In a recent update from Iowa State University (ISU) Extension (“Estimating costs of crop production vital for 2020 farm businesses“), Alejandro Plastina explained that, “Thin profit margins in corn and soybean production have become the norm over the past five years, increasing the need for proper budgeting and marketing strategies among crop producers.” The ISU update noted that, “On average, the total […]
Plant disease issues are faced by the agricultural community each year in some shape or form. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, nematodes, Fungi, and fungal like organisms. However, disease development is an event that requires several components. Furthermore, the development of disease at levels that significantly reduce yield loss is determined by multiple factors. […]
The leaching of nitrate to groundwater and the increasing occurrence of groundwater with excessive nitrate levels for human consumption are of major concern in Nebraska. The amount of leached NO3– depends on soil NO3– concentration at different soil depth layers and the quantity of water movement downward through these soil layers to beyond the root zone. Nitrate-N […]
Additional authors: Andrew Evans, OSU Horticulture & Crop Science and John Armstrong, Ohio Seed Improvement Association 2019 was full of challenges, including what to do with purchased seed that did not get planted. If the purchased seed was not returned and was stored with intent to use it in the 2020 season, producers should consider […]
Craft breweries aren’t just a fun place to meet up with friends. They may be fueling an unprecedented geographic expansion of hop production across the U.S., according to researchers at Penn State and The University of Toledo. Their findings suggest that as more craft breweries emerge around the country, so may new opportunities for farmers. […]
With the Christmas holiday just days away, this week’s post shares three facts about U.S. Christmas tree production. 1) Fewer Christmas Trees Harvested Figure 1 shows a trend of fewer Christmas trees being harvested in the U.S. Specifically, recent Censuses of Agriculture show that roughly 15 million Christmas trees were harvested in 2017, down from […]
Crediting some of the nitrate-N applied in irrigation water for determination of fertilizer-N rates has long been advised in Nebraska. However, other essential nutrients applied through irrigation have not been directly credited in fertilizer use decisions but some may have been credited through the interpretation of soil test results. The essential soil-derived nutrients for crop […]
Snow has now fallen throughout much of Illinois, and temperatures have dropped going into the last weeks in 2019. With the recent Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy biennial report highlighting P and N levels in Illinois waterways, this is a good time to review the application of nutrients on frozen and/or snow-covered soils. Last spring, […]
Alfalfa is often called the “Queen of the Forages” due to its high yield, feed quality for ruminant animals, nitrogen fixation and pollinator habitat among other environmental services. But this royal member of the legume family is no match against the host of microbes that cause the disease complex known as “crown rot.” Chemical controls […]
Soil sampling and testing are essential to determine soil properties and fertility levels to make good management decisions about fertilizer, manure, and lime application rates. Appropriate nutrient and amendment applications can increase crop yield, reduce input cost, and minimize environmental impact. Soil testing becomes inexpensive when compared to the total investment in crops and fertilizers. […]