Fall fertilization of smooth brome and tall fescue
Cool-season forages require annual fertilization for optimum production. Fall is a good time to plan on fertilizing cool-season improved pasture perennial grasses such as smooth brome and tall fescue. Fertilizer should be applied by broadcasting in the fall or before spring growth begins.
Be mindful of fire safety during harvest season
As fall harvest continues across Kansas, many areas are challenged by abnormally dry to severe drought conditions and elevated fire risk. With above-average temperatures and limited to no precipitation expected in the short term, conditions are perfect for equipment fires and quick-moving field fires. Be aware and prepared!
Cover crop response to herbicides
As fall progresses, some producers consider seeding winter cover crops in fields currently planted to corn. A number of factors, including the plant's biological and biochemical characteristics, the herbicide's chemical characteristics, and weather conditions since herbicide application, will influence the cover crop's response to herbicides.
Watch for sorghum midge damage this season
As sorghum harvest progresses this season, be on the lookout for sorghum midge damage. In recent years, sorghum midge activity has been detected well outside its typical range in Kansas, with significant losses occurring in some locations. It is easy to overlook or confuse sorghum midge damage with other sources of damage. Learn more in this article.
Meet the new K-State Precision Agriculture Extension Specialist
Meet the newest K-State Agronomy Extension Specialist! Deepak Joshi joined Kansas State University in August as the Precision Agriculture Extension Specialist based in Manhattan. His responsibilities in this role include extension, outreach, and applied research related to precision agriculture and modern technologies in Kansas.
World of Weeds: Shattercane
This World of Weeds feature is all about shattercane. Shattercane (Sorghum bicolor), sometimes called wild cane or black amber, is the same species as our domesticated sorghum. Yield losses from shattercane interference can be as high as 70% in corn and greater than 95% in soybeans.
Kansas Mesonet fall freeze and winter cold tool available
Only a few locations, mostly in far northwest Kansas, have reached the freezing mark this fall. Despite very warm temperatures expected through the weekend, cooler weather will briefly return early next week. This is a great time to visit the Kansas Mesonet's Freeze Monitor. This article explains the many uses of this online tool.