Crystal Powers

faculty
Work
NIC 3220 Lincoln NE 68588-6204
US
Work 402-472-9549 On campus, dial 2-9549
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As the Research and Extension Communication Specialist through the Nebraska Water Center, my role is to be an open channel of communication with research and extension faculty throughout Nebraska’s higher education system. I would like it to be a two way path: what can learn from each other and how we can best collaborate for larger impact. I come from working as an Extension Engineer in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at UNL. There I worked with faculty on improving air and water quality in livestock systems, primarily through extension programming, and also some teaching and research. I have a M.S. in Biological and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University and a B.S. in Biological Systems Engineering from UNL.

icon-academic-capEducation

  • BS, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2005
  • MS, Cornell University, 2007
Oat field
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Oat Planting Begins

April 4, 2024
Oat planting is ahead of schedule this year, with 12% of acreage planted as of March 31.

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People standing in wheat field
Growers and extension educators at a wheat plot at last year’s HPAL Wheat Variety Tour. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

UNL Schedules 2024 Wheat Variety Tours

April 4, 2024
During each of the eight tours across Nebraska in June, members of the UNL wheat research team and seed industry partners will share insights on varieties and answer questions about variety selection, production and pest/disease concerns.

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Cattle grazing pasture during spring
Lush spring growth brings with it the risk of grass tetany, due to its low magnesium levels. To avoid tetany issues, it’s best to wait until grass in pastures has grown to at least six inches high before grazing.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Double Cropping Forages, Wheat Grazing vs. Grain Value

April 3, 2024
Insights on double cropping annual forages in irrigated cropland, avoiding grass tetany, and making the decision to use wheat as forage or grain this year. 

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Green alfalfa field
Evaluating your alfalfa stand in the spring is key to planning management and setting expectations for this year.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Evaluating Alfalfa Stands, Fertilizing Cool-season Grass

March 26, 2024
Recommendations on getting an accurate assessment of alfalfa stands this spring and fertilizing cool-season grass pastures and hayfields for optimal forage yields.

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Tractor applying nitrogen fertilizer in bare soil field

How Can a Warm Winter and Spring Affect Nitrogen Availability for the Upcoming Crop?

April 3, 2024
With a warmer start to the 2024 growing season, more nitrogen could be available in the soil. To estimate the amount of fertilizer N to apply this year, extension educators review how to conduct a late spring soil nitrate test. 

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Soybean field interseeded with cover crop

Interseeding Cover Crops into Soybean in West-central Nebraska

April 3, 2024
Results of a 2022-23 study on interseeding cover crops into soybean reveal the impacts on soybean seed yield and nutrient dynamics for the following corn crop.

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This Week on N Field: Optimize Variety Placement to Boost Soybean Yields

March 29, 2024
Nebraska Extension Specialist Dylan Mangel explains the importance of soybean variety placement for disease control and fungicide efficacy, which can reduce your bottomline.

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Bijesh Maharjan speaks to elderly man near door
Bijesh Maharjan, (right), Nebraska Extension soil nutrient and management specialist, speaks to an attendee at the second Soil Health School at the West Central Research Extension and Education Center in North Platte. (Photo by Nicole Heldt)

Soil Health Gap Project Setting Up Baselines and Schools for Ag Producers

March 29, 2024
USDA NRCS is partnering with Nebraska Extension on research and grower outreach to encourage adoption of soil health strategies in Nebraska.

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