Success StoryImproving Plant Production Through Detailed Sampling and Diagnoses
Improving Plant Production Through Detailed Sampling and Diagnoses
Author: John Grove
Planning Unit: Plant and Soil Sciences
Major Program: Soil testing
Outcome: Initial Outcome
With Dr. Edwin Ritchey, Plant and Soil Sciences Soil Science Extension Specialist, and Greg Comer, Ohio County ANR Agent, I visited a field owned by the city of Beaver Dam that had been leased by a series of growers over the past decade or so. All had reported that there were areas where the various crops grown had not done well, but the reasons for this had not been determined. Current operator wanted to plant a forage species there. Met with the city's land manager and determined that the field was amended with a great deal of material from the settling ponds of an old water treatment facility. Edwin and I recommended that forages not be grown until more detailed soil and plant testing was done, with special attention to areas where even weedy species were not doing well. This was accomplished and it was found that there was no evidence of metal or metalloid element contamination, but these areas did have a very low (< 4.5) soil pH. A plan to selectively lime these areas has been recommended, along with tile drainage for some other field areas. Greg reports that the city owner plans to implement these recommendations later this year.
Stories by John Grove
Extension Soil Erosion Article Comes to the Honors Classroom
In September 2023, Brad Lee and I authored an article (https://www.kygrains.info/blog/2023/9/14/soil... Read More
Stories by Plant and Soil Sciences
Grain Crop Pest Management Research has Value to Kentucky Farmers
Over half a million acres impacting an estimated $7.1 million. Thats the results from a recent surve... Read More
University of Kentucky Crop Pest Management Webinars gain loyal audience
Managing stink bugs in soybeans, maximizing disease control and return on investment for corn fungic... Read More
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment