Plant Disease

How real is the threat of crop disease bioterrorism?

Winter wheat 'looking good' in southeat and south central Nebraska

Fertility

Fall fertilizer application not always the 'best' management practice

Equipment

Clean, winterize farm equipment to extend its life

Production

Bt corn registration extended

Balance benefits and risks
when selecting corn and soybean seed

Dry July hard on early-planted soybeans; September rains aid pod-fill in late beans

Raising dairy alfalfa no walk in the hay

Tillage trial yields favor no-till

Crop Update

Research

South Central REC researcher focuses on site specific management and nutrient efficiencies

Distance Education/Resources/Events

Entomology offers distance degree, non-credit classes

On the Web: The technology behind today's advances in crop genetics

Learn how to combine financial objectives in a winning strategy

Agronomy Highlights to be Dec. 4 in Lincoln

Conference to address global pressures on Nebraska ag

Agnews

Nebraska Joins 3-State 'High Tunnel' Study

European biotechnology report a surprise

Tough choices on state budget

Nov. 7-9 conference addresses immigration challenges

Slowing the flow: Grass hedges to catch runaway soil

How real is the threat of crop disease bioterrorism?

For any plant disease to occur and then become epidemic, three essential components must be in balance.

Yes, it is possible to induce a plant disease by artificial inoculation of a susceptible plant host. It’s done routinely in greenhouse experiments on plant diseases. Having success in the field, however, presents a greater challenge and the success rate of field-induced plant diseases is much less than that for greenhouse-induced plant diseases. Why? One must only look at one of the basic principles of plant pathology -- the plant disease triangle -- to understand how difficult it is to create an artificial plant disease epidemic under field conditions.

For any plant disease to occur and then become epidemic, the three essential components -- a virulent pathogen, susceptible host, and favorable environment -- have to be in balance, and this doesn’t occur often in nature. This doesn’t imply that natural plant disease epidemics are rare because every year some of our food, feed and fiber crops are attacked by plant pathogens. This year in Nebraska, certain varieties of winter wheat, for example, suffered significant losses to stripe rust; however, statewide losses to stripe rust were probably less than 1%. Our losses to stripe rust were less than those of other states because most of our winter wheat acreage was planted to varieties resistant to stripe rust. Only those fields with susceptible varieties were significantly affected.

Another example of natural disease control this year was illustrated in gray leaf spot of corn. Given that gray leaf spot is the most common and most serious corn disease in the Midwest; why wasn’t it a more significant factor in statewide corn production this year in Nebraska. The answer relates to two of the corners of the disease triangle, host and environment. More resistant corn hybrids are being grown and weather conditions were not favorable for early development of gray leaf spot. Dry weather early delayed initial disease development so that when gray leaf spot began to cause damage in most fields, yields had essentially already been determined by plant development and the effect on crop production was minimal.

These two examples illustrate why it would be difficult to artificially create a large scale plant disease epidemic that would devastate a crop over a wide geographic area even with a highly virulent pathogen. The wide genetic diversity in our food, feed and fiber crops; an environment that is variable and generally discourages disease development, and the fact that most crops are only susceptible to infection during a few months of the year -- as opposed to humans and livestock who are susceptible all year -- reduces the potential for plant pathogens to be used as bioterrorism agents.

John E. Watkins
Extension Plant Pathologist

Winter wheat 'looking good'
in southeast and south central Nebraska

From mid-September through mid-October environmental conditions for seeding winter wheat have been the best they've been for several years. Dry enough to get the fields planted with enough moisture to firm the seedbed and get the crop up and growing. In the areas surveyed, the winter wheat should go into winter in relatively good condition. This is critical because unhealthy, stressed seedlings are much more prone to winter injury and crown and root disease than are healthy seedlings. If we can avoid a sudden drop in temperature like the one in mid-October 2000, and can cool down gradually as winter approaches, plants should remain healthy going into dormancy.

John E. Watkins
Extension Plant Pathologist

Under some conditions, fall fertilizer application may not be the best management practice. Photo by Richard Ferguson

Fall fertilizer application
not always the 'best' management practice

Is it the right soil?
Nitrogen should be applied in the fall only to silt loam or heavier textured soils, not to sandy textured soils susceptible to leaching.

