Strahinja Stepanović - Former Extension Educator

Twitter: @agwithstrahinja
Blog: Ag with Strahinja
Core Extension Programs: Nebraska Ag Water Management Network (NAWMN), on-farm research, Field pea sustainability and production

Focus Areas

Water conservation and management in semiarid dryland and irrigated cropping systems
Agronomic evaluation of farming practices
Weed, insect and disease resistance management

Figure 1. Field of early-planted corn that burned up due to drought conditions during the early season in 2017. (Photo by Strahinja Stepanovic)

Impact of Hybrid Selection, Planting Date, and Seeding Rates on Dryland Corn in Western Nebraska

December 14, 2018

Results from a one-year study in western Nebraska to evaluate the effects of planting date on dryland corn and whether seeding rate recommendations should be reconsidered for late planting dates.

Figure 1. Final soybean stand count was not necessarily an indicator of yield in this 2017 study of the effects of late-season (R3) nitrogen application in soybean. The Lincoln County plot (left) had a final stand count of 72,000 plants per acre and yielded 72.7-73 bu/ac. The Perkins County plot (right) had a final stand count of 161,000 plants per acre and yielded 74.4-77 bu/ac.

Is Late Season N Fertilization Warranted for Irrigated Soybean in Western Nebraska?

November 2, 2018

On-farm research trials were conducted in three southwest Nebraska counties to study whether a late season N application during the pod setting and seed filling phases would increase soybean yields.

Graph showing tillage effects on yield of chickpea and field pea at Grant, Nebraska in 2018 study.

Field Pea and Chickpea Germination and Yield as Affected by Tillage

October 26, 2018

Research conducted at Grant found that spring tillage prior to planting caused faster germination and better yield of field peas and chickpeas as compared to no-till during the above-average wet and cool 2018 growing conditions.

Test plots showing sorghum (center) and other crops double-cropped after field peas in Saunders County in eastern Nebraska.

Double Cropping Pulses with Short-Season Crops, Forages, and Cover Crops in Eastern Nebraska

September 6, 2018

A research project in eastern Nebraska is evaluating a double crop production system as a potential alternative to the traditional corn/soybean rotation. Following an early season crop of yellow field peas, short-season crops (corn, soybean, grain sorghum, millet and sunflower) and annual forages (forage sorghum and sorghum-Sudangrass) were planted.

Aerial image of field showing differences between 15-inch and 30-inch row spacings — Figure 1. TerrAvion aerial imagery taken on Aug 4, 2017 at Chase County site showing less vigor and higher thermal stress in 30-inch row soybeans than in 15-inch row soybeans.

How Row Spacng Affects Irrigated Soybean in Southwest Nebraska

April 27, 2018

While continuous corn is the most common cropping sequence in southwest Nebraska, adding soybeans to a rotation could help break pest cycles. On-farm research comparing 15- and 30-inch soybean row spacing found increased yields of 4-12 bu/ac with an average 7 bu/ac increase with 15-inch rows.

Economic Model for Dryland Crop Rotations in Western Nebraska

March 13, 2018

Economic Model for Dryland Crop Rotations in Western Nebraska (Downloadable Excel^® file)

Figure 1. (left) Carryover injury of atrazine (2 lb ai/ac applied in the fall) and (right) mesotrione (applied in the spring) on field peas. — Figure 1. Carryover injury of atrazine (2 lb ai/ac applied in the fall) and mesotrione (applied in the spring) on field peas.

Field Peas—A Guide to Herbicide Carryover And Herbicide Efficacy

February 22, 2018

How to avoid herbicide carryover injury when designing an effective herbicide program for crop rotations integrating field peas.

Pulse crops — Figure 1. Field peas (left) and chick peas are part of the growing pulse crop industry in western Nebraska. Register by Jan. 16 for the Pulse Crops Workshop, Expo or both to engage with industry representatives and growers and learn about the latest research.

January Pulse Crop Programs Offer Two Approaches to Fit Your Needs

January 9, 2018

Learn about and engage with the expanding pulse crop industry at two events being held in western Nebraska this month: the Pulse Crops Workshop Jan. 17 at Bridgeport and the Pulse Crops Expo Jan. 18 at Grant. Check the agendas and register for one or both events by Jan. 16.