Numbered Publications: Plant and Soil Sciences
PR-715: 2016 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report
Joey Clark, Gene Olson, Ray Smith | Nov. 17, 2016 (New)
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the highest-yielding, highest-quality forage legume grown in Kentucky. It forms the basis of Kentucky's cash hay enterprise and is an important component in dairy, horse, beef, and sheep diets. Recent emphasis on its use as a grazing crop and the release of grazing-tolerant varieties have raised the following question: Do varieties differ in tolerance to grazing? We have chosen to use the standard tolerance test recommended by the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. This test uses continuous heavy grazing to sort out differences in grazing tolerance in a relatively short period of time. This report summarizes research on the grazing tolerance of alfalfa varieties when subjected to continuous heavy grazing pressure during the grazing season.
PR-708: 2016 Kentucky Hybrid Corn Performance Test
Ron Curd, Cam Kenimer, Chad Lee, Brandon Roberts | Oct. 24, 2016 (New)
The objective of the Kentucky Hybrid Corn Performance Test is to provide relative performance estimates of hybrid seed corn sold in Kentucky. The test attempts to treat every hybrid similarly in an unbiased manner. Agronomic practices that meet or exceed university guidelines are implemented at each location.
AGR-223: Identifying Soybean Growth Stages
Carrie Knott, Chad Lee | Sep. 30, 2016 (New)
Accurate identification of soybean growth stages is important to maximize grain yield and profitability, because most management decisions are based upon the growth stage of soybean plants within the fields. Key features of soybean growth stages are highlighted within this guide.
AGR-224: Identifying Wheat Growth Stages
Carrie Knott | Sep. 30, 2016 (New)
Identifying growth stages of any crop is important to enable timely crop management decisions that maximize yields and profitability. There are several wheat growth stages that are important for Kentucky producers to recognize for optimal crop management and to maximize grain yield and profitability.
AGR-222: Estimating Carrying Capacity of Cool Season Pastures in Kentucky Using Web Soil Survey
Krista Lea, Ray Smith | Aug. 10, 2016 (New)
While many factors influence how many animals a farm can carry, soil type has a major influence and should be considered when purchasing, leasing, planning, or managing livestock on pastures.
AGR-221: Wildlife Benefits of Switchgrass Production in Kentucky
Tom Keene, Krista Lea, Laura Schwer, Ray Smith | Jul. 26, 2016 (New)
Switchgrass is a versatile grass that can be utilized for forage or biomass production. Establishing and maintaining switchgrass is also beneficial to many types of wildlife by providing suitable habitat and cover.
AGR-55: Turf Care Calendar for Cool-Season Lawns in Kentucky
Gregg Munshaw | Jul. 22, 2016 (Major Revision)
Cool-season lawns include Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, fine fescues, and perennial ryegrass. This calendar identifies lawn management practices and the best times of the year to perform them.
PR-707: 2016 Kentucky Small Grains Variety Performance Test
Bill Bruening, Anthony Clark, John Connelly, Blazan Mijatovic, Gene Olson, Sandy Swanson, Dave Sanford | Jul. 1, 2016 (New)
The objective of the Kentucky small grain variety performance test is to evaluate varieties of wheat, oat, barley, triticale and cereal rye that are commercially available or may soon be available to Kentucky farmers. Annual evaluation of small grain varieties and selections provides farmers, seed producers, and other agricultural workers with current information to help them select the varieties best adapted to their locality and individual requirements.
AGR-220: A No-math Method of Calibrating Backpack Sprayers and Lawn Care Spray Guns
Gregg Munshaw | Apr. 7, 2016 (New)
Calibrating application equipment is something many people avoid because they believe it is too time consuming or that the math involved in the process is confusing. Calibration, however, is critical. Applying too much can be bad for the environment, injure the grass, and also wastes money. Applying too little can result in poor pest control and can lead to pesticide resistance. There are several methods that will calibrate sprayers but the no-math method is likely the most simple and reduces the chance of errors.
ID-125: A Comprehensive Guide to Wheat Management in Kentucky
Bill Bruening, J.D. Green, John Grove, Jim Herbek, Don Hershman, Doug Johnson, Chad Lee, Jim Martin, Sam McNeill, Michael Montross, Lloyd Murdock, Doug Overhults, Greg Schwab, Lee Townsend, Dick Trimble, Dave Sanford | Feb. 23, 2016 (Reprinted)
The soft red winter wheat grown in Kentucky is the fourth most valuable cash crop in the state. Winter wheat has been an integral part of crop rotation for Kentucky farmers. Wheat is normally harvested in June in Kentucky and provides an important source of cash flow during the summer months.