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soil and land


AGR-204

Soils and Fertility: Kentucky Master Gardener Manual Chapter 4

10/12/2011 (new)
Authors: Brad Lee, Edwin Ritchey

Soil is a mixture of weathered rock fragments (minerals) and organic matter at the earth's surface. It is biologically active - a home to countless microorganisms, invertebrates, and plant roots.

Departments: Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Agronomy (AGR series)
Tags:
Size: 1.53 mb
Pages: 18



AGR-1

Lime and Fertilizer Recommendations, 2020-2021

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



AGR-16

Taking Soil Test Samples

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



ID-163

Agricultural Lime Recommendations Based on Lime Quality

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



AEN-153

How Understanding and Managing Soil Organic Matter Can Improve Beef Cattle Production

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



AEN-154

Land and Water Use Planning Applied to a Pasture-based Beef Operation

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



AEN-150

Understanding Soil Mechanics to Improve Beef Cattle Winter-Feeding Areas and Production

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



ID-237

Soil Percolation: A Key to Survival of Landscape Plants

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



AGR-222

Estimating Carrying Capacity of Cool Season Pastures in Kentucky Using Web Soil Survey

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



AGR-217

Determining Soil Texture by Feel

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



HO-112

Understanding Soilless Media Test Results and Their Implications on Nursery and Greenhouse Crop Management

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



AEC-97

2012 Land Value and Cash Rent Survey

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



HO-93

Trees and Compacted Soils

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



AGR-203

Improving the Productivity of Landscapes with Little or No Topsoil

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



ID-176

Using Soil Cement on Horse and Livestock Farms

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



AGR-197

Compaction, Tillage Method, and Subsoiling Effects on Crop Production

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



HO-87

Vineyard Site Selection in Kentucky Based on Climate and Soil Properties

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



AGR-189

Managing Seasonal Fluctuations of Soil Tests

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



SR-100

Descriptions and Complete Laboratory Characterization Data for Some Soils in Kentucky

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



SR-101

Descriptions and Reference Laboratory Characterization Data for Some Soils in Kentucky

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



ID-153

Assessing and Preventing Soil Compaction in Kentucky

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



AGR-57

Soil Testing: What It Is and What It Does

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



AGR-5

When to Apply Lime and Fertilizer

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



AGR-161

Soil Compaction in Kentucky

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



AGR-19

Liming Acid Soils

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:



AGR-43

Nitrogen in Kentucky Soils

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



AGR-147

Managing Soil Nitrates for Agronomic Efficiency and Environmental Protection

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:



AGR-109

Managing Acid Soils for Production of Burley Tobacco

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:



AGR-102

Erosion Its Effect on Soil Properties, Productivity and Profit

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:



AGR-96

Controlling Soil Erosion with Agronomic Practices

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:



AGR-11

Potassium in Kentucky Soils

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: