Check terraces now for needed repairs and maintenance
Mid-summer is a good time to evaluate and perform maintenance on terraces if fields are in wheat stubble. Read more about terrace repair here.
Free online book on soil and water conservation resources now available
An open textbook, Soil and Water Conservation: An Annotated Bibliography, was recently published by New Prairie Press, Kansas State University’s open access digital press. The book highlights credible, free, and openly available online content related to soil and water conservation, including extension bulletins, government reports, technical bulletins, and more.
Emergency measures to control wind erosion
High winds and dry soils are bad combination when it comes to controlling soil erosion. It's important to monitor fields conditions in the event that emergency erosion control measures are needed.
Check terraces now for needed repairs and maintenance
Over 9 million acres of land in Kansas is protected by more than 290,000 miles of terraces, making it second in the U.S. for this conservation practice. Repairs and upkeep are sometimes needed to keep these structures performing well.
Emergency measures to control wind erosion
Cropland can be quite susceptible to wind erosion under some conditions, particularly through the winter. Dry conditions and high winds in western KS in recent weeks have contributed to episodes of blowing soil. Learn more about emergency measures that can help control wind erosion.
Kansas Bankers Association Conservation Awards - Nominations due Dec. 3
Nominate a deserving Kansas producer or landowner for the 2021 Kansas Bankers Association Conservation Awards Program. In 2020, 197 Kansas producers and landowners were recognized through this program.
Kansas Bankers Association Conservation Awards - Nominations due Dec. 3
Nominate a deserving Kansas producer or landowner who has made outstanding progress in practicing conservation for the 2021 Kansas Bankers Association Conservation Awards Program. In 2020, 197 Kansas producers and landowners were recognized through this program.
Check terraces now for needed repairs and maintenance
In Kansas, over 9 million acres of land is protected by more than 290,000 miles of terraces. The weeks between harvest and when snow flies can be a good time to evaluate and perform maintenance on terraces. Terraces need regular maintenance to function for a long life.
Great Plains Initiative indicates more than half of Kansas windbreaks are deteriorating
An initiative to support windbreaks and other green infrastructure on Kansas farms is much-needed in light of recent data indicating that more than half of windbreaks in the state are in fair to poor condition.
Consider the value of soil residue before baling or burning wheat stubble
Following wheat harvest some producers may consider burning or baling their wheat stubble. There are four main factors to consider before taking any action that removes residue from the soil surface. Understanding the true value of leaving crop residue in place can help producers decide what is best for their system.
residue soil conservation soil erosion wheat stubble wind erosion
Kansas Bankers Association Conservation Awards Program - Nominations due Nov. 10
Nominate a deserving Kansas producer or landowner for the 2023 Kansas Bankers Association Conservation Awards Program. There are six different award categories. The purpose of this program is to stimulate a greater interest in the conservation of the agricultural and natural resources of Kansas.
Kansas Bankers Association Conservation Awards Program – Nominations due Nov. 10
Nominate a deserving Kansas producer or landowner for the 2023 Kansas Bankers Association Conservation Awards Program. There are six categories: energy conservation, water quality, water conservation, soil conservation, windbreaks, and wildlife habitat. Nominations are due by November 10.
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
Management considerations before baling corn residue
Kansas produces around 5.5 million acres of corn and 9,800,000 tons of corn residue annually. Although baling crop residues provides additional income, producers should consider the potential impacts that residue removal may have on soil and crop health and long-term sustainability.