Wisconsin Crop Manager newsletter

Author:	WCM Staff	Created:	4/21/2006 11:13 AM
Dig it. Articles concerning crop fertility and soils in Wisconsin.

Manage traffic on wet soils to limit soil compaction

By WCM Staff on 11/14/2007 3:03 PM

Soils are at or near their field capacity water content, which is the point were maximum compaction is possible. The easy, armchair quarterback advice is to stay off these wet soils, but in reality that may not happen. So how much compaction really may occur when heavy equipment is driven on wet soils?

Revised Soil Testing Basics Publication Now Available

By WCM Staff on 10/29/2007 6:13 AM

The popular publication Soil Testing Basics has recently been revised by the Nutrient and Pest Management (NPM) Program. Soil Testing Basics is a useful one-page reference resource for individuals involved in nutrient management planning. This publication includes information on why, when, and how to collect soil samples, as well as information on how to complete the soil information sheet that should accompany any samples sent to a lab.

Managing Soil Compaction Following the Heavy Rains of 2007

By WCM Staff on 9/6/2007 3:17 PM

Portions of southwestern and southern Wisconsin received in excess of twelve inches of rain in early August of 2007. These storms not only saturated soils in the regions, but in many cases floodwater deposited sediment on crop fields. This event brings into sight a potential for soil compaction from subsequent vehicular traffic used for agricultural operations.

Summer manure spreading on hay fields – some factors to consider

By WCM Staff on 6/13/2007 12:31 PM

Some caution is needed to prevent damage to established alfalfa fields from summer manure applications.

Wisconsin’s Pre-sidedress Soil Nitrate Test

By WCM Staff on 6/7/2007 1:10 PM

The pre-sidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) is a tool available to Wisconsin corn growers for improving the efficiency of their nitrogen (N) fertilizer applications. Not to be confused with routine soil tests, soil N testing allows N fertilizer recommendations to be adjusted to field-specific conditions that can influence corn N need.

Planting corn immediately after anhydrous ammonia application, am I in for trouble?

By WCM Staff on 4/24/2007 10:51 AM

The weather conditions this spring have kept corn growers out of the field until this past week. A few growers are concerned about germination and seedling injury because they will be applying preplant anhydrous ammonia (NH3) only a few hours before planting. The questions are: what should they do to prevent or minimize injury; and what should they expect the crop to look like?

Soil Test for Professionally Managed Turf

By WCM Staff on 4/4/2007 10:06 AM

This past year the University of Wisconsin Soil and Plant Analysis Lab-Madison introduced a new soil test package for golf courses as well as other professionally managed turf. Beginning in April 2007, the UW Soil and Plant Analysis Lab-Madison is now also offering a special nutrient management package for professionally managed turf. Samples submitted using this program are tested for pH, organic matter, Bray P and K only.

Learn More About Your Soil Fertility

By WCM Staff on 3/22/2007 12:01 PM

Are you interested in learning how the maximum return to nitrogen (MRTN) corn N rate guidelines work on your farm? If so, your County Extension Agent can help you conduct on-farm research that will tell you how much N was needed in your corn field in 2007.

Phosphorus and Potassium Management for Corn

By WCM Staff on 3/8/2007 12:00 AM

With increased interested in corn grain production this year, it is important to consider phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) management as well as nitrogen (N).

Tillage Management Considerations for Continuous Corn

By WCM Staff on 3/8/2007 12:00 AM

A consequence of long-term continuous corn production could be the adoption of more aggressive tillage to manage large amounts of crop residue. This could potentially lead to decreased soil quality and increased soil loss. Producers must carefully consider tillage options when growing corn on corn.

Nitrogen Management for Corn following Corn

By WCM Staff on 3/8/2007 12:00 AM

Using appropriate nitrogen (N) rates and management is critical for successful corn on corn production. Although high yields are the objective for most producers, it is important to recognize that desired yield or yield goal is not a good predictor of the optimum N rate in corn production. Effective N management includes selecting the N rate that will maximize economic return and using appropriate application methods and management techniques to minimize losses of applied N

Converting CRP Land to Corn: Impacts and Mitigation

By WCM Staff on 3/8/2007 12:00 AM

Currently in Wisconsin there are more than 600,000 acres enrolled in the USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The contracts for approximately 44 percent may expire in 2007 and 2008. Given current rising demand for corn, it is likely that at least a portion of these acres will go into a corn-based row crop rotation.

2007 WI Fertilizer, Aglime, and Pest Management Conference Papers & Presentations Available

By WCM Staff on 2/15/2007 12:00 AM

Papers and presentations from the 2007 Wisconsin Fertilizer, Aglime, and Pest Management Conference are now available online at: http://www.soils.wisc.edu/extension/wfapmc/

Organic Soil Management Meeting March 5th in Lancaster

By WCM Staff on 2/15/2007 12:00 AM

UW Extension In Grant and Iowa Counties and Southwest Technical College co-hosting a soil management workshop for transitioning and certified organic farmers on March 5, 2007 at the Grant County Extension Office in Lancaster. The program will run from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. Interested area farmers are invited to attend.