In descending order, by date published.
3/18/2020 (major revision)
Authors: Josh McGrath, Edwin Ritchey
Recommended nutrient additions, based on a soil test, are only made when a crop yield or economic response has been measured for that crop under Kentucky soil-climatic conditions. Many field studies have been conducted by the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station under Kentucky farm conditions to determine the extent of any primary, secondary, or micronutrient needs. Yield and soil test data from these studies serve as guidelines for establishing recommendations contained in this publication. Recommendations in this publication strive to supply the plant nutrients needed to achieve maximum economic return assuming good management practices.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags:
Size: 608 kb
Pages: 29
12/4/2002 (minor revision)
Authors: Lloyd Murdock, Monroe Rasnake, Greg Schwab, Bill Thom
Most Kentucky soils need to have lime applied in order to keep the pH in the optimum range for growing crops. Lime applications should always be based on a good soil test that takes into account the existing pH and the buffering capacity of the soil. However, even when all this is done and lime is applied as recommended, the desired change in soil pH may not occur. The problem may be due to the use of low quality lime.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags:
Size: 228 kb
Pages: 2
9/4/2007 (reprinted)
Authors: Lloyd Murdock, Greg Schwab, Frank Sikora, Bill Thom
The most important part of making fertilizer recommendations is collecting a good, representative soil sample. Soil test results and fertilizer recommendations are based solely on the few ounces of soil submitted to the laboratory for analysis. These few ounces can represent several million pounds of soil in the field. If this sample does not reflect actual soil conditions, the results can be misleading and lead to costly over- or under-fertilization. It is necessary to make sure that the soil sample sent to the laboratory accurately represents the area sampled.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences, Regulatory Services
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags:
Size: 353 kb
Pages: 4
1/13/2016 (major revision)
Authors: David Ditsch, Josh McGrath, Lloyd Murdock, Edwin Ritchey, Frank Sikora
Soil acidity is one of the most important soil factors affecting crop growth and ultimately, yield and profitability. It is determined by measuring the soil pH, which is a measure of the amount of hydrogen ions in the soil solution. As soil acidity increases, the soil pH decreases. Soils tend to be naturally acidic in areas where rainfall is sufficient to cause substantial leaching of basic ions (such as calcium and magnesium), which are replaced by hydrogen ions. Most soils in Kentucky are naturally acidic because of our abundant rainfall.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences, Regulatory Services
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Tags:
Size: 473 kb
Pages: 6
8/6/2020 (new)
Authors: Morgan Hayes, Steve Higgins
Beef cattle production is directly affected by soils, but active soil management is limited. Most producers' soil management decisions are limited to submitting a soil sample, getting the analysis back, and then applying the tons of fertilizer or lime recommended at the bottom of the sheet. Meanwhile, producers request assistance to reduce or eliminate mud, weeds, gully erosion, and compaction (if they have identified compacted ground). Occasionally, producers don't have enough forage or hay to get cattle through drought or winter because of low forage production. These issues may have little to do with soil fertility but instead be directly related to soil properties.
Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags: animals, beef cattle, crops and plants, livestock, soil and land
Size: 143 kb
Pages: 2
8/6/2020 (new)
Authors: Steve Higgins
A typical cow-calf grazing operation needs to feed and water cattle on a daily basis. Ideally, this is accomplished by rotating cattle from field to field and providing them with a convenient source of water to drink. Cattle operations can better manage cattle when facilities are designed to meet the needs of cattle and the producer. Land use-planning can increase production and reduce production costs.
Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags: animals, beef cattle, crops and plants, livestock, soil and land
Size: 884 kb
Pages: 4
5/14/2020 (new)
Authors: Morgan Hayes, Steve Higgins
Understanding soil mechanics and management in winter-feeding areas could improve beef cattle production, with less effort on the producer and cattle. This publication is intended to guide evaluating soil strength for winter-feeding areas, the pollution potential of winter-feeding areas, and to provide solutions for correcting structural deficiencies and reducing mud on both the ground and on the cattle.
Departments: Agricultural Economics, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Agricultural Engineering (AEN series)
Tags: animals, beef cattle, crops and plants, livestock, soil and land
Size: 93 kb
Pages: 2
4/29/2020 (new)
Authors: Dottie Call, John Grove, A.D. Karathanasis, Chris Matocha, Lloyd Murdock
The fragipan is a naturally occurring restrictive soil horizon that virtually stops water movement and root growth through the soil. It is commonly located 18-32 inches below the surface of most of Kentucky's fragipan soils. The dense nature of this layer is due to the cementation and binding of the soil particles with a silicate rich amorphous aluminosilicate in association with iron. The binding agents seal the pores and pack soil particles close together. The fragipan is found in 2.7 million acres in Kentucky, and about 50 million acres in the United States.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 5.68 mb
Pages: 8
9/14/2016 (new)
Authors: Ellen Crocker, Rick Durham, Bill Fountain
Eighty to 90 percent of disease and insect problems on landscape plants can be traced back to soil problems. Plants must be adapted to the site if they are to meet our expectations of growing, remain healthy, and attractive.
Departments: Forestry and Natural Resources, Horticulture
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 3.29 mb
Pages: 4
8/10/2016 (new)
Authors: Krista Lea, Ray Smith
While many factors influence how many animals a farm can carry, soil type has a major influence and should be considered when purchasing, leasing, planning, or managing livestock on pastures.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 4.21 mb
Pages: 16
1/22/2015 (new)
Authors: Josh McGrath, Edwin Ritchey
Soil texture refers to the proportion of sand, silt, and clay in a soil. Texture influences almost every aspect of soil use, both in agricultural and engineering applications, and even how natural ecosystems function. Many scientists consider soil texture the most important soil property as it can influence soil/water relationships, gas exchange, and plant nutrition. Accurately determining soil texture in a lab requires time and money; therefore, it is often necessary to estimate soil texture in the field by feel, which can be very accurate if done correctly.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 250 kb
Pages: 3
7/17/2014 (new)
Authors: Dewayne Ingram
Although choosing or formulating media with optimum physical properties (such as pore air space and water holding capacity) for a given production environment and crop plant is important, this publication focuses on the chemical properties of soilless media determined with a laboratory test as conducted through the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service at the Division of Regulatory Services Soil Testing Laboratories.
Departments: Horticulture
Series: Horticulture (HO series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 252 kb
Pages: 4
1/9/2013 (major revision)
Authors: Greg Halich, Sarah Lovett, Karen Pulliam
In January 2012, Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) agents were surveyed to estimate land values and rental rates for various types of farmland. This document summarizes the results from the agent survey. Dollar values are rounded to the nearest $5-$10 for rental rates and $100 for land values.
Departments: Agricultural Economics
Series: Agricultural Economics (AEC series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 728 kb
Pages: 4
1/26/2012 (new)
Authors: Bill Fountain
Soils become compacted as a result of traffic. Compaction is common in urban areas and results from construction equipment and foot traffic. Soil is more likely to become compacted when the soil is wet than when it is excessively dry. Soil compaction is permanent, at least when viewed in reference to a human life span. Protecting the soil from becoming compacted is much easier than dealing with the negative impact of compaction on plant growth and health.
Departments: Horticulture
Series: Horticulture (HO series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 180 kb
Pages: 2
10/12/2011 (new)
Authors: Brad Lee, Edwin Ritchey
Soil is a mixture of weathered rock fragments and organic matter at the earth's surface. It is biologically active--a home to countless microorganisms, invertebrates, and plant roots. Soil provides nutrients, water, and physical support for plants as well as air for plant roots. Soil organisms are nature's primary recyclers, turning dead cells and tissue into nutrients, energy, carbon dioxide, and water to fuel new life.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, nutrient management, production practices, soil and land
Size: 1.50 mb
Pages: 24
8/16/2011 (new)
Authors: Edwin Ritchey
Landscapes with little or no topsoil can make it difficult to produce a garden, lawn, or other plants. Topsoil, dark in color compared to the underlying soil, is the part of a soil that is most biologically active, nutrient rich, and easily managed. It also is usually more easily worked than underlying soil, supplies most of the plant's water and nutrients, and is generally best for plant growth.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 430 kb
Pages: 4
7/27/2010 (new)
Authors: M.W. Piersawl, Greg Schwab
Horse pastures are fertilized to ensure a reliable supply of energy, protein, and other nutrients for a long season of grazing. Management of plant nutrients maintains a balance of improved grasses and legumes and suppresses many pasture weeds. Properly fertilized pastures look good and harm neither animals nor the environment.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: animals, crops and plants, horses, soil and land
Size: 293 kb
Pages: 4
8/3/2009 (new)
Authors: Spencer Guinn, Steve Higgins, Donald Stamper
Most farmers in Kentucky can identify with a myriad of problems associated with mud forming around high traffic areas, including areas around horse and cattle waterers, feed bunks, round bale feeders, walk paths and gate entrances. Mud is usually a result of animals congregating in and around these areas, but increased traffic can enhance the problem. In many cases, finding solutions to mud problems on farms is not the issue--the issue is determining how to make solutions economical.
Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Tags: animals, crops and plants, horses, soil and land
Size: 329 kb
Pages: 4
1/11/2008 (new)
Authors: Dottie Call, John James, Lloyd Murdock
No-tillage is the preferred method of crop production for most Kentucky farmers. No-tillage has been proven to increase soil quality and decrease the risk of soil compaction as compared to crop production using annual tillage. However, with the use of heavy farm equipment, soil compaction is always a threat with either tillage or no-tillage. The possibility of soil compaction and its effect on crop production is a constant concern to many farmers using no-tillage. If soil compaction occurs, is there a difference between the two tillage systems on how it affects crop production and the recovery of the soil with and without subsoil tillage? The following study was conducted to help producers and advisors understand soil compaction and its effects on corn and soybean production as well as the ability of the two tillage systems to recover from soil compaction.
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 293 kb
Pages: 4
10/5/2007 (new)
Authors: Kaan Kurtural, Patsy Wilson
Commercial wine grapes have recently emerged as an alternative crop in Kentucky after laws evolved encouraging private entrepreneurs to invest in vineyards and small farm wineries many decades after prohibition shut down the industry. Grapes grown in Kentucky are exposed to biotic and abiotic stresses that reduce crop yields and quality or kill grapevines. Damaging winter temperatures, spring frosts, and higher than optimal growing temperatures occur regularly. Despite these challenges, grape growing is a successful enterprise in many areas of the state.
Departments: Horticulture
Series: Horticulture (HO series)
Tags: crops and plants, farm crops, food crops, fruits and nuts, soil and land
Size: 290 kb
Pages: 6
5/15/2006 (new)
Authors: Dottie Call, Lloyd Murdock
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 211 kb
Pages: 4
1/30/2006 (new)
Authors: A.D. Karathanasis
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Special Report (SR series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 1.30 mb
Pages: 106
1/30/2006 (new)
Authors: A.D. Karathanasis
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Special Report (SR series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 1.15 mb
Pages: 94
5/28/2004 (new)
Authors: Lloyd Murdock, Greg Schwab, Larry Wells
Departments: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 1.07 mb
Pages: 5
8/15/2000 (minor revision)
Authors: Lloyd Murdock, Frank Sikora, Bill Thom, Ken Wells
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 253 kb
Pages: 2
9/1/1996 (minor revision)
Authors: Ken Wells
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, nutrient management, production practices, soil and land
Size: 143 kb
Pages: 4
10/1/1995 (new)
Authors: Tim Gray, Freddie Higgins, Lloyd Murdock, Ken Wells
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 27 kb
Pages: 4
3/1/1995 (reprinted)
Authors: Lloyd Murdock, Monroe Rasnake
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, nutrient management, production practices, soil and land
Size: 10 kb
Pages:
3/1/1995 (reprinted)
Authors: J.L. Sims, Scott Smith, Ken Wells
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, nutrient management, production practices, soil and land
Size: 290 kb
Pages: 8
6/1/1991 (new)
Authors: J.L. Sims, Scott Smith, Ken Wells
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 30 kb
Pages:
1/1/1990 (new)
Authors: Ron Phillips, Ken Wells
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: corn, crops and plants, farm crops, grain crops, soil and land, tobacco
Size: 16 kb
Pages:
8/1/1985 (new)
Authors: J.L. Sims, Ken Wells
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, farm crops, soil and land, tobacco
Size: 12 kb
Pages:
8/1/1983 (new)
Authors: Lloyd Murdock
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 12 kb
Pages:
8/1/1983 (new)
Authors: Harold Vaught
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, soil and land
Size: 11 kb
Pages:
2/1/1979 (new)
Authors: Lloyd Murdock, Ken Wells
Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags: crops and plants, nutrient management, production practices, soil and land
Size: 24 kb
Pages: