. Karathanasis
Potassium Mineralogy Of Kentucky Soils, Anastasios D. Karathanasis
Soil Science News and Views
Feldspars and mica minerals are the two primary natural sources of potassium for most agricultural soils in Kentucky. Potassium feldspars are common mineral constituents of loess deposits in western Kentucky. Mica minerals, although dominant in shales, are also found in variable quantities in siltstone, sandstone and limestone parent materials of soils in the other regions of Kentucky. Because most of the soils in the western Coalfields and western Pennyroyal, and to a lesser extent in eastern Pennyroyal and Bluegrass, are covered by a loess cap of variable thickness, their surface mineralogy has been influenced by the feldspar-rich mineralogy of the …
Using Residual Soil Fertility Effectively, Grant W. Thomas
Using Residual Soil Fertility Effectively, Grant W. Thomas
Soil Science News and Views
During the past 30 years, the use of commercial fertilizer in Kentucky has resulted in increases in the levels of phosphorus and potassium in soils. As might be expected, the soil test levels are higher with tobacco than with any other crop. but all soils for all crops show increases in fertility levels. Comparisons between 1975 and 1985 (the latest year available) show the proportion of samples sent to the University of Kentucky that are medium or high in soil test phosphorus has increased considerably. Even more striking is the decrease in very low values of phosphorus.
Sludge For Agricultural Land, William O. Thom
Sludge For Agricultural Land, William O. Thom
Soil Science News and Views
Sludge is a product of municipal wastewater treatment with characteristics dependent on both the initial wastewater composition and the subsequent treatment processes used. The sludge composition influences the options that are available its use. For decades, the objective has been disposal. generally meaning that it was buried in a landfill or incinerated. Efforts in recent years have been directed toward application of sludge to agricultural land. Farmers should be aware of several potential problems when deciding whether or not to use sludge for such purposes.
Soil Microbes And Biotechnology, M. Scott Smith
Soil Microbes And Biotechnology, M. Scott Smith
Soil Science News and Views
There is nothing new about attempts to develop and market microbial products for crop or soil improvement. Several types of microbes have been sold for a variety of agronomic purposes for many years. With the important exception of rhizobial inoculants. these have been generally unsuccessful. Recently however. the scientific revolution in genetics and molecular biology, the need for low cost agronomic inputs. and widespread concern for environmental safety have tremendously stimulated research and commercial activity on microbial products. Claims that cheap, effective microbial inoculants can be developed for pest control, detoxifying pollutants, providing plant nutrients and improving soils have been …
Seedbed Preparation For Fall Seeded Alfalfa, Kenneth L. Wells, J. Kenneth Evans
Seedbed Preparation For Fall Seeded Alfalfa, Kenneth L. Wells, J. Kenneth Evans
Soil Science News and Views
With the increased interest developed during the past few years on production of alfalfa hay for cash sales, the acreage seeded each year has increased • And. although UK forage specialists prefer spring seeding of alfalfa to fall seeding. some growers will and should opt for fall seeding. This is particularly true on fields which have a history of legumes and/or are contaminated with Johnsongrass. Those who do so should begin planning now to have the seedbed prepared for planting by mid-August to mid-September.
