Crop and Soil Sciences
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Much attention has been placed on the potential negative environmental impacts of grazing; however, grazing can be a powerful tool for improving pasture health and productivity. Grazing diminishes the competitive ability of plants like broomsedge and johnsongrass and improves the competitiveness of bermudagrass, bahiagrass and even clovers. Improper grazing, on the other hand, can decrease the competitiveness of desirable species like orchardgrass or switchgrass and encourage undesirable weedy species.
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White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is a cool season perennial legume of Mediterranean origin. White
clover has been used as a forage in North America since Colonial times. Benjamin Franklin noted its
prevalence in cleared and disturbed land as early as 1746. There are many animal and agronomic related reasons for establishing a productive stand of white clover in existing grass pastures. This publication covers tips on selecting, establishing and managing white clover to help ensure a productive stand.|
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C 858-11
Iron and Manganese
Elevated levels of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) are two of the most common water quality problems in Georgia’s groundwater. This circular addresses problems associated with high levels of these two elements, levels considered to be a problem, and treatment options to remove the iron or manganese.
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As tipping fees have risen, interest has increased in finding alternative uses for construction wastes. Many homebuyers are also looking for environmentally sensitive building practices. This includes the recycling and reuse of construction debris rather than disposal. One of the largest waste components in residential construction is gypsum wallboard. In many cases, scrap wallboard can be ground and beneficially applied on the construction site, rather than transported to the landfill.
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A good pasture and forage program can provide quality feed and normally will be the most efficient and economical means of providing a substantial part of equine rations. In Georgia, we are fortunate to have a mild climate, soils suitable for producing forages and a good selection of highly productive forage species. With careful planning and good management, adequate grazing can be supplied for up to 10 months of the year in most areas of the state. To many producers, the term “horse pasture” denotes grazing management and forage crops unique to horses. This is not the case at all. Because the horse is a herbivore, most forage crops commonly used for cattle can also be used to provide grazing for horses.
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The field is a complex environment with many factors that can interact to influence the growth of a corn plant. These factors can be living in the form of insects, diseases, nematodes and weeds; or, they can be non-living such as weather, nutrients or chemicals. In the proper combination of factors, corn can produce more than 200 bushels per acre in the Southeast; or in a totally unfavorable combination, every corn plant can die. When a problem is identified, it is important to determine the extent and severity of the problem to decide whether corrective measures are necessary or available. Use this guide and other technical information before implementing any management decision. Contributing authors to the original manuscript include: University of Georgia: Dewey Lee, former Extension Agronomist; Eric Prostko, Extension Weed Scientist; Steve Brown, former Extension Entomologist; Randy Hudson, former Extension Entomologist; and Bob Kemerait, Extension Plant Pathologist; University of Florida: Greg McDonald, Weed Scientist; Mississippi State University: Richard Baird, Plant Pathologist; Auburn University: Paul Mask, Extension Agronomist, and Kathy Flanders, Extension Entomologist.
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While site-specific soil sampling can improve field management, it must be accompanied by the conscientious collection and analysis of data. The new technologies that have elevated precision agriculture into the forefront of farm management cannot offset poor data collection and soil-testing techniques. Inaccurate data on soil properties will inevitably lead to improper management decisions.
This bulletin addresses three primary factors that can affect the precision management of soil fertility: 1) collecting proper soil-sample cores and the consequences of improper soil sampling, 2) breaking the field into smaller management areas, and 3) differences in test results and recommended application rates between soil-test laboratories. A step-by-step procedure is then presented on how to use variabl e yield goals to develop field maps showing variable application rates o f fertilizers and lime.
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The UGA EASY (Evaporation-based Accumulator for Sprinkler-enhanced Yield) Pan Irrigation Scheduler is designed to provide in-field monitoring of crop water needs in humid areas for a fraction of the management time and cost associated with other irrigation scheduling methods. If a farmer is not currently using a more sophisticated irrigation scheduling method, this unit is a simplified, low cost alternative. The UGA EASY Pan Irrigation Scheduler is designed to help you keep track of when your next application is needed, so you can avoid applying too much or too little water. The overall goal is to be more efficient in the use of irrigation water.
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The objective of this handbook is to provide rapid and extensive transfer of modern management technologies for small grain production. The intended audience includes Extension agents, industry personnel and dedicated producers.
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