Is it the right fertilizer source?
Only anhydrous ammonia should be applied in the fall. It contains only ammoniacal nitrogen, which is protected from leaching immediately after application since it is held by cation exchange sites on soil clays and organic matter. Ammonium-N will gradually convert to nitrate-N through the microbial process of nitrification, but this process is quite slow if soils are cool.

Ammoniacal . . . refers to the general 'class' of ammonia-based species. Anhydrous ammonia is NH3, with no electrical charge. When it is injected into soil, it reacts quickly with soil water to form ammonium -NH4+, with a positive charge. So after injection, for a little while at least, both ammonia and ammonium are present in the soil.

Occasionally producers ask about the efficacy of broadcasting nitrogen solution, urea or ammonium nitrate in the fall for row crops the next year. This is not an acceptable practice. The risk of severe loss processes is just too high. Fertilizer broadcast on the surface may be lost in runoff water if soil is frozen. Also, the ammonia in fertilizers containing urea, such as nitrogen solution and dry urea, can volatilize to the atmosphere. The likelihood of nitrogen being immobilized in crop residue is much higher, since fertilizer is broadcast on top of residue from the recent harvest. Finally, the immediate leaching potential is greater for most nitrogen fertilizers other than anhydrous ammonia since most contain nitrate and/or urea as well as ammonium.

Is it the right temperature?
At soil temperatures of 50^oF or cooler, the process of nitrification is slowed significantly, and stops completely somewhat below freezing. Once the soil temperature reaches 50^oF and stays there for several days, soils will become gradually even cooler, and very little ammonium-N will be converted to nitrate-N over the winter.

Is it legal?
In several areas of Nebraska designated groundwater management areas (GWMAs) restrict how nitrogen fertilizers are used in order to protect groundwater quality. In the most restrictive areas, fall nitrogen application is not allowed. In others, fall nitrogen application is not allowed prior to a certain date, usually November 1, when historically soils are cool enough in central Nebraska that fall application of anhydrous ammonia is acceptable. If we have a warm fall, however, producers are encouraged to delay application until soils have cooled below 50^oF, even if it is after November 1.

How much do I need?
Before applying nitrogen fertilizer, whether in the fall or spring, it is a good idea to have taken soil samples for residual nitrate-N. Collecting deep soil samples (2 feet or greater) in the root zone is the best way to know how much fertilizer nitrogen you need for next year.

Should I use nitrification inhibitors?
The use of a nitrification inhibitor, such as nitrapyrin (N-Serve) or dicyandiamide (DCD), can help protect against loss of ammoniacal nitrogen applied in the fall to silt loam soils. However, use of nitrification inhibitors should only be viewed as an 'insurance policy' - in most years they will have no impact on yield because climatic and soil conditions are not conducive to nitrogen loss.

Often fertilizer dealers will provide price incentives for nitrogen fertilizer applied in the fall to spread out their workload and take advantage of reduced wholesale prices. If the above conditions are met, fall nitrogen application can allow producers to do the same - spread out their workload and save some money. Also, soils are typically dryer in the fall than in the spring, resulting in less potential for soil compaction from fertilizer application.

The recently published book, Nutrient Management for Agronomic Crops in Nebraska, UNL Cooperative Extension EC 01-155, contains more detailed information on recommended fertilizer practices for various crops. Chapters on nitrogen and corn are available on-line.Copies of the book can be ordered through your local Extension office, or from Extension Publications, IANR Communications and Information Technology, Box 830918, Lincoln, NE 68583-0918.

Richard Ferguson
Extension Soils Specialist
South Central REC

Clean, winterize farm equipment to extend its life

When putting away tractors and combines for the winter, take engine and hydraulic oil samples and submit for oil analysis. This oil analysis will provide clues to any deteriorating engine, power train or hydraulic conditions. Be sure to change the oil and perform regular service. Clean engine oil will reduce internal engine corrosion during storage.

Fill the fuel tank to reduce water accumulation and tank corrosion, inflate tires to recommended pressure to reduce sidewall damage and check antifreeze for correct freezing temperature. Make sure combines are clean. Be sure all grain and plant material left in the grain tank and augers is removed. This will reduce rusting and make it less attractive to mice and other pests which can damage electrical wiring. Reduce tension on belts to reduce stretch and increase belt life.

Before storing tillage implements, remove soil and apply appropriate rust preventive material, then store with soil engaging components raised or on blocks to prevent rust. Hydraulic cylinders should not be stored fully extended. If temperatures increase, hydraulic oil will be confined and high pressure may cause damage to the hydraulic system.

All planters, drills and air seeders need to be cleaned out. Be sure to follow storage instructions in the operator's manual for removing seed plates and other components to relieve pressure on seals, brushes, and seed plates. This will minimize warping and misshaped air seals and seed plates. Remove soil from all furrow openers to reduce rust and improve performance next season. Balers need to have any partial bales and all plant material removed to minimize rusting. Follow the operator's manual for instructions on reducing pressure on baler belts or other components. Cleaning farm equipment with a power washer is great for removing dust and soil. Also check all fluid levels and lubricate as instructed in equipment's operator's manual before storage. Where possible store equipment in a building -- particularly tractors, combines, planters, drills, and balers - to improve equipment performance and resale value.

For more information on ways to extend the life of your farm machinery, check these NU Cooperative Extension publications:

• Five Strategies for Extending Machinery Life, NebGuide G95-1261
• Oil Analysis, NebFact NF225.

Bt corn registration extended

"Scientific studies and a history of successful use have demonstrated that Bt is not toxic to humans or other animals," according to the EPA news release. "A careful review of scientific information confirms previous findings that these Bt corn varieties show no evidence of allergenicity."

"Bt corn has been evaluated thoroughly by EPA, and we are confident that it does not pose risks to human health or to the environment," said Stephen L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator of EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances. "The safeguards incorporated into these registrations will ensure that farmers can continue to use an effective, low-risk pest control alternative, which helps to protect the environment by reducing the amount of conventional pesticides used."

The renewed registrations of the five Bt corn products continue to include specific requirements for companies to routinely monitor and collect data to ensure that product use does not lead to insect resistance or unexpected human health or environmental effects. EPA also mandated several provisions to strengthen insect resistance management, to increase research data on potential environmental effects, and to improve grower education and stewardship.

In extending the use of Bt corn, EPA has increased environmental and compliance monitoring requirements. According to the EPA news release, companies marketing Bt corn seed will be required to monitor for the development of insect resistance, provide annual reports on the efficacy of resistance management plans, and implement remedial action plans in the event that resistance is detected among pest populations. The companies must also educate growers about the best methods of planting Bt corn to minimize any potential development of insect resistance. Growers will continue to be required to sign a contract.

Detailed information on the decision is available on the EPA web site.

Balance benefits and risks
when selecting corn and soybean seed

The UNL variety test results allow for unbiased comparisons of entries from many companies at numerous locations across the state. Information includes yield, moisture, bushel weight, disease reaction when differences were noted, and other characteristics. Soybean data also includes height, maturity date, oil and protein content, and lodging data. This information also is summarized over multiple locations and years. After identifying some superior varieties from these tests, consult crop literature or representatives from the companies marketing the seed for further information about other strengths and weaknesses of each variety. When introducing a new variety, limit it to less than 20% of your acres the first year. If it performs better than your current varieties, increase the acreage next year.

Balancing characteristics
Choosing more than one variety of each crop provides many benefits and can help spread the risk of susceptibility of a particular hybrid or variety to seed or pesticide problems, planting or climatic conditions. One method of obtaining diversity is to select varieties from the top yielding group which differ in harvest moisture or other traits. Another advantage of growing several varieties is spreading the maturity date. Some agronomists advise planting the earliest maturing varieties first to further spread the harvest schedule and the pollination period. Another advantage of growing several varieties is the difference in disease and insect resistance that each provides. Overall, including several diverse varieties spreads the risk and the workload. If a late spring frost damages an early planted hybrid, an early maturing hybrid can be replanted later in the season without changing hybrids.

Many characteristics may be considered when selecting a variety. Generally yield and then maturity are the first factors to be considered. In the case of corn, maturity will influence planting date, determine harvest date, harvest moisture, and the chances of getting caught with immature corn in case of an early fall frost. With soybean, the maturity will be more closely related to the area of adaptation. A maturity group that is inappropriate will not perform well regardless of planting date or harvest date. Also consider disease, insect, and herbicide resistance, quality, and in some cases, price of seed.

Another major characteristics to consider is whether you want to plant a genetically modified variety or hybrid. Biotechnology has enabled breeders to incorporate genes from other species to provide specific characteristics, such as those available in Bt or Roundup Ready varieties. Consider the requirements of your farm, your management practices and potential changes afforded with this seed, as well as refuge, contract and other requirements. Selecting for this characteristic will create a new pool of potential hybrids or varieties from which you can select those with the characteristics which best fit your needs.

(See the Oct. 12, 2001 Crop Watch for further information on ordering seed-applied insecticides for corn or seed-applied fungicides for soybeans.)

Len Nelson
Extension Crop Variety and Seed Production Specialist

Harvest of very short, early maturing soybeans while later planted full season soybeans are still actively growing. (IANR photo by Paul Jasa)

Dry July hard on early-planted soybeans; September rains aid pod-fill in late beans

Research was conducted again in 2001 at the Rogers Memorial Farm, 10 miles east of Lincoln, to evaluate the potential of early planted soybeans. A planter was used to no-till soybeans into soybean residue at about a 2-inch depth. Three varieties, a 2.4 maturity, a 3.0 maturity, and a 3.4 maturity, with fungicide-treated seed were used. In addition, the same 3.0 variety was planted without fungicide treatment. The yields from the five planting dates, shown in the table, showed a slight yield penalty for late planting in 2001 for the later maturity soybeans, similar to the 1999 and 2000 results. (See stories in previous issues of Crop Watch with those results: http://cropwatch.unl.edu/archives/2000/crop00-03.htm and http://cropwatch.unl.edu/archives/2000/crop00-25.htm.

2001 yields from three soybean varieties (one with and without fungicide) with five planting dates, NU Rogers Memorial Farm near Lincoln. Soybean Yield, bu/A Planting 2.4 Maturity 3.0 Untreated 3.0 Treated 3.4 Maturity Date March 19 25.6 40.8 na 46.3 April 10 27.7 41.9 41.1 43.9 April 30 30.8 41.0 44.0 45.3 May 23 33.1 48.8 45.6 49.3 June 12 38.5 45.3 44.2 45.0 All seed , except the 3.0 untreated was treated with a four-way fungicide

Unlike 2000, the later planted, early maturity soybeans had higher yields. In 2000, there was good rainfall in July when the early planted, early maturing soybeans were filling their pods. A dry August reduced pod fill on the later planting dates. In 2001, there was very little rainfall in July when the early soybeans were trying to fill their pods. Rains in early September aided the pod fill of any of the later planting dates and greatly increased yields for the late planted, early maturing soybeans. In addition, cool weather in May 2001 slowed the growth of the early planted soybeans, resulting in very short plants for the early maturing variety.

While early planting looks promising, producers should not plant soybeans too early. Early planted soybeans still have risks involved with late spring frosts and replanting may be necessary. In addition, the potential for bean leaf beetle feeding must be considered as later planting dates are a cultural practice to avoid seedling damage. For machinery management purposes, planting some soybeans a week or two before corn makes sense for producers who typically finish planting soybeans in June or for those who want to spread their workload and risks.

Paul Jasa
Extension Engineer

Raising dairy alfalfa no walk in the hay

Nebraska is not a dairy state. We have nearly 25 times more beef cows than dairy cows; however, the number of dairy cows is increasing.

Some people have planted extra alfalfa to supply this market. Raising dairy alfalfa, however, is more complicated than just planting, cutting, baling and selling. It takes much more management than raising row crops.

Harvest timing is critical for dairy alfalfa. Mature plants will not produce as much milk as young plants, but cutting too young too often lowers yield and shortens stand life. To raise the best crop, growers have to find that delicate balance between the two extremes. Getting hay dry with little leaf loss and then baling with enough moisture to limit leaf shatter is as much an art as a science. Alfalfa baled too wet doesn't have the luxury of a dryer to make it safe to store. It also requires more extensive marketing, including competing with dozens of other growers to sell your hay at a desirable price. With dairy alfalfa, you can't just haul it to the co-op.

Growers of dairy alfalfa make good profits without government subsidies, but it takes a special person to manage all production, marketing, and business aspects. The grass, or alfalfa in this case, may always look greener on the other side of the fence, but before you commit resources and establish new alfalfa stands, consider the level of management required as well as the potential increase in the local market.

Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist

Tillage system Yield, bu/A* Soybeans Grain sorghum Fall plow, disk, disk 44.6 120.0 Fall chisel, disk 44.7 115.8 Disk, disk 44.8 120.1 Disk 44.2 116.2 No-till with cultivation 42.5 121.2 No-till without cultivation 50.0 124.1 *Full plot harvest with a combine and weigh wagon; corrected for moisture.

Tillage trial yields favor no-till

Unlike last year, there were adequate rains this spring to fill the soil profile, replacing the soil moisture lost to preplant tillage, and contributing to minimal yield differences. (See 2000 yield results in the Crop Watch archived story.) However, it has been observed that the no-till treatments have better soil structure, more residue cover, and less surface crusting. These conditions are improving the water infiltration rate and decreasing runoff, making rainfall more effective with the long-term no-till. With no tillage operations, better soil structure, and higher yields, no-till is the most profitable tillage system.

Paul Jasa
Extension Engineer

Entomology offers distance degree, non-credit classes

The distance M.S. option was developed for students who cannot participate in an on-campus degree program and don't want a conventional, research-based degree. The distance M.S. in entomology emphasizes course work and practical application of graduate training. Intended audiences for this degree are individuals actively involved in jobs or professions where advanced training in entomology is desirable, as well as those seeking such positions. Examples include crop consultants, pest control operators, workers in various ag-related industries (such as co-ops, chemical companies, and seed companies), and high school biology teachers. This is a non-research, non-thesis degree option.

The distance option emphasizes course work in entomology and flexibility in non-entomological training specific to individual student needs and interests. Additionally, the demonstrated ability to apply this training in practice is an important feature of the degree. Following are a few highlights of the program:

• The degree requires 36 credit hours (all of which can be obtained in distance courses), including 18 in entomology
• The degree requires at least 18 hours in courses open exclusively to graduate students
• Specific course requirements are determined between the student and an advisor
• Distance courses for the degree are taught by the Department of Entomology via video and web-based (internet) materials; some credits from other institutions may be applied to the degree (with permission)
• The degree can be completed in as few as two years, but it typically takes three years
• Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and course work in biology, chemistry and mathematics.

All of the entomology distance courses can be taken noncredit. If you do not want to pursue a degree, feel free to take a class and increase your knowledge and understanding of entomology and related issues. To register for any of our classes as a non-degree seeking student, please call Betty in Lincoln at (402) 472-3035 or toll-free at 1-800-755-7765.

Following is a list of entomology classes to be offered by distance in spring 2002:

ENTO 496A/896A: Biological Control of Pests
Description: Natural and ecological pest management. The theory, principles, and practices of using parasitoids, predators, herbivores, and pathogens of pests to manage their abundance and reduce the damage they cause to crops and other commodities. It will be particularly useful for those practicing integrated pest management or just studying pests and other biological organisms in nature.

ENTO 896J: Insect Ecology
Description: This course examines the unique ecological roles of insects and considers aspects of insect biology as they relate to relationships between individuals and populations and their environment. Students will learn key elements in these relationships, with a particular emphasis on current areas of controversy. Also, students will learn techniques used in ecological studies on insects.

ENTO 496/896: Management of Horticultural Crop Insects
Description: This course will focus on insect pests of horticultural crops, including pests of vegetables, fruit trees, trees and shrubs, greenhouse crops, turf and ornamentals (floral crops). Emphasis will be on IPM (Integrated Pest Management) approaches employed to maintain pests below damaging levels, while encouraging natural enemies.

There is still time to apply to earn graduate credit for spring 2002, however, don’t delay because the application process does take time. For more information on distance entomology classes, visit the Department of Entomology’s website. For application materials call, write, or e-mail:

On the Web: The technology behind today's advances in crop genetics

The lessons are composed of text enhanced with images, animations, a hyper-linked glossary and quizzes. The content is written for a wide range of learners who have some background knowledge of general biology. All of the content on the Web site (except the online quizzes) is open and available free of charge for viewing/educational use. The lessons are used as part of both undergraduate and graduate courses at UNL, as well as for CEU credits.

Several enhancements are planned for the site. Later this year a high school version of the site will be released for free use in the classroom. Next year the weed science lessons will be expanded and a Spanish translation will be added. Lessons on nutrition and food safety of biotech crops also will be added.

Several lessons are part of on-line distance education courses which can be taken for academic or professional credit through the NU Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. These courses include Crop Genetic Engineering and Herbicide Action in Plants. For further information on taking these courses, contact Deana Namuth, distance education coordinator for the NU Department of Agronomy and Horticulture.

Patty Hain
Distance Education Specialist

Learn how to combine financial objectives in a winning strategy

"Managing Today for Tomorrow's Opportunities" will be held Dec. 4-5 in York and Dec. 6-7 in North Platte. Seminar speakers will include: Glen Ring, a market analyst and former producer and broker; Jerry Carlson, cofounder of ProFarmer; Paul Machle, Nebraska Claims Supervisor for American Agrinsurance for the past 15 years; and Dave Thorell, KRVN broadcaster and evening speaker; and representatives of the Nebraska Farm Business Association.

Gary Bredensteiner, director of the Nebraska Farm Business Association, said the seminar will help producers identify developing trends in government policies and the ag market and how to collect and use their financial records to develop a targeted management plan.

The meeting in York will begin at 1 p.m. Dec. 4, and end at 5 p.m. Dec. 5. The meeting at North Platte will begin at 8 a.m. Dec. 6 and end at noon Dec. 7.

Registration is $105 if received by Nov. 15 and $125 after that date. Additional family members attending the same seminar can register for $85. For more information contact the Nebraska Farm Business Association, UNL, 110 Mussehl Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0719; phone: (402) 472-1399; Fax: (402) 472-3858; or email jrosecrans1@unl.edu

Visit the NFBA website for more information about their services.

Agronomy Highlights to be Dec. 4 in Lincoln

Poster sessions exploring current research projects also will be available. To preregister, call JoAnn at (402) 472-2811 in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture by Nov. 26.

Conference to address global pressures on Nebraska ag

"Participants will learn about globalization, why it is happening and what it might mean," said Ray Supalla, NU agricultural economist and planning committee chairman. "Secondly, participants will learn what they might do as individuals, or as a matter of public policy in response to the changes taking place."

The conference will focus on global competition, entrepreneurship and policy needs related to globalization, Supalla said.

Conference registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Speakers include experts and specialists from USDA and the USDA Economic Research Service, the NU Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, individual producers and representatives of private industry.

Cost is $30 for AgRelations Council members and $35 for nonmembers made payable to the Nebraska AgRelations Council. For more information, contact the NAC at 104 Agricultural Communications Building, P.O. Box 830918, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb. 68583-0918, call (402)472-2821 or fax (402) 472-0025. Registration deadline is 5 p.m. Oct. 30.

Sandi Alswager
IANR News and Publishing

South Central REC researcher focuses on site specific management and nutrient efficiencies

Richard Ferguson is a professor of soil fertility in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, and an Extension soils specialist based at the South Central Research and Extension Center near Clay Center.

Ferguson received a B.S. degree in biology in 1976 from Friends University in Wichita Kansas then worked for two years as a fertilizer advisor and grain elevator manager in southeast Kansas. He received an M.S. degree in agronomy from Kansas State University in 1981, and a Ph.D. degree in soil fertility from Kansas State University in 1985. Ferguson joined the University of Nebraska faculty in March, 1985.

Ferguson's research and extension efforts focus on site-specific nutrient management, with an emphasis on practices that increase nutrient use efficiency and reduce potential for nitrogen loss to the environment. Current research projects and some of the UNL faculty he's working with include:

• Site-specific nitrification inhibitor management
• Variable hybrid system for improved corn yield on high pH soils (collaborating with Roger Elmore and Gary Hergert, UNL)
• Long-term application of composted beef feedlot manure impacts on nitrogen and phosphorus accumulation and movement in soil (collaborating with Jack Nienaber and Roger Eigenberg, USDA-ARS)
• Harnessing breakthroughs in nutrient management in corn and soybeans for increased profitability and environmental quality (collaborating with Achim Dobermann, Jürg Blumenthal, Charles Shapiro, David Tarkalson, and Charles Wortmann)
• Thematic soil mapping and crop-based strategies for site-specific management (collaborating with Achim Dobermann, Bob Caldwell and Slava Adamchuk, UNL)
• Improving water and nutrient management with subsurface drip irrigation

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Crop update

Nebraska Ag Statistics Service

Copyright 2001 by the University of Nebraska

Published by University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture

University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.