Basic Steps In Laying Out A Land Tract To Optimize Forage Production And Intensive Grazing Management, Harold B. Rice, Kenneth L. Wells
Basic Steps In Laying Out A Land Tract To Optimize Forage Production And Intensive Grazing Management, Harold B. Rice, Kenneth L. Wells
Soil Science News and Views
Of the four major components of production ... land, labor, capital, and management ... land (soil) is the one which is the most basic. This ls because soil characteristics are largely "fixed" and determine, along with the climatic regime, the crop species which will perform best in a given field. For this reason. It Is basic in planning a cropping system to know root-zone physical and chemical characteristics of soils which occur on the tract being planned. With such information, crops can be matched to sell productivity to "make land as least limiting as possible." A good soils map is …
Control Measures For Manganese Toxicity Of Burley At Transplating Time, Kenneth L. Wells, J. L. Sims
Control Measures For Manganese Toxicity Of Burley At Transplating Time, Kenneth L. Wells, J. L. Sims
Soil Science News and Views
Manganese (Mn) toxicity of burley tobacco is viewed by tobacco specialists in Kentucky as the greatest single factor which reduces yields. Estimates are that this problem adds 30 to 50 million dollars to the cost of burley production because of the greater acreage (and all associated costs) required by growers to produce their allotment. And, even though the cause and cure of Mn toxicity has been known for about 50 years, many growers are caught each year at transplanting time with no knowledge as to whether Mn toxicity may be a problem in their fields. The solution to Mn toxicity …
Is Row Fertilizer Necessary For No-Till?, Lloyd W. Murdock, William O. Thom
Is Row Fertilizer Necessary For No-Till?, Lloyd W. Murdock, William O. Thom
Soil Science News and Views
Row fertilizer is an old practice which has been in and out of favor over the years. The use of row fertilizer and its benefits vary with the conditions. The efficiency of applied fertilizer is greatly increased by putting it beside the row and is very helpful on soils with a low soil test. For soils testing medium or high, a sufficient amount of nutrients exist in the soil so that additional fertilizer applied in the row will not increase yields. Regardless of soil test. row fertilizer will usually increase the vigor and early growth of a crop. Most of …
Basic Fertilizer Facts, Monroe Rasnake
Basic Fertilizer Facts, Monroe Rasnake
Soil Science News and Views
The "foods" used by green plants for growth and life functions are referred to as nutrients or fertilizer elements. There are 16 nutrients required for plant growth and development (See Table l). Although carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are found in plants in the greatest quantities. they are obtained by plants from air (carbon dioxide) and water rather than from fertilizers or the soil. Of the nutrients provided by the soil or from fertilizers. those required in large amounts are called PRIMARY nutrients. Those required in smaller amounts are called SECONDARY nutrients, while those needed in very small amounts are called …
Reversible Tile Subsurface Drainage And Irrigation, Monroe Rasnake, Lloyd W. Murdock
Reversible Tile Subsurface Drainage And Irrigation, Monroe Rasnake, Lloyd W. Murdock
Soil Science News and Views
There are more than 900.000 acres of cl ass IIw land and 800,000 acres of class IIIw land in Kentucky. All of this land is suitable for row crop farming if it can be drained. Most of the problems are with internal drainage, some of which can be improved by installing drainage title.
Acid Rain: A Problem On Agronomic Crops And Soils In Kentucky??, John H. Grove
Acid Rain: A Problem On Agronomic Crops And Soils In Kentucky??, John H. Grove
Soil Science News and Views
Although the general issue of atmospheric pollution is complex, the image of beautiful lakes without aquatic life has focussed public attention on the acidity, or pH, of rainfall. Kentucky does receive acid rain (see map). This discussion will seek to define atmospheric acidity and its deposition and describe reported effects on agronomic crops and soils.
Soil Conservation Provisions Of The 1985 Farm Bill, Monroe Rasnake, Lloyd W. Murdock, Craig Infanger
Soil Conservation Provisions Of The 1985 Farm Bill, Monroe Rasnake, Lloyd W. Murdock, Craig Infanger
Soil Science News and Views
The 1985 Farm Bill which was signed into law on December 23, 1985, contains 3 provisions relating to land use which will have a large impact on Kentucky farmers. The purpose of these provisions is to reduce cropland acreage on highly erodible lands and on wetlands. A description of them follows.
Economics Of Legume Cover Crops, Wilbur Frye
Economics Of Legume Cover Crops, Wilbur Frye
Soil Science News and Views
We have compared hairy vetch, big flower vetch, rye, and corn residue as winter cover treatments in no-tillage corn production since 1977. One of the objectives of this research is to determine the economic feasibility of using a legume cover crop to supply a portion of the nitrogen needs of a corn crop. Results reported here are based on corn yields obtained during 1977 through 1981 at Lexington and 1980 through 1985 at Princeton.
Effect Of Soil Water Stress And Irrigation On Growth, Yield And Quality Of Burley Tobacco, Ronald E. Phillips, J. E. Leggett
Effect Of Soil Water Stress And Irrigation On Growth, Yield And Quality Of Burley Tobacco, Ronald E. Phillips, J. E. Leggett
Soil Science News and Views
An experiment was conducted for a period of three years, 1982, 1983 and 1984, in order to evaluate the effects of soil water stress and irrigation on growth, yield and quality of burley tobacco at Spindletop Farm, Lexington. The variety KY 21 was grown all three years. Three treatments were used in the experiment: (1) check, rainfall only, not irrigated, (2) well watered, rainfall plus supplemental irrigation, and (3) water stressed beginning 50 days after transplanting. The soil of treatment 3 was covered with black plastic to prevent rainfall from entering the soil.
Soil Erosion With Different Tillage And Cropping Systems, Monroe Rasnake, Wilbur Frye, David C. Ditsch, Robert L. Blevins
Soil Erosion With Different Tillage And Cropping Systems, Monroe Rasnake, Wilbur Frye, David C. Ditsch, Robert L. Blevins
Soil Science News and Views
Corn and soybeans are produced on approximately three million acres of Kentucky farmland each year. L 1ttle soil loss occurs when these crops are grown on nearly level or gently sloping land. However, much of the grain production is on sloping land that is cultivated every year and often excessive soil erosion occurs. If a field is allowed to erode excessively for several years, the soil usually becomes less productive. Soil removed in runoff may pollute lakes and streams or cover highly productive soil with low quality sediments.
Ridge-Tillage: Advantages And Disadvantages, David C. Ditsch
Ridge-Tillage: Advantages And Disadvantages, David C. Ditsch
Soil Science News and Views
Ridge-Till is a crop production system that has become increasingly popular with grain producers in some areas of the mid-west. This unique tillage system may provide some Kentucky farmers with an alternative method of planting. Limited information on the adaptability of ridge-till on Kentucky soils and climatic conditions make it important that growers investigate the system thoroughly to determine how it would fit into their operation before deciding to change. Ridge-till involves planting on elevated rows that remain undisturbed after establishment. One or more cultivations are then made during the early part of each growing season to improve weed control, …
Timing N-P-K Fertilizer To Burley Tobacco, J. L. Sims
Timing N-P-K Fertilizer To Burley Tobacco, J. L. Sims
Soil Science News and Views
Recent changes in the Federal tobacco program (causing reduced income to growers} coupled with high fertilizer and other production costs have stimulated interest in fertilization practices that increase efficiency of tobacco production. Practices that increase yields and/or quality of cured leaf without increasing production costs should result in increased profit. Research conducted by Agronomists at the University of Kentucky indicates increased yield is possible through proper timing of fertilizer applications, split applications, and in some cases by banding applications.
Effect Of Soil Mineral Variability On Soil Use And Management, Anastasios D. Karathanasis
Effect Of Soil Mineral Variability On Soil Use And Management, Anastasios D. Karathanasis
Soil Science News and Views
Soil mineralogical variability arises from two factors. The mineralogical composition of the parent material and the degree to which the original composition has been modified by external soil forming factors and internal soil building processes during the course of weathering. Different stages of soil weathering are represented by different mineralogical compositions and therefore a different combination of physical and chemical properties. Some soil scientists have divided these weathering stages into fresh, juvenile, virile, senile, and lateritic. The ability of soil to provide nutrients to plants reaches a maximum at the beginning of the virile stage and then declines rapidly with …
Cutting Production Costs In 1986, Kenneth L. Wells, John H. Grove
Cutting Production Costs In 1986, Kenneth L. Wells, John H. Grove
Soil Science News and Views
With the stressful economic situation that continues to face Kentucky farmers in 1986, the College of Agriculture is continually asked, "What are some of the things which can be done to ease the cost-price squeeze?" In response to this question, the following suggestions for improved, more cost efficient soil and crop production management are offered: These management techniques to get the highest possible yields without added costs are sometimes overlooked although they can offer increased yield potential at no added cost.
Use Of Nitrification Inhibitors On Wheat, Lloyd W. Murdock
Use Of Nitrification Inhibitors On Wheat, Lloyd W. Murdock
Soil Science News and Views
Nitrogen is one of the most important inputs 1in wheat production, but sometimes one of the most difficult to manage. Sources of nitrogen commonly used in Kentucky have most or all of their nitrogen in the ammonium (NH+4) form or forms readily converted to NH+4 (anhydrous ammonia 100%, urea 100%, N-solutions 75%, ammonium nitrate 50%), The ammonium form of nitrogen is used by the plant and retained in the soil with little chance 2f loss, In soils with temperatures above 50°F the ammonium is converted to the nitrate (NO3) form of nitrogen. Nitrate …
Fertilizer Use Changes In The U.S. And Kentucky, Monroe Rasnake, Dan Kirkland
Fertilizer Use Changes In The U.S. And Kentucky, Monroe Rasnake, Dan Kirkland
Soil Science News and Views
The use of inorganic fertilizers for crop production is perhaps the most successful educational program ever attempted by Land-Grant Colleges, the Tennessee Valley Authority and other agencies. Not many producers in the United States or the world will attempt to grow a crop without the use of fertilizers. In fact, some producers over fertilize and in recent years, the educational program has been aimed at teaching producers to limit fertilizer applications to what is actually needed based on soil tests and cropping conditions.