Crop and Soil Sciences Resources
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RevisedShock chlorination is the process by which home water systems such as wells, springs, and cisterns are disinfected using household liquid bleach (or chlorine). Shock chlorination is the most widely recommended means of treating bacterial contamination in home water systems. This publication contains guidelines for safely and effectively using shock chlorination — a standard treatment for sanitizing your well system.
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RevisedThis publication provides current guidance for insect, disease, and weed control in commercial pecan orchards.
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This comprehensive resource was fully revised in 2025-26 and represents the latest information available on the commercial production of short-day onions in south Georgia.
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This publication outlines the sampling procedure for irrigation water to be used in blueberry production. Follow the outlined steps to provide a certified lab with a sample that is representative of the irrigation water to be used for growing blueberry plants.
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C 1077
Cover Crop Biomass Sampling
Cover crops are one of the most important practices that farmers can use to improve their soils and the sustainability of their production system. Knowing how much biomass there is in a field is a critical piece of information for cover crop management. Part 1 of this circular provides a step-by-step guide to taking a sample that will be representative of your field. Part 2 provides additional steps for preparing a fresh cover crop sample to send to the Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratory so it can be analyzed to determine nitrogen availability to the following crop. Equation examples and data sheets are also provided in order to help users calculate necessary information for submission using the given formulas. Revised by Uttam Saha, Program Coordinator, Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratories; Original manuscript by Julia W. Gaskin, former UGA Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator; Dennis Hancock, former UGA Extension Forage Specialist; Uttam Saha, AESL; and Katelyn Chatam, Agricultural Specialist, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences.
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Ryegrass threatens Georgia wheat production as herbicide resistance has become very problematic. Aggressive resistant management programs must be implemented; ignoring this warning will ensure resistance that threatens long-term sustainability of grain production.
Wild radish is the most problematic broadleaf weed infesting Georgia wheat. Wild radish seed pods often contaminate harvested grain, thereby reducing profits. Managing wild radish is not difficult if timely management decisions are implemented.
This publication provides commercial wheat producers with herbicide options and critical thinking points on controlling ryegrass and wild radish.
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A regular fertilization program is important to maintain healthy, attractive turf and should include applying the correct analysis of fertilizer, using the correct amount, and fertilizing at the proper time. Turfgrasses require a number of nutrients for growth. Three of these—carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen—are rarely lacking because grasses get these elements from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and water from the soil.
The remaining eighteen essential elements are also obtained from the soil. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are needed in the highest concentrations. These major elements are commonly supplemented with fertilizer. The three numbers on the front of fertilizer bags are often called the ”N-P-K” numbers.
In addition to these major nutrients, secondary nutrients and micronutrients are also essential for plant growth. Understanding fertilizer terminology and the different types of nitrogen sources is important when establishing a lawn management plant. Nontraditional or “organic” fertilizers are also an option for homeowners.
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Successful lawn care requires a basic understanding of soil properties. A healthy plant starts with healthy soil. Soil is a complex relationship of soil minerals, organic matter, soil inhabiting organisms, and plants along with water and air. Understanding when and how to aerate the soil and understanding what pH is and how it affects plant health is essential for turfgrass health. This publication aims to help homeowners and landscape professionals improve soil fertility through the techniques discussed.
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Selecting a qualified irrigation contractor is very important. There are many irrigation products available and the installation process requires skill, knowledge and equipment. This publication outlines general considerations for purchasers of a landscape irrigation system. It also underscores the importance of considering the cost of water when selecting a contractor and protecting desirable trees during the installation process.
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