Field Crop News
Website Address: http://fcn.agronomy.psu.edu/
September 1, 2009 Vol. 09:25
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Weather Outlook
- 2009 Corn Silage Harvest
- Arrested Ear Development. A Nagging Problem That Won’t Go Away
- Soil Quality Maintenance in Corn Silage
- Soil Compaction Threat Appears on the Scene
- Monitoring Hay Bale Temperature
- Insects: Soybean Aphids, Western Bean Cutworm, Japanese Beetles, and Bean Leaf Beetle
- These Cool Nights Signal Perennial Weed Susceptibility
- Time to Clean up Field Boundaries, Alleyways, and Lanes
- When Tillage Happens Cover Crops are a Must
- Market Update for September 1, 2009
- Late Season Cornstalk Nitrate Test
- Upcoming Events
Weather Outlook — Paul Knight, Pennsylvania State Climatologist
The vast majority of the time between now and Labor Day will be dry with a slow warming trend. A disturbance near the Carolina coast should spill some clouds across the eastern and southern sections of Pennsylvania either Thursday or Friday. There is a 25% chance of a light shower in the southeast corner of the state during that time. A fresh push of dry and slightly cooler air will arrive on Saturday with a return of warmth by early next week. The next widespread risk of rain is not until the middle or later part of next week. One wild card that is not in this scenario is the possible development of tropical storm Erika near the Leeward Islands during the next day or two. There is a small chance (10%) that its movement could impact Pennsylvania’s weather in an unfavorable way early next week.
Another very cool spell is likely during mid—September, with perhaps an unusually early end to the growing season in the northern counties. However, the latest indications point to a warmer than average September and early October and then a much colder second half of October. There are increasing signs that November will be rather mild in this region. The development of a moderate El Nino in the Pacific portends a wetter winter (and probably snowier) in the state.
2009 Corn Silage Harvest — Paul H. Craig, Extension Educator, Dauphin County
Across the southern regions of PA. corn silage harvest has started this week. Somewhat later in 2009, reports from choppers are that the crop is variable in moisture content and that yields are running fairly high. Based on whole plant appearance the crop looks wetter than it really is. A close examination of the ears is showing the maturing of the husks and the advanced development of grain on the ear. This would re—emphasize the importance of whole plant moisture checks before and during harvests and to make sure kernel processors are set properly and used to break up individual kernels during harvest. Make sure to set TLC levels to produce the proper size of silage particles to ensure good packing and maintain effective fiber levels of the silage. Generally TLC is set at 3/8 inch for silage without processing but this cut length needs to be longer (3/4 inch) when processing silage. Also more highly digestible crops such as BMR require a slightly longer cut.
Use of inoculants has been increasing in recent years. Many producers swear by them, others swear at them. Here are a few thoughts about the proper handling of these products. Note that silage inoculants are living bacteria and need to be handled to ensure their survival. The use of chlorinated or peroxide treated water to mix will significantly kill these organisms in the application tanks. In addition high water temperatures in application tanks mounted near engines and exhausts on choppers can result in microbe deaths. Solar radiation can also raise temperatures in tanks. Water temperatures should be kept below 95 degrees F in the tank. Care should be taken when handling packages of inoculants. Stored bags should be kept cool and once opened. survival of inoculants can be reduced if not handled properly. Inoculants need to “grow up” in the tank before optimum population levels are achieved prior to applications. This is referred to as the incubation period. In addition sufficient populations of bacteria must be applied to the crop to ensure adequate exposure of the bacteria to the crop, check your applicators for proper calibration. Do not expect good results if application rates are too low.
Each year the question is asked about pricing standing corn for silage harvest. The most common and historical method is to base silage value on a factor times the market price of shelled corn grain. This factor varies based on the crop and ranges from 6 to 10 times the grain price. The factor is based on the amount of shelled corn in one ton of silage with poor, drought corn at the lower 6 value and higher yielding crops ranging from 8 to 10. On average the factor of 8 is most commonly used. Next the costs and shrinkage of silage harvest need to be subtracted from this total cost because the factor considers the value of the crop as silage, not standing corn. These costs may approach $8 to $10/ton.
