Soybean seed filling and dry down rate before harvest
The weather conditions expected for the last portion of September will be critical for soybeans regarding seed filling and determining the final seed weight. The dry down rate will depend on the maturity group, planting date, and weather conditions. Scout fields to monitor maturity and prioritize situations with lodging or other stress factors that could compromise plant standability.
Grain sorghum yield potential: An on-farm calculation
Even though estimating crop yields before harvest can be difficult, having these estimates is valuable information for producers as it helps them to make relevant decisions on inputs. This article explains how to estimate grain sorghum yields using the on-farm approach.
Grain sorghum yield potential: Understanding the main yield components
Understanding the main plant yield components is essential to estimating grain sorghum's yield potential. The main yield components are the number of plants, tillers per plant, seed per head, and seeds per pound. The initial plant density, planting date, and environment also influence these components.
Test forages to prevent nitrate and prussic acid poisoning
Many Kansas cattle operations rely on some type of harvested feed to use in the winter months. Common sources include forage sorghum, millets, sorghum-sudangrass, and sudan. Depending on the forage type, toxicity issues can occur due to high levels of nitrate and/or prussic acid.
sorghum cattle grazing prussic acid forages nitrate toxicity sudan
Seed treatment fungicides for wheat disease management
Seed treatments are an important part of wheat production in Kansas. Most fungicide seed treatments protect against several seed-borne diseases (common bunt, loose smut, flag smut) and seedling diseases that may result in poor emergence or damping off. This article explains the considerations when deciding on seed treatments.
Emergency measures to control wind erosion
Recent wind conditions in western Kansas have been conducive to soil erosion. Winter wheat and other fall-planted crop fields may be susceptible during periods of low cover. It is important to monitor field conditions and identify vulnerable fields. Emergency tillage can help mitigate soil loss during periods of high winds.
soil conservation erosion high winds soil erosion wind erosion emergency tillage
Grasshoppers are abundant in many areas of Kansas
The abundance of grasshoppers being observed is likely due to the weather patterns of the last couple of seasons. Seedling alfalfa and wheat could be at risk in areas with greater grasshopper pressure. This article outlines the treatment thresholds and management options for grasshopper control.
Late-planted soybeans may be at risk for insect damage
Many late-planted soybeans are still in the R2-R5 stage of development, which means they are still susceptible to pod worm and/or adult bean leaf beetle feeding. Adult bean leaf beetles may feed on both new foliage and green pods, while pod worms feed on the beans within pods.
Update on fall armyworms and armyworms
There is much concern about "worms" feeding on brome and the prospect of those worms moving to newly emerged wheat. Infestations currently consist of either fall armyworms or armyworms. Learn more about the current status of these pests and what to expect in the coming weeks.
Self-guided tours of herbicide evaluation plots are open near Manhattan
Each summer, the Extension Weed Science team evaluates herbicide programs for corn and soybeans. These plots are located near Manhattan, KS, and can be visited at your schedule. Feel free to drop by anytime. Information about the herbicide treatments will be accessible if you have a smartphone.