Welcome
DROUGHT NEWS: Environmental causes of white heads in wheat
White heads have been showing up in Oklahoma wheat fields over the past few weeks. Some of the white heads are due to diseases, but the majority of white heads are due to the combined effects of heat and drought. This newsletter article describes what is going on inside of the plant to result in white wheat heads.
DROUGHT NEWS: What can we expect from summer pastures this year?
We have observed a very early green up this spring for nearly all of our summer grass pastures. Some of these may have even come out of dormancy as early as late February. In most cases, this is 3 or 4 earlier than normal. This newsletter article addresses the current conditions for continued recovery of drought-damaged pastures.
New Fact Sheet: Cotton Yield Goal N Rec.
Over the past five decades cotton production has dramatically changed. Boll weevil resistance, improved genetics and improved agronomics has lead to a 3x increase in the average lint yield across Oklahoma. Fact Sheet PSS-2158 describes the changes in the crops need for nitrogen since yield goal N rates were first established years ago and how as a group we have changed the yield goal recommendation from 60 lbs N per bale to 50 lbs N per bale.
Seeding rates for peanut in 2012
As the peanut planting season is nearing, decisions have to be made as far as seeding rate and variety selection. Variety selection has probably already been made at this point, however, this year has brought new challenges due to poor seed quality and lack of seed. Therefore, the question is can I reduce my seeding rate to make seed cover more acres?
Start looking for Variegated Cutworms in Canola, PRONTO!
Several canola fields in Western Oklahoma have been invaded by variegated cutworm caterpillars. Oklahoma canola growers and crop advisers should be scouting immediately for signs of the cutworms feeding on pods.
Armyworm moth flights = check your wheat!
Wheat producers in northern TX are battling armyworms and moths have made north of the Red River. Oklahoma wheat producers and advisors should be on guard over the coming weeks and check frequently for armyworm activity. The linked article provides pictures and treatment guidelines.
Lodged wheat and physiological leaf speckling
Recent storms have resulted in lodged wheat around the state of Oklahoma. This article provides a few pointers on determining yield potential and management of downed wheat. There are also pictures and information about a phenomenon called physiological leaf speckling / spotting / flecking.
This year the crop is well ahead of schedule and many locations are showing signs of nitrogen deficiencies. This article addresses nitrogen applications post hollow stem.
Bird cherry oat aphids in wheat: they have something to eat this year
This is the fifth in a series of five newsletter articles focusing on Pasture Recovery Following Drought in warm-season grass pastures. This article provides critical information on recommendations for recovery of drought stressed pastures.
Winter Grain Mite in Wheat
This is the fourth in a series of five newsletter articles focusing on Pasture Recovery Following Drought in warm-season grass pastures. This article provides critical information on the approach for post-drought pasture management focusing on grazing and harvest deferment as a tool for post-drought recovery.
2012 Plant Science Academy at OSU
Are you curious about growing food for a growing population and conserving the health of the environment? If so, you should consider attending the Plant Science Academy at Oklahoma State University on June 6 through June 8, 2012.
Starter Fertilizer Management for Soybean in Oklahoma
This is a summary of a starter fertilizer project that was conducted with dryland soybean in Oklahoma. The summary contains early season growth measurements as well as tissue nutrient concentrations.
Starter Fertilizer Management for Corn in Oklahoma
This is a summary of a starter fertilizer project that was conducted with dryland corn in north central Oklahoma. The summary contains early season growth measurements as well as tissue nutrient concentrations.
DROUGHT NEWS: Pasture recovery following drought: fertilization as a tool
This is the third in a series of five newsletter articles focusing on Pasture Recovery Following Drought in warm-season grass pastures. This article provides critical information on the approach for post-drought pasture management focusing on fertilization as a tool for post-drought recovery.
Two new wheat varieties released
Dr. Brett Carver announced the release of two new wheat varieties at the 2012 OCIA meeting. Varieties Gallagher (OK07214) and Iba (OK07209) off significant advantages to wheat producers in the southern Great Plains.