The second method is to start with the potential value of the crop for grain harvest (bu/acre times market price) then harvest, transport, storage and drying costs need to be subtracted from this gross revenue to arrive at a value of the crop standing in the field. Then by dividing the estimated tonnage into the standing value a price/ton can be arrived at. There are other factors that can occur later in the fall that may affect selling price in September. These would include the risk of market fluctuation and the potential for field losses prior to grain harvest.
Finally, a safety reminder related to silo gas risks. Silo gas forms as newly stored silage ferments. Silo gas can cause serious injury and permanent damage to lungs. Silo gas contains carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, NO2. The nitrogen dioxide is what causes the damage in lungs as it mixes with moisture in the lungs and forms nitric acid. This results in severe damage to the respiratory system. People exposed to silo gas may collapse and die immediately from exposure or may die hours later due to a buildup of fluid in their lungs from this injury. Even low levels of exposure can result in serious injuries and death. To prevent silo gas exposure stay out of silos for 2 to 3 weeks after filling. This is the peak gas production period. Before entering a silo, run the blower for 30 minutes and leave it running while inside. If you must enter the silo do so immediately after the last load and keep the blower running. Never enter a silo alone and lock out unloading equipment when you are inside. Get fresh air if you start coughing or experience throat irritation. Keep silo doors, close to the top of the pile open to allow gas to escape. Be aware that silo gas is heavier than air and can enter the feed room and areas nearby. Exposure to livestock can be serious. Keep your children away from these areas.
Arrested Ear Development. A Nagging Problem That Won’t Go Away — Greg Roth, PSU Grain Crop Management Specialist
We have been receiving reports again this year on the development of the arrested or “beer can” ears from several counties around the state. The most recent reports have come from both Centre and Franklin Counties. We have seen the problem for several years and has also been documented in Ohio and Indiana. These ears are characterized by a relatively normal husk covering, some silk balling and a noticeably stunted cob development. Sometimes there are 8–10 rows of kernels on the base of the ear. The cause of the problem is still a bit uncertain but the prevailing theory is that the phenomenon is related to a cold (40–50 F) temperature episode during ear development at the V5 to V8 stages of development. Weather data (http://www.erh.noaa.gov/ctp/climate/cligraphs.php) indicates some near record low temperatures in mid May and early June. These could have coincided with the ear development stages in question, particularly the early June event. Symptoms are often scattered, with field edges and low spots showing the most severity but in some fields the problem is widespread.
What is perplexing is that here in Centre County there are some fields that have had the problem in back to back years, suggesting that there might be some interaction with soil nutrients or other localized stress factors. We have ruled out fungicide applications on these fields as well. This causes some real concerns for producers who experience a significant yield reduction again presumably due to a weather anomaly. In some areas, about 20% of the fields show some symptoms. Also, some have questioned whether there is a genetic factor that predisposes a hybrid to this. In the past we have located hybrid test plots and noticed variation among the hybrids, but attributed the variation due to differences in development when the chilling injury occurs.
My colleague Bob Nielsen has written about this most extensively including a recent newsletter article http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/corn/news/timeless/BluntEars.html that includes some great photos. Note that Bob has developed a site where you can enter the history of these fields so he can try to develop a better idea of the cause http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB22864Y5G52Y I’d encourage those of you who have observed this phenomenon in Pennsylvania to complete Bob’s survey so we can try to get a better handle on this.
Obviously if you find these ears in your field there isn’t anything to do at this point, other than change some of your harvest plans, if possible, to avoid shelling these fields due to the decreased yield associated with these incomplete ears. As you do late season scouting, you will likely find other ear abnormalities that can provide some insight into crop stress during the season. Ohio State has a great web page on ear abnormalities http://agcrops.osu.edu/corn/EARABNORMALITIES.php Note they also have a great poster on the site you can order or print that would be a good addition to your reference collection.
Thanks to Craig Altemose, Del Voigt, Jonathan Rotz and Al Berry for their input on the current situation. Email me if you have any other insights or arrested ear observations in the state.
Soil Quality Maintenance in Corn Silage — Sjoerd Duiker, PSU Soil Management Specialist
Corn silage is an important dairy feed, but the lack of aboveground residue after harvest leaves the soil vulnerable to runoff and erosion, and insufficient biomass is returned to avoid soil degradation through loss of organic matter and nutrients. A study was done in Wisconsin from 2003–2006 in which corn silage was produced in combination with different cover crops (Kura clover, red clover, Italian ryegrass, cereal rye). Kura clover was grown as a living mulch, which was suppressed with glyphosate and killed in the corn row with clopyralid. Corn was grown every other year in this system, as in the red clover system. Red clover was interseeded with a no—till drill in corn and used for forage the following year, after which it was planted to corn again. Italian ryegrass was planted with a no—till drill into corn every June. Cereal rye was planted after corn silage harvest in September. Liquid dairy manure was applied at a rate of 12,000 gal/A/yr early April. Corn was grown with no—tillage. Soil quality was measured under the cover crop (to 8 inch depth) and compared with that under corn silage grown with manure only or with NPK fertilizer only. The study was recently published in the Agronomy Journal. An important finding was that liquid manure alone gave the lowest soil quality score. Cover crops helped to improve soil quality, with no clear difference between the cover crops. Results were considered to be useful for similar soils in the northern corn belt. The study shows that liquid manure with low solid content does not lead to soil quality improvement but needs to be combined with cover crops to sustain soil quality.
Source: William E. Jokela, John H. Grabber, Douglas L. Karlen, Teri C. Balser, and Debra E. Palmquist. 2009. Cover crop and liquid manure effects on soil quality indicators in a corn silage system. Agronomy Journal 101:727–737.
Soil Compaction Threat Appears on the Scene — Sjoerd Duiker, PSU Soil Management Specialist
This summer has been one with frequent showers and it seems rains show no sign of abating, at least in the southeastern part of the state. Many counties received greater than 75% more precipitation than normal over the last week (http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/marfc/Maps/PANY_counties_7_color.htm). With corn silage harvest starting in the southern parts of the state field activities are going to be in full swing. Hence we have the perfect storm for soil compaction: high soil moisture content and heavy vehicles driving across our fields loaded with silage and manure.
To manage compaction, it is important to understand some basic concepts. Soil is most compactable in the plastic state, when clay platelets slide over each other causing soil to pack to maximum density when it is compressed. To determine if the soil is in this state, we use the ‘ball test’: take a handful of soil at field moisture content and knead it in your hand. If the soil sticks together in a ball, the soil is in the plastic state. If the soil is drier than plastic, it is suitable for traffic, whereas when it is wetter than plastic, it is highly sensitive to rutting and soil structure destruction. The difference between surface and subsoil compaction is also important. Surface compaction is primarily determined by contact pressure, whereas subsoil compaction is determined by axle load. Finally, soil compaction research suggests that most compaction is caused at the first trip.
Corn plant moisture content is the primary benchmark determining when silage harvest needs to get started. Farmers therefore have little leeway to postpone this harvest to wait for the soil to dry out to avoid soil compaction. So we need to make sure we make maximum use of other tools in the kit to minimize compaction damage. As a long—term management tool, farmers should attempt to improve organic matter content and soil biological activity. Organic matter content can be increased by adding organic matter and by minimizing losses. Organic matter additions include solid manure (manure without solids doesn’t increase organic matter); compost; crop residues; and cover crops. Reduction of tillage helps to avoid organic matter loss. Soil biological activity is stimulated by the same practices used to increase organic matter. Equipment options to reduce soil compaction include using flotation tires or tracks to increase the soil footprint (effective to reduce surface compaction, but not subsoil compaction); and reducing axle load (either by adding axles or by decreasing the load, effective to decrease subsoil compaction). There is a trade—off with flotation tires in that by widening the footprint we traffic a larger part of the field, which is one of the benefits of tracks. Further, it is important to decrease tire pressure in the flotation tires as much as possible or the footprint might still be small. Traffic management is another tool in the kit: it is recommended to use assigned traffic lanes to limit repeat traffic to a small part of the field.
Whereas corn silage harvest is extremely time sensitive, it may be worthwhile to wait spreading manure until the soil moisture content decreases below the plastic limit. The other management tool farmers have to make soil resist compaction from manure traffic is to plant a cover crop — the root system makes the soil less compactable, whereas it also tends to take out some compaction that is caused when spreading manure. The cover crop also helps to reduce nutrient losses from the manure.
Monitoring Hay Bale Temperature — Marvin Hall, PSU Forage Specialist
Hay drying conditions in the fall are usually not ideal and consequently some hay will be harvested at moisture contents higher than desirable. This higher moisture causes bales to heat and possible burn. Monitoring the bale temperature can help avoid the disaster of a barn or storage shed fire.
One method for monitoring internal bale temperature is with a spirit—filled (not mercury) cooking thermometer. Drive a pipe or rigid electrical conduit into the center of the bale and lower the thermometer, attached to a string, down the tube. Leave the thermometer in the tube for 10–15 minutes before pulling it out to read.
| Internal Bale Temperature | Action |
|---|---|
| 150°F |
|
| 160°F |
|
| 175°F |
|
| 185°F |
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| 212°F |
|
Insect Update: Soybean Aphids, Western Bean Cutworm, Japanese Beetles, and Bean Leaf Beetle — John Tooker, PSU Entomology Specialist
The past couple weeks appear to have been pretty quiet on the insect front. Soybean aphid numbers, which peaked in the second and third weeks of August, have dropped dramatically. In central PA, we had research fields that reached levels of 1000–2000 aphids per plant, but those numbers are now down to 100 aphids per plant or less. Populations have really crashed, in part because of the number of natural enemies that colonized fields. The number of lady beetles in some fields is really impressive.
We have shut down our western bean cutworm (WBC) monitoring program for the season. The flight period for these moths has typically peaked in mid- to late—July, but this year moths continued to fly well into August. As of today, we found a total of 80 moths in Pennsylvania with about two—thirds of those individuals being found in Erie County. The remaining moths were widely scattered across the state, being found in Washington, Erie, Clarion, Forest, Franklin, Tioga, Lycoming, Bradford, and Lackawanna counties. This distribution (ranging from the southwest to the northeast) indicates that moths are entering PA from the north and west, with the majority of activity coming across Lake Erie. Further, many of the moths we caught in central and eastern counties were in really good shaped indicating that they emerged locally and suggesting a small population of moths was established in Pennsylvania in 2008 or even earlier. For more details on trap catches, please see this Department of Entomology webpage: http://ento.psu.edu/extension/field-crops/corn/western-bean-cutworm
Two other insect pest species that can be problematic for this time are Japanese beetle and bean leaf beetle. Both species can rise to economic levels in soybeans with Japanese beetle defoliating plant whereas the trouble from bean leaf beetles comes from their tendency to feed on filling pods. We have not aware of growers having trouble with either species this year and populations seem to be low, but folks would be wise to walk their fields to keep track of the local situation.
These Cool Nights Signal Perennial Weed Susceptibility — Bill Curran, Weed Science Specialist
It was 42° F this morning at my house outside of State College. The shortening days and cooler nights are a signal to perennial plants that winter is approaching. With the autumn weather, these plants more actively transport carbohydrates and sugars to underground storage structures such as rhizomes, tubers, and roots to enable them to survive the winter and to provide the necessary energy to begin the next cycle of growth in the spring. This is also the ideal time to attempt control with a systemic herbicide that travels with the carbohydrates and sugars to these underground structures where they can exert their mechanism of action on the foundation of these perennial plants. For the warmer season perennials like johnsongrass, horsenettle, groundcherry, wirestem muhly, pokeweed, Japanese knotweed and poison ivy, application between September 1 and 15 is generally ideal. For weeds like hemp dogbane and bindweed, make applications before Oct. 1, and for quackgrass, other cool season grasses, and Canada thistle, try to make applications by Oct. 15. These suggested dates target central PA, so adjust by a week or so forward or backward if you are south or north.
Of course systemic herbicides are those products that when applied to the foliage are absorbed through the leaves and move or translocate to active sinks within the plant. Earlier in the season, those active sinks were growing points where new plant tissue is forming. In the late summer and fall, underground storage structures are active sinks in both herbaceous and woody perennials. The most active systemic herbicides include glyphosate and the plant growth regulator herbicides (2,4–D, dicamba, etc.). In addition, the grass specific herbicides (Select, Fusilade, Assure, Targa, etc.) are also systemic as are the ALS inhibitors such as Cimmaron or Cimmaron Plus for use in grass pastures and hay. Of course just because the herbicide is systemic doesn’t insure effective control. It must also be active on the target weed species. Scout your hay and pasture ground, fence rows and other non—cropland now to help plan for some perennial weed management this fall.
Time to Clean up Field Boundaries, Alleyways, and Lanes — Jeff Graybill, Extension Educator, Lancaster County
A recent newsletter article by one PA’s licensed Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) and professional crop scout caught my eye. The article states that “On many farms that we scout, about half of the weeds are within twenty feet of the edges of the fields.” On my own farm this is often the case and it seems that I am often spot spraying, mowing or otherwise fighting weed encroachment.
The article goes on to suggest: “If you are among the many who have recently switched to no-till, consider making larger fields in the years ahead. Make sure that it is acceptable in your conservation plan. But larger fields greatly decrease weed problems. At a minimum, if you are raising corn and soybeans, plant 100% Roundup Ready and treat those borders with a heavy dose of glyphosate (Roundup).”
Some items to remember:
Annual weeds can only reproduce from seed and they are producing hundreds if not thousands of viable seeds per plant at this time of year. Elimination of annual weeds wherever they are found and before seed maturation will over time lower the weed pressure on your farm. Annual broadleaf and grass weeds can be mowed, pulled or sprayed with a herbicide. Make note of which are the problem species as they will probably be back again next year.
Perennial weeds generally produce a storage structure (usually a modified root) which survives the winter and allows the same plant to resume growth in the spring. Perennials also reproduce by seed, however, the seeds are often easily controlled with your normal herbicide program. It is the overwintering portion of the plant which should be addressed at this time of year.
Thus, perennials should be treated chemically rather than mowed, even pulling may not eliminate the weed at this time of year as the fleshy root may break off or be very difficult to pull (think Poke Weed!). Late summer is the ideal time to treat perennials. During this period they are translocating sugars to the roots for winter storage and will also transport systemic herbicides such as Glyphosate killing the entire plant. Perennial grasses can be controlled with glyphosate alone, while broadleaf weeds will benefit from an addition of 2,4–D, Banvel or similar product.
In fact, now is also a good time for control of brushy weeds like multiflora rose and brambles in wet and fallow areas.
When Tillage Happens Cover Crops are a Must — Charlie White, Extension Associate
Approximately 58% of the land under annual field crop production in Pennsylvania is managed using no—till practices. Cover cropping is important on no—till land, but where conventional tillage happens, planting cover crops is absolutely critical. Cover crops will help to lessen some of the soil quality and environmental damage that can occur from conventional tillage. Here are some of the reasons why cover crops need to be used on tilled ground.
Control Erosion. Soil that has been tilled has minimal crop residue covering its surface, leaving the soil exposed to erosion. When raindrops hit the soil surface, the force of the impact will dislodge soil particles, starting the erosion process. Tilled soils also have reduced water infiltration rates leading to greater runoff from storms. The runoff can cause gullying and carry soil particles into waterways where they are a pollutant. Cover crops create a canopy over the soil that intercepts the impact of raindrops and the roots will stabilize soil against the erosive forces of rainfall runoff. The erosion control benefit of cover crops is greatest when the canopy is fully closed and the root system is well established going into winter, which requires planting cover crops as early as possible following your summer crop.
Replenish Soil Organic Matter. Tillage introduces large quantities of oxygen into the soil which speeds the rate of organic matter decomposition. If the increased decomposition rate is not counteracted by increased additions of organic matter, soil organic matter will decline over time. A good winter cover crop stand can add 2 to 4 tons/acre of organic matter. The benefits of soil organic matter are numerous, including improved water holding capacity, nutrient supply, and soil structure.
Maintain Mycorrhizal Inoculum. Mycorrhizal fungi are beneficial soil microorganisms that form a symbiotic association with most agricultural crops. By colonizing the roots of a host plant, mycorrhizal fungi obtain energy from the plant while transporting nutrients such as phosphorous and zinc from the soil to the plant. The mycorrhizal mycelium that grows throughout the soil exudes glue—like organic matter that helps form stable soil aggregates and sequesters carbon. Without tillage, mycorrhizal fungi can survive the winter and colonize the roots of the next crop. A fall or spring tillage, however, will cut the mycorrhizal mycelium into fragments, reducing its viability. A winter cover crop can provide a host for mycorrhizal fungi, and if tillage occurs in the spring, the colonized cover crop root fragments can serve as a source of viable inoculum for the next crop. Most species of grass and legume cover crops host mycorrhizal fungi, but buckwheat and brassicas such as tillage radish, rapeseed and mustard are non—hosts.
Alleviate Compaction. Fields with a long history of conventional tillage often suffer from a compacted plow pan. This plow pan can exist for decades even after no—till practices have begun. Cover crop roots, because they are growing when the soil is moist and soft, can penetrate the plow pan and create channels which the roots of the next crop can follow, allowing them to access nutrients and water in the subsoil. Many cover crops species will grow roots through compacted soil, but in research at the University of Maryland, tillage radish did more so than cereal rye. Cover crops can also alleviate compaction by improving soil structure. This occurs from root growth which can aggregate soil particles and through the addition of organic matter and the activity of mycorrhizal fungi described earlier.
For many reasons, tillage still happens on farms throughout Pennsylvania. In these cases, the risks to soil and environmental quality posed by tillage including erosion, declining soil organic matter, and compaction should be managed through the effective use of cover crops.
Market Update for September 1, 2009 — John Berry, Extension Educator, Lehigh County
CORN: Monday’s National Crop Progress Report has corn rated as 69% good to excellent. It’s looking like a biggish 2009 crop. Exports are O.K., but not that exciting either. This will keep us thinking of making new lows. All my pre—harvest bushels are priced. The remaining 50% of expected harvest will have to wait for a price from here. The market seems to be offering some incentive to store un—priced grain for a spring/summer sale.
SOYBEANS: Watch the weather and outside markets as they will strongly influence price direction between now and harvest. Soybeans are 69% good to excellent. Very supportive export activity. However, expected harvest bushels leave a large opening for continued downward price movement. The market is telling me it wants beans sooner rather than later. For currently un—priced 2009 crop — I expect better price opportunities after harvest.
WHEAT: Wheat has now switched to concerns over 2010 acres and any quality issues. Global output remains relatively high and stable.
CATTLE: Cattle scare me a little. Slaughter numbers are higher than expected, and increased weights from cheaper feed could pressure the market lower. Home food shoppers will soon (2010–2012) be quite verbal over the cost of beef — I expect. We will have done away with inventories and be back to building a herd.
HOGS: What will happen in case H1N1 becomes “real” through the upcoming months? In this case, and others, buyer perceptions will drive markets not the fundamental condition of the market. I’m ready to fill my freezer with pork if there is a big media splash on sick children this winter.
Remember to watch your Extension Education calendar for several opportunities to learn more about markets and marketing workshops this coming fall and winter.
Late Season Cornstalk Nitrate Test — Douglas Beegle, Soil Fertility Specialist
The Late Season Cornstalk Nitrate Test has been demonstrated to be a reliable end—of—season indicator of crop N status. It provides a good assessment of whether the crop had the right amount of N, too much N, or whether it ran out of gas. This information combined with records of N management can be very useful for making and fine tuning future N and manure management decisions.
For the test results to be valid the sampling instructions (http://www.aasl.psu.edu/Corn%20stalk%20nitrate%20sampling_web.pdf) must be followed carefully. Samples for this test should be taken between ¼ milk line and up to 3 weeks after black layer. An 8–inch long section of corn stalk starting 6 inches above the ground is collected from at least 10 representative plants in a field. Extension educators Jeff Graybill and John Rowehl have produced a short video titled “Using the Late Season Corn Stalk Nitrate Test” (http://cmeg.psu.edu/video/stalk_test/stalk_test.cfm) which demonstrates the proper procedures for taking Late Season Cornstalk Nitrate Test samples. This video can be accessed at the link above or the video and other materials related to this test can be found on the CMEG Website (http://cmeg.psu.edu).
One other related question is whether samples can be taken after silage harvest. Research has shown that samples could be taken up to 24 hours following silage harvest. For this to work the corn must be chopped at least 14 inches high so that you can still get the correct sample ie. 8–inch long sections of corn stalk starting 6 inches above the ground. Some farmers will raise the chopper head occasionally to leave some taller stubble to facilitate sampling later. Don’t delay any longer and, in general, be careful if there is any stalk deterioration.
If the results of the test fall between 700 and 2000 ppm Nitrate—N, this indicates that the N management was optimum. Below this range the crop likely ran out of N and did not achieve full yield potential and results above this range indicate that the crop had more than enough N which could represent an economic loss from purchasing unnecessary fertilizer N or wasted manure N and it could result in increased potential for loss of N to the environment.
More information on this test can be found on the Penn State Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory web site (http://www.aasl.psu.edu) and a new factsheet on the Late Season Cornstalk Nitrate Test is available on the CMEG website at: http://cmeg.psu.edu/pdf/agfact70.pdf.
Upcoming Events
Precision Ag Guidance Systems Program
Mena Hautau, Extension Educator, Berks County
Do guidance systems on agricultural equipment make sense in Pennsylvania? It may be time for farmers to reconsider them, considering the costs of inputs today. “Precision Ag: Guidance Systems” is a meeting sponsored by the Southeast Pennsylvania Crops Conference and Penn State Cooperative Extension. The meeting date is September 9, with registration beginning at 5:00 p.m. and the program beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Kempton Community Center, Kempton, PA 19529.
The evening meeting will feature equipment demonstrations, dinner and a panel discussion on the use of guidance systems. The panel will consist of area dealerships, Brian MacAfee, Penn State University Farm, State College, David Wolfskill, farmer from Wernersville, and Keith Dickinson, Extension Educator, Farm Management.
Preregistration is required and due by September 1. For registration information, go to this link: http://fcn.agronomy.psu.edu/pdf/precision_ag_guidance_systems.pdf
Contributors: Extension Educators: Joel Hunter (Crawford), Kevin Fry (Indiana), Mena Hautau (Berks), Grant Troup (Lebanon), Jeff Graybill (Lancaster), John Berry (Lehigh), and Jonathan Rotz (Franklin). State Specialists: Bill Curran, Marvin Hall, Sjoerd Duiker, Doug Beegle, Greg Roth, John Tooker, Ron Hoover, Charlie White and Dwight Lingenfelter.
Editor: Paul H. Craig, PSU Extension Educator, Dauphin County
Upcoming Events
Real time pest and heat unit activity: http://agsci.psu.edu/news/spotlight/pa-pipe
Calendar of Events: http://www.events.psu.edu/cgi-bin/cal/webevent.cgi?cmd=opencal&cal=cal209&
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