Research Updates

Figure 1. Rye cover crop termination date and corn residue removal study at Rogers Memorial Farm near Lincoln.
Figure 1. Rye cover crop termination date and corn residue removal study at Rogers Memorial Farm near Lincoln.

Can a Rye Cover Crop Reduce Wind Erosion from Fields with Little Residue Cover?

February 12, 2018
Researchers examined the effect of a rye cover crop on reducing soil erosion from wind in fields where a large amount of the crop residue had been removed.

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Figure 1. Manure being applied in a corn field, using a drag-hose system. Learn more in this month's Soil Health Nexus Blog article.
Figure 1. Manure being applied in a corn field, using a drag-hose system. Learn more in this month's Soil Health Nexus Blog article.

Can Manure Improve Soil Health or Soil Quality?

February 8, 2018
Is land application of manure something you're considering or practicing? Two university research articles look at potential effects on soil health and soil quality.

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Photo of soybean and switchgrass barriers side by side.

Switchgrass Barriers as a Soil Water Conservation Practice

February 7, 2018
Research was conducted to compare infiltration rates in switchgrass barriers and a soybean field. Results showed the value of grass barriers in improving soil structure and infiltration and reducing runoff of sediments and nutrients.

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Graph of stand frequency for two indiangrass varieties

Does Weed Control Method Impact Indiangrass Establishment and Persistence?

February 5, 2018
This study evaluated two weed control methods and seeding rates on establishment and persistence of two indiangrass cultivars, ‘Oto’ and ‘NE 54’, from 2003 to 2007.

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Chart showing tiller numbers of two varieties of indiangrass

Does Seeding Rate Affect Establishment-Year Growth and Long-term Forage Yield of Indiangrass?

February 5, 2018
Recent improvements in forage yield and nutritive value of indiangrass, along with its wide range of adaptation should increase its use in bioenergy and forage production, conservation practices, and reclamation projects in the central Great Plains. This study tested five seeding rates with two varieties — 'Oto' and 'NE 54' — and the effects on dry matter production

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Figure 1. Extension Educator Gary Lesoing examines harvest data at one of the many on-farm research trials being conducted across the state. (Photo by Laura Thompson)
Figure 1. Extension Educator Gary Lesoing examines harvest data at one of the many on-farm research trials being conducted across the state. (Photo by Laura Thompson)

Growers Statewide to Share On-Farm Research Results

January 26, 2018
Farm operators and agronomists from across the state are invited to hear about results from over 80 on-farm research projects at the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network update meetings this February. Projects cover products, practices, and new technologies that impact farm productivity and profitability.

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A scene in Sub-Saharan Africa
Figure 1. Sub-Saharan Africa is unlikely to become the world's next breadbasket, according to a new University of Nebraska-Lincoln study. (Source: Shutterstock.com)

Could Sub-Saharan Africa be the World's Next Breadbasket? Nebraska Study Says It's Unlikely

November 17, 2017
While there is huge potential for sub-Saharan Africa to increase agricultural productivity, the odds that the region will become the world's next breadbasket are low, according to a new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. While the area receives more rain than the world's other breadbaskets, its shallower and "older" soils may not serve as good water reservoirs during periods of little rainfall.

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Mixture of chopped sugarbeets and wheat

University Studies Sugarbeets as a Livestock Feed for Weaned Calves

November 17, 2017
In the third year of its research on using chopped sugarbeets for livestock feed, university researchers are moving from using pregnant cows to weaned calves as their research subjects. Growing and finishing trials will be conducted with calves both receiving and not receiving sugarbeets as an energy source.

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