Freeze injury to wheat
I have received several calls over the past few days regarding yellow/brown areas in wheat fields. Most of the symptoms are similar to the pictures below and are the result of freeze injury that occurred a few weeks ago.
Spring oat as a forage crop
There are currently few opportunities remaining to produce late-winter to early-spring forage if you did not plant wheat pasture, annual ryegrass, or fall-fertilize tall fescue. One option to consider that may offer some hope for relief is spring-planted oat. Oat can be planted in late winter through early spring for pasture or hay.
DROUGHT NEWS: Pasture recovery following drought: approach for post-drought pasture management
This is the second in a series of five newsletter articles focusing on Pasture Recovery Following Drought in warm-season grass pastures. This article provides critical information on the approach for post-drought pasture management focusing on weed control as a tool for post-drought recovery.
Start Looking For Army Cutworms in Alfalfa, Canola and Wheat
This is the time of year when army cutworm activity will become visible. Mark Gregory, Area Agronomy Specialist in SW Oklahoma sent in some digital photos of army cutworms to the Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Lab that were collected from a canola field in Washita County. Army cutworms can cause severe stand loss in canola and winter wheat if numbers exceed thresholds and are not controlled.
2012 Herbicide Update
Since the start of 2012, there have been two announcements made regarding herbicide name changes: PowerFlex HL (a new, higher concentration formulation of PowerFlex) for use in wheat and Liberty (name change from Ignite) for use in Liberty Link crops and non-crop situations.
Sensor Based Nitrogen Recommendation (SBNRC) Technology Update
For the more than 500,000 acres of winter wheat in Oklahoma that have an N-Rich strip in them, this year the mild winter weather pattern is causing a need to adjust the values inputted into the SBNRC calculator. This current winter has seen an abnormally high number of days with an average daily temperature between 35° and 40° F. This creates an unrealistically high yield potential and faulty nitrogen rate recommendation. This article outlines what is happening to the SBNRC and how to make the correction so that a correct yield potential and N rate is calculated. The adjustment is easily preformed and makes sound agronomic sense.
DROUGHT NEWS: Pasture recovery following drought: damage assessment and recovery
This is the first in a series of five newsletter articles focusing on Pasture Recovery Following Drought in warm-season grass pastures. This article provides critical information on damage assessment and recovery.
In no-till production systems, weeds such as marestail and Italian ryegrass typically become more difficult to control as they become bigger and may not be adequately controlled with a preplant herbicide application. As a result, to prepare for spring and summer crops, it may be necessary to begin controlling weeds well in advance of planting with burndown and early-preplant treatments in the fall or winter. This Production Technology report discusses some of the benefits and potential concerns with fall- and winter-fallow weed management.
2012 Northwest Oklahoma Grain Sorghum Educational Program Series
Monday, January 30 thru Friday February 3rd please check flier for date, time, and location in your area.
Marestail control in winter wheat
Marestail, also known as horseweed or mule's tail, has become an increasingly difficult-to-control weed in winter wheat and no-till production systems. This Production Technology report summarizes research from 2011 where several herbicide options were evaluated for marestail control. Regardless of the herbicide used, treatments should be applied when plants are still in the rosette growth stage and before they have bolted to maximize herbicide performance and marestail control.
Time to watch the fields for nitrogen need
Soil test results from this summer often showed high amounts of residual nitrates. If you were to travel the state looking at N-Rich strips you would see many of these showing up in fields that had significant amounts of residual nitrogen. This article addresses the aspects of the nitrogen cycle that have led to these fields now showing nitrogen deficiencies. Once again the N-Rich strip method is proving to be a great tool for winter wheat producers.
Scholarship Opportunity
OSU’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences announces the initiation of a new scholarship program available to any 10-12th grade student in public, private or home school. Improving Conservation through Experimentation (ICE) consist of three components: Research, Report and Presentation. The top ten will receive free registration to the conference, lodging and $100 travel stipend. Scholarships to the PSS Department will be awarded to the top three presenters .
Tank-mixing herbicides to improve weed control in winter wheat
Tank-mixing herbicides is a simple way to broaden the spectrum of weeds that can be controlled in a single application. In addition to improving weed control, tank-mixing herbicides from multiple modes of action is also an important step in the prevention and management of herbicide-resistant weeds. While most herbicides can be tank-mixed with one another, there are some situations where the combination of two or more herbicides may have a detrimental effect on weed control or increase the potential for crop injury. Always read each product's label and check for specific information regarding compatibility, use rate, and recommendations for adjuvants and/or surfactants.
Is spring wheat a viable option in Oklahoma?
Farmers with acres that didn't get sown to wheat are looking for options, and some have asked about spring wheat. The OSU Small Grains Extension Program does not currently work with spring wheat, but previous research indicates yield potential of spring wheat in Oklahoma is 50% or less of winter wheat. Producers considering spring wheat production should compare the economics of spring wheat versus alternatives such as oat, haygrazer, soybean and grain sorghum.
Including an insecticide with top dress nitrogen will save passes across the field, but will it kill the aphids? It turns out that most insecticides used for greenbugs don't kill very well until temperatures rise above 55 F. The insecticide will hang around for about two weeks and provide about 70 - 80% control if temperatures rise during this time period. While not as good as under warm conditions, this is enough control to set aphid populations back. It is also important to remember that it is a waste of money to include insecticides with top dress if aphids are not present.
The southern Great Plains wheat pest management program needs survey data to determine how you use the internet to access agricultural information. Please consider participating in the survey linked in the following file
All crops in the southern Great Plains were affected by the 2011 drought. This includes sorghum fields being produced for seed. As a result, sorghum seed shortages are likely for 2012, so book your seed now.
When is it too cold to spray weeds?
With the recent rains and mild temperatures, the wheat and canola crops are well established in many parts of the state. As well, many of the winter weeds are also off to a great start. As we move into December, the question "How cold is too cold for herbicide applications?" is often asked. This article will discuss some of the considerations to weigh before making a winter herbicide application.
Recent rainfall across much of Oklahoma and the southern Great Plains has dramatically improved the potential for winter pastures and early spring forage production. However, it will not much effect on summer pastures. Since we do not know the growing conditions next spring and summer, it is important to develop a strategy to speed pasture recovery. The most important strategy will be to avoid the temptation to begin grazing as soon as plants begin their spring growth.
The abundance of smartphones, tablet computers, and laptops provides the opportunity to quickly find answers for many difficult questions you face in the day-to-day operations on your farm. For weed control in particular, there are several mobile and online resources that can help you make informed decisions regarding pesticides and their use rates. This article highlights some of these useful (and free) smartphone apps and websites.
2011 OSU Winter Crop School
Registration for the 2011 OSU Winter Crop School is now open. View the linked flyer for a tentative list of speakers and registration information.
Current Report Breaks Down Pre-mix Herbicides for Winter Wheat
Many
herbicide options for winter wheat comprise multiple
herbicide active ingredients to broaden the spectrum of weed species the
product will control. Herbicides are also combined to include
additional herbicide modes of action so that development of
herbicide-resistant weeds can be prevented or delayed. This current
report (CR-2785) lists several pre-mix herbicides that are labeled for
use in winter wheat and the equivalent rates of the individual
herbicide components.
Grass Weed Control in Winter Wheat
Winter annual grasses are typically the most difficult weeds to control in wheat. With the recent rainfall and warm temperatures, winter grasses will soon be growing and competing with wheat for available moisture and nutrients. Within the next few weeks, it will be necessary to scout each field and properly identify the grasses and choose the appropriate herbicides.
2011 Nutrient Deficiency Photo Contest Winners
Several great images where sent in over the 2010-2011
cropping season. After looking at all of
the photos five winners were selected.
Take a look at the article to see the images and winning
photographers. The contest starts new
again with the 2011-2012 winter crops and 2012 summer crops. We of course would like to see even more
photos in more crops this season. File is large so it may take time to download.
Dry Fall = Plant Vampires in Wheat (and Canola)
A hot, dry summer like we have experienced can drive many plant feeding insects to look for any green, succulent plants to snack on until they die or hibernate for the winter.
Diamondback Moths in Seedling Canola?
Be on the lookout for armyworms in wheat and canola fields. Several reports have come in indicating high populations of armyworms in fields already this fall.
Majoring in Plant and Soil Sciences
Why major in Plant and
Soil Sciences? In 2010, OSU Plant and Soil Sciences students received
average scholarships of $2,600 and students reported 100% employment
upon graduation. Not to mention study abroad opportunities and exciting
degree options. Learn more in the linked article.
DROUGHT NEWS: Getting Winter Canola Established before Winter Dormancy-How Late is too late to plant?
Dry seedbed conditions continue to exist in many parts of Oklahoma as we approach the tail-end of the canola planting window. However, we still have time to plant and have a good chance to establish winter hardy canola stands. Canola plants require an adequate amount of time (4-6 weeks) to develop leaf area and begin photosynthesis to enable carbohydrate storage in roots.
DROUGHT NEWS: Time to Dust in Wheat?
Dusting
in wheat without subsoil moisture this September was questionable.
Providing that October brings cooler temperatures, however, dusting in
winter wheat might now be an acceptable option. This article provides a
few tips for dusting in wheat.
Nitrogen Requirement for Winter Wheat
Nitrogen requirement for grain-only wheat is a fairly straight forward calculation with the assistance of a recent soil test. There are a few additional steps required when calculating N requirements for dual-purpose or forage only production. This article provides information on the adjustments to make when using one of these systems.
Modifying John Deere Vacuum Meters to Seed Canola with a Sorghum Disk
Over the past season or two, there has been some interest in using row crop planters to seed canola. Since most manufacturers do not specifically offer disks or plates for canola seed, producers are required to use other plates. With input from some innovative producers and a little testing, we have developed some guidelines for adapting sorghum plates to meter canola with a John Deere vacuum planter.
DROUGHT NEWS: Residual Soil Nitrate Levels Following a Drought
Over 45% of the nearly 2000 soils samples submitted to OSU’s SWFAL testing labs have had soil nitrate levels above 40 lbs N per acre. Looking at current soil moisture and the forecast of another La Nina event putting out all of your nitrogen pre-plant for a typical yield goal would be ill advised. This article discusses the results and the importance of soil testing and the N-Rich strip for the 2011-2012 winter wheat crop.
Managing Pod-feeding Insects in Soybean
In areas of the state where we still have healthy soybean plants we have observed an increase in pod-feeding caterpillar. This article addresses which pests to monitor during pod fill in this year’s soybean crop.
Italian ryegrass, also known as Marshall ryegrass, continues to be one of the most problematic weeds in winter wheat fields throughout Oklahoma. This article summarizes research conducted during 2010-2011 that compared single applications of Axiom, Axial XL, and two-pass herbicide programs. Results from these trials show that two-pass herbicide programs of Axiom followed by Axial XL eliminate early-season Italian ryegrass competition, improve weed control, and maximize winter wheat yields.
Glyphosate-Resistant Weeds on the Rise in Oklahoma
After recent trips through north-central and eastern Oklahoma, my fear is that multiple glyphosate-resistant weeds, including Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, and marestail, have now established a firm foothold in several areas around the state, meaning that weed control is going to be much more complicated in the near future. While producers may be ready to move on from this summer, the increasing issue of glyphosate-resistant weeds and their ability to quickly spread is too large to ignore.
Heat Damage in Stored Wheat
Storing grain at high temperatures can adversely affect germination potential. While the extreme heat of 2011 has made heat-induced sterilization in stored wheat possible, it is not probable. Growers who want to put their mind at ease should conduct an at-home germination test as described in the linked article.
Managing Drought-stressed Pasture
The recent rains in many locations over the past several weeks have resulted in some pastures beginning to show signs of life. Even though the temptation is to begin grazing these pastures immediately, there are a couple of areas of concern. The following article on Managing Drought-damaged Pastures offers some insight into the recovery of these pastures.
Herbicide How-to: Maximizing glyphosate activity
Winter Canola Insurance Deadline
With the continued shortage of hay, peanut producers will most likely be enticed to bale peanut residue after harvest to sell. A simple way to consider the base value of the hay is too consider the amounts of N, P, and K that is removed with the hay. On average, peanut hay will contain 1.7% N, 0.35% P2O5, and 2.1% K2O.
DROUGHT NEWS: Peanut Peg and Pod Development
With the continued hot and dry weather patterns, many peanut producers are wondering if and when the peanut plants will begin to set pods. Several factors determine pod set and these conditions have not been present the last month.
DROUGHT NEWS: Subsoil Moisture Considerations for the Up Coming Wheat Crop
The
record temperatures and persistent drought this summer has generally
depleted the moisture of most soils in Oklahoma as is evident from
Mesonet soil moisture data. However, this does not necessarily hold
true for our cropland. Soil samples collected near Stillwater to a
depth of 4ft showed that summer fallowed soils contained 2.5 inches
more water than the soil at the nearby Mesonet station. In contrast,
soil moisture under a standing corn crop was similar to that of the
Mesonet station. These differences should be taken into account when
allocating pre-plant inputs for the upcoming wheat crop.
DROUGHT NEWS: Potential for herbicide carryover in a drought year
With the lingering drought conditions, many producers are wondering about the effect of dry weather on herbicide carryover as they prepare for fall planting. While dry weather will slow herbicide breakdown in the soil, there are several other factors to consider when deciding if it will be safe to plant this fall.
Winter canola has been shown to respond to sulfur fertilization in Canada and some parts of the United States. We evaluated canola response to sulfur fertilization at Perkins, OK and did not find a significant response to sulfur fertilization; however, a soil test is needed to determine if sulfur fertilization is likely to pay for itself on your farm.
Short or nonexistent pastures and tight hay supplies mean that producers will be anxious to get wheat pasture going as soon as possible. Wheat can be sown for pasture as mid August in Oklahoma, but there are a few cautionary items to consider prior to sowing wheat this early.
DROUGHT NEWS:Desperate times call for desperate measures
Most of the summer pastures in Oklahoma are showing signs of drought
with many acres of bermudagrass pastures grazed extremly short.
Predictions are for the current dry weather to continue at least through the
end of October. Based on this, coupled with the lack of available hay,
are there any pasture options that offer any hope to the continued forage
shortage?
DROUGHT NEWS: What is the nutrient value of baled corn stalks
The hot and dry weather this summer has had devastating impact on all
dry land crops and hay supplies are extremely tight. As a result, many producers
are considering baling failed corn and soybean for use as hay. When making this
decision, it is important to consider the nutrients contained in the failed
crop residue and the value they have if left on the field for subsequent crops.
Things to know about drilling mud land application
More land is used for spreading drilling wastes due to increased oil and
gas exploration in Oklahoma. Consequently, many landowners, extension staff,
and consultants are concerned about issues related to land application of
drilling mud. This article contains brief answers to address some of those
concerns.
Effect of planting date and seed treatment on disease and insect pests
of wheat
As much as 60% of wheat in Oklahoma is sown early with the intent of
being used as a dual-purpose crop. While early sowing increases forage growth,
it also presents some problems regarding disease and insect pests of wheat.
Current Report 7088 describes some of these issues and provides an apples to
apples comparison of seed treatments currently available to farmers.
Future of Precision Ag GPS could be Hampered
In an attempt to salvage something from drought-stricken corn fields, many growers have baled dried corn plants for use as hay. Whenever the hay contains ears with kernels, there is a risk of aflatoxin contamination. This article by Dr. Thomas Isakeit from Texas A&M provides a few items to consider.
DROUGHT NEWS: Options for high nitrate forages
Once again, we are under an extreme drought with July and August still to come. Pasture and forage production has slowed, if not stopped in much of the southern Great Plains. There are many acres of dryland corn and, surprisingly, some irrigated corn showing signs of drought damage. Because of the need for forage in the drought region, there are questions about the best way to manage these acres for forage. The following article addresses some of the options for using drought-damaged corn as an emergency forage.
DROUGHT NEWS: Johnsongrass anyone?
The current forage shortage is becoming a larger problem with each day of no appreciable rainfall. One grassy weed that is surviving and doing remarkably well is johnsongrass. Is there any value to utilizing johnsongrass since it seems to be one of the only things growing?
It is important for livestock producers to know the
quality of the hay they are feeding. After forage quality has been
determined, rations can be formulated and balanced according to the
nutritional requirements.
Time to spray RR or LL crops for weeds? Scout fields for grasshoppers, blister beetles, and other defoliators before you spray
Japanese beetles in soybean
Many herbicide options for corn and grain sorghum comprise multiple herbicide active ingredients to broaden the spectrum of weed species the product will control. Herbicides are also combined to include additional herbicide modes of action so that development of herbicide-resistant weeds can be prevented or delayed. This current report (CR-2782) lists several pre-mix herbicides that are labeled for use in field corn and grain sorghum and the equivalent rates of the individual herbicide components.
Glyphosate-resistant waterhemp in Oklahoma
Waterhemp, one of the many pigweed species found in Oklahoma crop
production fields, has long been a difficult weed to control in row
crops. Unfortunately, waterhemp has become an even greater concern.
During the 2010 growing season, several populations of waterhemp in
north-central and eastern Oklahoma were confirmed to be resistant to
glyphosate. This article discusses some of the results from our
greenhouse testing and options to manage and prevent the spread of
glyphosate-resistant waterhemp.
Zone Management
Zone Management is a good practice that can not only increase the efficiency of fertilizers and lime but also increase yields. This article discusses how zones can be delineated but also how management zones can miss underlying variability.
2011 OSU Weed Science Field Tour
Mark your calendars for the “1st Annual” OSU Weed Science Field Tour on Friday, July 15th at the Cimarron Valley Research Station near Perkins. The tour will begin with registration at 9 am and conclude with lunch. There will be no charge to attend the tour. To make preparations for hand-out materials and lunch, please RSVP to Deana Titus before July 12th by phone (405-744-6420) or email (deana.titus@okstate.edu).
Look-a-like weeds: Pigweeds
Pigweed, carless weed, amaranth, hog weed, Palmer pigweed... Pigweeds have about as many names as there are different species of pigweeds. The three most common and problematic pigweed species in Oklahoma crop production are redroot pigweed, Palmer amaranth, and waterhemp. In this article, you will learn some tips and tricks to help distinguish among these similar weed species.
Weed Control in Sesame
Sesame is an increasingly popular option for Oklahoma producers looking for a rotational crop that can handle hot, dry summers. Currently, herbicide options for sesame production are limited. However, through a combination of herbicides and a vigorous, competitive crop, it is possible to produce high-quality sesame.
DROUGHT NEWS: Soil Test and the N-Rich strip
As the 2011 crop is being harvested now is the time to plan and prepare for the next season. After the drought that most of Oklahoma experienced both soil testing and N-Rich strip will be extremely valuable. It is nearly impossible to estimate the amount of nitrogen left in the soil after this year’s low yielding crop. Soil test will provide the needed answers about residual N levels and the N-Rich strip will guide top-dress decisions.
Thinking About No-till?
High Have higher fuel prices got you thinking about no-till? Certainly many wheat growers in Oklahoma are contemplating no-till. If you are considering no-till for the coming year, you should be preparing for it before wheat harvest. One item often overlooked by the first-time no-tiller is spreading residue at harvest.
Canola Custom Harvesters List
This file contains a list of custom harvesters, swathers, and pushers
that are capable and knowledgeable on harvesting canola. The list was
put together with the help from the Great Plains Canola Association,
U.S. Custom Harvesters Inc., and OSU to assist the farmers in locating a
custom harvester to get their crop out of the field in a timely
manner. A list of the Oklahoma Members of the U.S. Custom Harvesters
Inc is also located within this document, so wheat producers might find
this article to be valuable as well.
Plant Science Academy Deadline Extended
The registration deadline for the 2011 OSU Plant Science Academy has
been extended to May 13. If you know of a young person interested in
plant science or agronomy, encourage them to register today.
Wheat Disease Update
Disease activity is still negligible in the southern Great Plains. Light activity is being reported in Kansas and Nebraska.
DROUGHT NEWS: Soil Management After Termination of a Drought-stressed Wheat Crop
This year's drought in the western part of the state has raised concerns for the potential of wind and water erosion this summer. Special consideration needs to be given in order to protect the soil.
Wheat Variety Trial Forage Report Available
In spite of the extremely dry conditions, forage production at our El Reno and Stillwater sites were well above average with all varieties producing over 2,000 lb/A of forage by early December. In fact, most varieties produced statistically equal forage yields in the fall of 2010. There was a wide variation in when varieties reached first hollow stem, however, so the usability of this forage was not the same among varieties.
Wheat Disease Update
Wheat around Stillwater is entering the flowering stage, but no change in foliar disease incidence and severity over the last 10 days has occurred because of the drought. Although pustules of leaf rust and powdery mildew can be found, foliar diseases appear to be negligible around Stillwater and across Oklahoma. View the full report to see what is happening in surrounding states.
Fertilizing Soybean in Oklahoma
Soybean requires plant nutrients for growth the same as any other crops. Soybeans are high in mineral elements and remove considerable quantities of these elements from the soil. Recent soil tests indicate a great need to address pH, P, and K in order to reach yield goals.
Fertilizing Soybean in Oklahoma
Soybean requires plant nutrients for growth the same as any other crops. Soybeans are high in mineral elements and remove considerable quantities of these elements from the soil. Recent soil tests indicate a great need to address pH, P, and K in order to reach yield goals.
DROUGHT NEWS: Hay Purchasing Guidelines
Hay supplies in many areas continue to dwindle due to the current drought. This is forcing many producers to search for hay during a time when grazing would normally be available. Although a reliable forage analysis is recommended to determine nutritive value, there are times when one is not available. Following are some general guidelines that can be used to evaluate forage nutritive value until the forage can be properly analyzed.
DROUGHT NEWS: Forage Management and Grazing Strategies During Drought
As pasture conditions continue to decline over much of the southern Great Plains, many livestock producers are searching for options to stretch forage and pasture until conditions improve. Even though the sort-term outlook does not appear good, there are management strategies that can help reduce forage shortages.
Confusion about False Chinch Bug Thresholds!
Observations of adult false cinch bugs in canola have been reported. This insect can be a problem during dry springs like we are currently experiencing. Drs. Royer and Giles discuss the facts about false chinch bugs and thresholds for control.
DROUGHT NEWS: Where is My Nitrogen?
With the drought taking its toll many producers are wondering about what has happen to the nitrogen that was applied to the crop. This article discusses the nitrogen removal and losses that would have occurred over the cropping season and the best option determining residual nitrogen levels.
Making Sense of Herbicide-Resistance Traits in Crop
With the many acronyms found in farm magazines, seed catalogs, and herbicide advertisements, choosing a herbicide-resistant hybrid or variety to improve weed control can sometimes be a confusing task. As we get into time for planting spring and summer crops, I thought it might be useful to give a definition and description for the common acronyms that are often used for the various herbicide-resistance traits available for crops in Oklahoma.
Can I Plant a Legume on Soils High in Residual Nitrate?
The potential exists this summer to be planting legumes, such as soybean, on soil that has high nitrate concentrations in the surface 24 inches of soil due to crop failure from drought or hail. One of the questions that arises in this situation is: will planting legumes in soil with high residual nitrate prevent plants from fixing their own nitrogen? This article will cover the facts.
Barley Yellow Dwarf Starting to Show
Stunted wheat in circular patterns and yellow/purple leaves are starting to show up in Oklahoma wheat fields. These are classic symptoms of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) and are a sign that aphids were present in the field last fall and/or winter. Aphids serve as the vector for BYDV and transmit the virus to wheat plants as they feed.
