Jenny Rees - Extension Educator

Jennifer Rees

faculty

Exten Educator NE Ext Engagement Zone 7 University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Work

2345 Nebraska Ave York NE 68467-1104

Work 402-362-5508

jenny.rees@unl.edu

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Twitter: @jenreesources
Blog: JenReesources Extension Blog

Graph showing level of damage compared with date of dicamba application

Results of 2017 Survey on Nebraska Soybean Farmers’ Adoption of Xtend Technology and Off-Target Dicamba Movement

December 14, 2017

In summer 2017, 312 Nebraska farmers from 60 counties responded to a survey on their perception on dicamba use in Xtend soybeans. The survey asked about outcomes of applying dicamba in Xtend soybeans and perceived injury in non-Xtend soybeans.

Figure 1. Based corn stalk residue. — Figure 1. Where moisture is not limited, research shows that removing some corn residue from a field may benefit yield in the following crop. However, if residue is removed for more than three years, research showed longer term impacts to the soil.

Crop Residue Removal: Impacts on Yield

December 8, 2017

A review of multiple research studies indicates that where moisture is not limited, residue removal can result in no yield reduction to yield increases for the subsequent crop. However, long-term residue removal has been shown to affect other production factors and it's recommended that even in minimal erosion areas, removing residue does impact other production factors and it's recommended that 2.4 tons/acre of residue be left in the field.

Amelioration Strategies after Corn Residue Removal

December 7, 2017

The authors review three research studies on how amelioration practices such as adding cover crops and/or manure may offset any effects of removing crop residue.

Figure 1. Corn stalk residue with downed ears, baled and ready to use. (Photo by Jenny Rees) — Figure 1. Corn stalk residue with downed ears baled and ready to use. (Photo by Jenny Rees)

Corn Stover Removal: Nutrient Value of Stover and Impacts on Soil Properties

December 7, 2017

Corn residue has a number of uses and thus its value as well as its impact on other systems may need to be estimated when evaluating post-harvest options. This article looks at how to estimate the nutrient value of the residue and potential impacts to the soil from removing the residue, based on Nebraska research.

field pennycress post herbicide app — Figure 1. Survival of field pennycress due to application of burndown herbicide when the temperature was below 40°F for an extended time. (Photos by Amit Jhala)

Low Temperature and Frost May Affect Efficacy of Burndown Herbicides

November 9, 2017

In many areas fall herbicide applications were delayed due to the late harvest. Applications can still be effective, depending on weeds present, temperature, rate of herbicide and additives used. The article offers recommendations for these late-fall applications and their importance, particularly for control of herbicide-resistant marestail.

Grower Experiences with Picking Up Downed Corn

November 6, 2017

This photo series of grower solutions illustrates several non-livestock options for picking up corn on the ground, including the use of a rake and combine with a pick-up attachment.

Figure 1. It's likely that a combination of factors this year led to weakened corn ear shanks, large ears, and stalk and ear rots which together may have contributed to increased ear dropping. — Figure 1. It's likely that a combination of factors this year likely led to weakened corn ear shanks, large ears, and stalk and ear rots which together may have contributed to increased ear dropping.

Potential Reasons for Weakened Ear Shanks and Ear Loss

November 3, 2017

While sustained high winds for several days in late October was likely the final catalyst, a number of factors may have led up to increased ear drop in corn. This article looks at potential factors throughout the season that may have eventually led to a challenging harvest.

Map indicating how various Nebraska and Kansas sites are expected to vary from average yields.

2017 Corn Yield Forecasts as of September 20

September 21, 2017

Crop modelers wrap up their forecasts of rainfed and irrigated corn yields across the Corn Belt for 2017, noting above-average yields for about 80% of the irrigated sites and more than 60% of the rainfed sites. Irrigated yields ranged from 11%-17% over long-term averages at those sites and rainfed yields at those sites were 13%-40% above average. View data for all the sites.