Number 310 August 5, 2011

Transcription

1 Number 310 August 5, Start planning now for winter canola planting 1 2. Drought Severity Classification: What indicators are used? 6 3. National Sorghum Producers Yield and Management Contest 7 4. North Central Kansas Experiment Fields to host field day August Centennial Celebration Planned in Tribune at Dryland Ag Day Aug East Central Experiment Field Crop Production Field Day Aug South Central Kansas Experiment Field to host field day August Agricultural Research Center - Hays Fall Field Day Aug Southwest Research-Extension Center at Garden City to host field day Aug Comparative Vegetation Condition Report: July 19 August Start planning now for winter canola planting The growing season was a tough one for winter canola in south central Kansas due to the severe drought. Canola in other parts of the state yielded quite well. The yield trial averages for Colby, Garden City, Manhattan, and Marquette were 63, 46, 46, and 40 bushels per acre, respectively. With current prices near $12.50 per bushel, canola could provide Kansas farmers a profitable return on investment! Just as one season ends, however, another one begins. The winter canola planting window arrives for much of Kansas by late August or the first week of September. Now is the time to make decisions to optimize a successful start to the growing season. Here are some key points to consider as you decide whether winter canola can be a profitable crop for your farm. Where will winter canola grow in Kansas? The most consistent production areas are central and south central Kansas under dryland and irrigated conditions, and southwest Kansas under irrigated conditions. Canola is showing much-improved consistency throughout the I-70 corridor. New research sites in northern Kansas this season will help extend production northward. 1

2 Is insurance available and what are the plant-by dates? Insurance through written agreements is available in counties adjacent to and south of I- 70. Producers must apply for a written agreement with their insurance agent by August 31. Plant-by dates for winter canola will vary with different regions in Kansas and Oklahoma, so producers should consult their crop insurance agents. Variety/Hybrid Selection Selecting a variety or hybrid should be based on winter hardiness, seed yield, oil content, disease resistance, relative maturity, and lodging and shatter tolerances. Roundup Ready varieties and hybrids are available, as are varieties with tolerance to carryover of sulfonylurea herbicides applied to a previous crop. When planting a large acreage to canola, consider selecting two or more varieties and hybrids with differing relative maturities to spread out harvest and reduce risk. Site Selection Although canola grows over a wide range of soil textures, well-drained, medium-textured soils are best. Soils where water stands for several days or those prone to water logging are poor choices. The soil ph should be between 5.5 and 7.0. Be mindful when planting canola following crops like sunflower, soybean, alfalfa, or cotton. These crops have similar disease complexes. Planting canola continuously is not recommended and it is uninsurable. Plant canola after grass crops such as wheat, oats, and corn because there are no similar disease between these crops and canola. Canola will perform best when adequate time is allowed after the preceding crop to allow for soil moisture recharge and weed control, and where there is adequate time to get the canola planted early enough to help the plants survive over winter. Fields with heavy winter broadleaf weed pressure should be avoided if possible. If planting where heavy winter annual weed pressure exists, producers should consider planting a Roundup Ready cultivar. Make sure you are aware of the herbicide history of potential sites. Winter canola cultivars are sensitive to sulfonylurea (SU) and triazine herbicide carryover, and these products have long plant-back restrictions (often 18 months or greater). Commercial varieties that possess SU herbicide carryover tolerance can be planted the fall following a spring SU application. Seedbed Preparation Weeds must be controlled chemically, mechanically, or with a combination of both methods prior to planting as canola seedlings are not competitive with weeds immediately following emergence. Canola is a small-seeded crop (greater than 100,000 seeds per pound), so a proper seedbed is critical to successful establishment. The best situation is a level, firm seedbed with adequate moisture. A seedbed with many large clumps results in poor seed placement and seed-soil contact. An overworked seedbed may be depleted of moisture and will crust easily, potentially inhibiting emergence. No-till planting is an option, and some long-term no-till producers have produced canola successfully. With proper drill settings, no-till planting usually results in adequate stands. However, maintaining stands over the winter can be difficult with heavy residue cover. This problem has been overcome by burning surface residue immediately before planting 2

3 or by using a more aggressive drill setup that removes residue from the seed row. Research in south central Kansas over the last several years indicates that even with good winter survival, no-till canola yields under heavy residue are significantly lower than where residue has been burned or where tillage has been performed. No-till producers should ensure that drills are properly set and consider using one of the newer generation drills produced by several manufacturers that create a more disturbed seedbed. Using a high-residue disturbance opener (such as a coulter or hoe-type opener) in no-till can improve winter survival. If using tillage, perform the most aggressive tillage as early as possible, with each succeeding tillage operation being shallower than the last. Incorporate fertilizer and herbicide with the last tillage operation. Some producers perform one aggressive tillage operation as early as possible and then control newly emerged weeds chemically. Planting into this stale seedbed works quite well. Seeding Date, Rate, Depth and Row Spacing The general rule is to plant canola six weeks before the average date of the first killing frost in the area. This allows adequate time for plant growth to improve winter survival and canopy development important in weed control. Planting too late will result in plants with insufficient reserves to maximize winter survival. Planting too early may result in excessive growth that can deplete soil moisture and nutrient reserves. Excessive growth may also elevate the growing point, increasing the chance of winterkill. This can be a problem with heavy residue in the seed row under no-till. This year, soils are very dry in many areas of Kansas and soil temperatures are warmer than usual. Hopefully this situation will change before it s time to plant canola. But if not, dryland producers should probably delay planting as long as possible until moisture conditions improve and soil temperatures cool. Producers should not wait too long, however. In central Kansas, winter canola should be planted by September 25. In south central Kansas, winter canola should be planted no later than the last week of September. In southwest Kansas, winter canola should be planted by September 7 at the latest to try to avoid winterkill problems. Irrigated producers should not delay their planting date beyond the optimum time because of unusually warm soil conditions. The weather outlook for the next three months is neutral, meaning that conditions are not expected to be either unusually cool or warm, or unusually wet or dry. Winter canola will compensate for a poor plant stand; however, it is important to obtain as uniform a stand as possible to facilitate weed control and uniform plant maturity. A seeding rate of 5 pounds per acre (approximately 500,000 to 600,000 seeds per acre) is recommended for open-pollinated varieties. A reduced rate of 3.5 to 4 pounds per acre is often recommended for hybrids because of larger seed size, increased seedling vigor, more vigorous branching, and higher seed cost. It is important to check drill calibration. Some drills may require a reduction kit to obtain a five-pound rate without damaging seed. Some producers planting on 7.5-inch spacing will oftentimes plug every other row unit and plant on 15-inch spacing so the drill does not have to be slowed as much. Seed placement is critical for successful germination, emergence, and stand establishment. Best germination occurs with seed placed ½ to 1 inch deep. Under drier conditions, canola may be planted deeper (not greater than 1.5 inches), but delayed emergence and reduced vigor are likely. Soil crusting following a heavy rain can result in a poor stand. To ensure proper seeding depth, producers must plant slower than when planting wheat. Finally, it is important to check seeding depth in each field. 3

4 Rows spaced between 6 and 15 inches are preferable for rapid canopy closure and weed control. Row spacing in this range has little impact on yield with good weed control. Fertility Soil testing, including a profile sample for nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S), is an important tool in determining fertilizer needs. If you have questions, contact your local Extension office. All nutrient applications should be made based on soil test recommendations. Fertility needs are similar to winter wheat; however, canola needs slightly higher levels of N and S. Applying fertilizer in-row at planting is not recommended because canola is sensitive to ammonia and salt damage. Drills that allow banding of fertilizers away from the row are acceptable, but the safest method is pre-plant broadcast. Lime: Apply lime so that ph is in the range of and early enough so the lime has time to react. Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K): No added P is required if the P soil test is above 30 ppm. Soil K levels are generally adequate in much of Kansas but deficiencies are increasing. Sulfur: Canola requires more S than wheat because of its high content of sulfurcontaining proteins. Sulfur deficiencies are most common on coarse-textured and loworganic-matter soils. Sulfur can be applied at any time from preplant until the canola plant breaks dormancy in late winter. Apply S based on the soil test recommendation. Nitrogen: Pre-plant N applications must be carefully balanced, as too little or too much fall-applied N may negatively affect winter survival. One-third of total N (based on expected yield) should be fall applied. Not applying fall N may decrease winter survival, plant vigor, and yield potential. Weed Management A clean seedbed is critical to establishing winter canola. Canola seedlings compete poorly with established weeds. However, once a good stand and canopy are established, canola suppresses and competes with most annual weeds. No matter what herbicide program you use, the most important thing to remember is to control weeds early in the fall. Trifluralin and ethalfluralin are effective at controlling many common problem winter annual weeds, but each requires mechanical incorporation. Grass herbicides such as Select and Assure II are labeled for cool-season grass control in canola. Roundup Ready (glyphosate tolerant) canola varieties are available, providing excellent control of many problem weeds. Glyphosate is not labeled for application once the plant has bolted after dormancy. Before applying any herbicides, care must be taken to ensure there are no traces of problem herbicides, such as sulfonylurea herbicides, in the sprayer equipment. Insect Management An insecticide seed treatment is highly recommended for control of green peach aphids and turnip aphids through January 1. Monitor canola stands for the following fall insect pests: grasshoppers, army cutworms, flea beetles, aphids, and root maggots. Several products are labeled and provide good to excellent control. 4

5 Disease Management The best control of canola diseases is achieved through careful rotation. Canola should not be planted on a field more than once every three years and should never be planted continuously. Blackleg (Leptosphaeria maculans) is the most serious disease threat to canola. Maintaining proper rotation intervals, planting disease-free seeds, and using fungicide seed treatments are important management practices to slow the spread of blackleg. Grazing Canola can provide excellent grazing in late fall and early winter prior to dormancy. However, it should be viewed as supplemental forage and not relied on as a major component in a grazing program. In some years, fall growth will be inadequate for grazing because of unfavorable weather. Pasture for grazing can be more consistent under irrigation. The canopy should be at least six to eight inches tall before grazing begins. Planting early in the planting window is recommended if you are planning to graze. Simulated grazing research conducted by K-State shows that grazing after a killing freeze increases protein content, reduces fiber content, increases digestible nutrients, and increases relative feed value of the forage. As a rule, grazing canola decreases final grain yield by 30 to 50%. If you are growing canola to maximize grain yield, it should not be grazed. If canola seed is treated for planting, the insecticide label restricts grazing. Because canola forage is highly digestible, care must be taken to prevent bloat. Roughage should be made available and cattle stomachs should be full prior to introducing them to the forage. Canola is a natural nitrogen accumulator so monitor cattle for nitrate uptake. For further information, see the Great Plains Canola Production Handbook, at your local Extension office, or: -- Mike Stamm, Canola Breeder mjstamm@ksu.edu -- Kraig Roozeboom, Crop Production and Cropping Systems Specialist kraig@ksu.edu -- Bill Heer, Agronomist-in-Charge, South Central Experiment Field bheer@ksu.edu -- John Holman, Crop Production Agronomist, Southwest Research-Extension Center, Garden City jholman@ksu.edu -- Mary Knapp, State Climatologist mknapp@ksu.edu 5

6 2. Drought Severity Classification: What indicators are used? Drought is a major focus for many Kansans this summer. One means of measuring the drought is the Drought Severity Classification. Below is the list of indicators and their ranges from the National Drought Mitigation Center: Short-term drought indicator blends focus on 1-3 month precipitation. Long-term blends focus on 6-60 months. Additional indices used, mainly during the growing season, include the USDA/NASS Topsoil Moisture, Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), and NOAA/NESDIS satellite Vegetation Health Indices. Indices used primarily during the snow season and in the West include snow water content, river basin precipitation, and the Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI). Other indicators include groundwater levels, reservoir storage, and pasture/range conditions. Current Kansas Drought Monitor: 6

7 -- Mary Knapp, State Climatologist 3. National Sorghum Producers Yield and Management Contest It is that time again when producers have the opportunity to compete with other farmers and against their county average for the best sorghum yields in the nation. The National Sorghum Producers Yield and Management Contest is underway and it s not too late to enter your crop. Details of the contest can be found at: On the web site, you can download an entry form, instructions, deadlines, and rules. Contact for more information. County agents, vocational agriculture instructors, NRCS staff, or certain FSA staff can be involved as Supervisors. Supervisors, required for a valid contest entry, are disinterested individuals who monitor the harvest of the contest field, make measurements and yield calculations, and oversee loading, unloading, moisture testing, etc. Being a Supervisor is an opportunity to help out Kansas entrants in this contest. -- Kraig Roozeboom, Crop Production and Cropping Systems Specialist kraig@ksu.edu 7

8 4. North Central Kansas Experiment Fields to host field day August 16 The North Central Kansas Experiment Fields Fall Field Day will be held August 16 at the field approximately 2.5 miles west of Scandia on U.S. Highway 36. Field Day will start at 5:30 p.m. Field Day Topics: * Soybean Irrigation Decisions Using SOYWATER * Early-Season Fungicides in Corn * Micronutrient Needs in Corn and Soybeans * Nematicide Seed Treatment in Corn and Soybeans * Glyphosate-Resistant Marestail and Waterhemp Update A meal, compliments of K-State Research and Extension, will follow the tour and presentations. -- Randall Nelson, Agronomist-In-Charge, North Central Kansas Experiment Fields jrnelson@ksu.edu 5. Centennial Celebration Planned in Tribune at Dryland Ag Day Aug. 17 The Southwest Research-Extension Center at Tribune will celebrate 100 years of working to determine the best crops and crop management practices for southwest Kansas during its Dryland Ag Day Aug. 17. The day begins at 8 a.m. MDT with registration and refreshments. Field tours start at 8:30 a.m. Indoor seminars begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a sponsored lunch. Field tour and seminar presentations include: * Tillage Effects on Soil Physical Properties Humberto Blanco, K-State agronomist, Hays. * Tillage Effects on Grain Yield Alan Schlegel, K-State agronomist, Tribune. * Corn Yield Related to Plant Characteristics Loyd Stone, K-State agronomist, Manhattan. * Wheat Stubble Height on Yield of Subsequent Corn and Grain Sorghum Alan Schlegel, K- State agronomist, Tribune. * Sorghum Planting Geometry and Leaf Temperature Lucas Haag, K-State agronomist, Manhattan. * Triticale and Sorghum for Forage John Holman K-State agronomist, Garden City. * Changes in Cropping Systems Gary Peterson Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo. * Herbicide-Resistant Kochia and Huskie Registration for Sorghum Curtis Thompson, K-State agronomist, Manhattan. * Wheat Yield Trends Over the Past 50 Years John Holman K-State agronomist, Garden City. * History of the Tribune Research Station The Southwest Research-Extension Center at Tribune is 1 mile west of Tribune on Kansas Highway 96. More information about the centennial celebration is available by calling or looking online. -- Mary Lou Peter, K-State Research and Extension Communications, News Division mlpeter@ksu.edu 8

9 6. East Central Experiment Field Crop Production Field Day Aug. 17 The East Central Experiment Field in Ottawa will host a crop production field day on Wednesday, August 17. The field day begins at 9 a.m. with registration, coffee and doughnuts, and the program starts at 9:30 a.m. A complimentary lunch will be served. As part of the program, K-State agronomist Keith Janssen will provide a historical perspective of agriculture based on his 32 years of research work supporting farmers and crop production in eastern Kansas. Field day topics and K-State presenters include: * Corn Nematode Management Tim Todd * Nutrient Management in Eastern Kansas Soils Dave Mengel * Soil Pit Evaluation of Strip-Till DeAnn Presley * Challenges of Controlling Waterhemp Dallas Peterson * 32 Years of Agriculture Research in Eastern Kansas Keith Janssen From I-35 at the Ottawa exit, the East Central Experiment Field is south 1.7 miles on Kansas Highway 59, then east 1 mile, and south 0.75 mile. More information is available by contacting the East Central Experiment Field at Mary Lou Peter, K-State Research and Extension Communications, News Division mlpeter@ksu.edu 7. South Central Kansas Experiment Field to host field day August 23 The South Central Kansas Experiment Field Fall Field Day will be held August 23 at the Field at the K-State Redd Foundation, 7904 South Highpoint Road near Hutchinson. The field day will start at 6 p.m. Field Day Topics: * Annual Vegetable Oil Production in Kansas from Crop Combinations: Todd Ballard, Dept. of Agronomy * Evaluating Center Pivot Nozzle Packages: Dan Rogers, Dept. of Biological and Agricultural Engineering * Nutrient Management After Failed Corn: Dave Mengel, Dept. of Agronomy * Wheat Fertility Management: Dave Mengel, Dept. of Agronomy * iwheat Using Smartphone Technologies to Manage Wheat Pests: Brian McCornak and Wendy Johnson, Dept. of Entomology Pizza and soft drinks will be provided, courtesy of the Hutchinson-Reno County Chamber of Commerce Ag Business Committee. -- Bill Heer, Agronomist-In-Charge, South Central Kansas Experiment Field bheer@ksu.edu 9

10 8. Agricultural Research Center - Hays Fall Field Day Aug. 24 The Agricultural Research Center Hays will host a Fall Field Day, Wed., Aug. 24 at the center, located at th Ave. in Hays. The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration, coffee and donuts, followed by the program at 9 a.m. A complimentary lunch will be served for all participants. Field tour and presentation topics and K-State presenters include: * Crop Residue Management Effects on Crop Yield, Soil Erosion, and Carbon Sequestration Humberto Blanco, Hays * Demonstration Crop Residue versus Rainfall Runoff and Erosion Humberto Blanco * Sorghum Breeding in Western Kansas: Challenges and Status Ramasamy Perumal, Hays * Post-Harvest Control of Kochia Pat Geier, Hays * Biological Control in Field Crops: Realistic Expectations for Farmers J.P. Michaud, Hays * Grain Market Outlook and Basis Issues: A Deeper Look Dan O Brien, Colby * How Drought Affects Western Kansas Grasslands Bob Gillen, Hays More information is available by contacting the research center at More information about the center is available online. -- Mary Lou Peter, K-State Research and Extension Communications, News Division mlpeter@ksu.edu 9. Southwest Research-Extension Center at Garden City to host field day Aug. 25 The Southwest Research and Extension Center will host its Fall Field Day 2011 on Thursday, Aug. 25. The Center is located at 4500 E. Mary St. in Garden City. The event begins at 8 a.m. with registration, coffee and doughnuts, as well as agricultural product displays. The program starts at 9 a.m. and includes morning field tours and afternoon seminars. A complimentary lunch, sponsored by exhibitors, will be provided. Field tour and seminar topics with K-State speakers include: * Estimating Corn Yield Reduction from Hail John Holman, cropping systems agronomist * Emerging Herbicide for Broadleaf Weed Control in Sorghum Randall Currie, weed specialist * Current Herbicide Alternatives for Weed Control in Corn Randall Currie, weed specialist * Planting Time Prevention of Common Bunt in Wheat Production Kent Martin, crops and soils specialist * Wheat Response to Nitrogen in Kansas Kent Martin, crops and soils specialist * Alfalfa Weevil Control Kent Martin, crops and soils specialist * Alfalfa, Corn, Wheat, Sorghum, Sunflower Yield Response to Irrigation Norman Klocke, water resources engineer * Resistance Management in Bt Corn after 15 Years: It worked! Larry Buschman, research entomologist * Herbicide Options for Control of Glyphosate-Resistant Kochia: A Regional Study Randall Currie, weed scientist 10

11 Credit may be earned for category 1A commercial pesticide applicator recertification. Each of the two field tours is worth 1.0 credit hour and attendance at all three afternoon seminars is worth 1.0 credit hour. More information about the field day is available by calling Further information about the research center is available on the web: -- Mary Lou Peter, K-State Research and Extension Communications, News Division 10. Comparative Vegetation Condition Report: July 19 August 1 K-State s Ecology and Agriculture Spatial Analysis Laboratory (EASAL) produces weekly Vegetation Condition Report maps. These maps can be a valuable tool for making crop selection and marketing decisions. Two short videos of Dr. Kevin Price explaining the development of these maps can be viewed on YouTube at: The objective of these reports is to provide users with a means of assessing the relative condition of crops and grassland. The maps can be used to assess current plant growth rates, as well as comparisons to the previous year and relative to the 21-year average. The report is used by individual farmers and ranchers, the commodities market, and political leaders for assessing factors such as production potential and drought impact across their state. The maps below show the current vegetation conditions in Kansas, the Corn Belt, and the continental U.S, with comments from Mary Knapp, state climatologist: 11

12 Map 1. The Vegetation Condition Report for Kansas for July 19 August 1 from K-State s Ecology and Agriculture Spatial Analysis Laboratory shows that along the waterways in eastern Kansas, a moderate level of photosynthetic activity continues, as it does along the northern portions of the state. High levels of photosynthetic activity are confined to the extreme northeastern counties, where moisture has been favorable. In southwest Kansas, the moderate level of photosynthetic activity is confined to irrigated areas. 12

13 Map 2. Compared to the previous year at this time for Kansas, the current Vegetation Condition Report for July 19 August 1 from K-State s Ecology and Agriculture Spatial Analysis Laboratory shows that the hot temperatures and low rainfall continue to result in lower bio photosynthetic activity. The favorable rainfall in west central Kansas can be noted in the increased photosynthetic activity, particularly in Greeley County. 13

14 Map 3. Compared to the 22-year average at this time for Kansas, this year s Vegetation Condition Report for July 19 August 1 from K-State s Ecology and Agriculture Spatial Analysis Laboratory shows that only the northern tier of counties generally saw above-average photosynthetic activity as a result of the precipitation. In the next range of counties, the benefit from the rains was limited by the higher-than-average temperatures. Trego County, in particular, missed most of the rains but not the excessive temperatures. 14

15 Map 4. The Vegetation Condition Report for the Corn Belt for July 19 August 1 from K-State s Ecology and Agriculture Spatial Analysis Laboratory shows that high levels of photosynthetic activity continue to be the feature in the heart of the Corn Belt. In Ohio, 54 percent of the corn is rated good to excellent, and in Nebraska 64 percent of the dryland corn is rated good to excellent. 15

16 Map 5. The comparison to last year in the Corn Belt for the period July 19 August 1 from K-State s Ecology and Agriculture Spatial Analysis Laboratory shows that parts of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio are behind last year s level of photosynthetic activity, due mainly to excessive spring moisture. In southern Kansas and southwestern Missouri, the decreased photosynthetic activity is due primarily to drought and excessive heat. 16

17 Map 6. Compared to the 22-year average at this time for the Corn Belt, this year s Vegetation Condition Report for July 19 August 1 from K-State s Ecology and Agriculture Spatial Analysis Laboratory shows the Northern Plains continue to benefit from the favorable moisture and temperatures. Most of the eastern Corn Belt region has returned to a near-normal level of photosynthetic activity. Meanwhile, the drought conditions continue to press eastward from southwest Kansas into southwestern Missouri.. 17

18 Map 7. The Vegetation Condition Report for the U.S. for July 19 August 1 from K-State s Ecology and Agriculture Spatial Analysis Laboratory shows that greatest levels of photosynthetic activity can be seen in the Upper Midwest and along the Pacific Coast. Temperatures along the Pacific Coast have been below average, unlike most of the country east of the Rockies. 18

19 Map 8. The U.S. comparison to last year at this time for the period July 19 August 1 from K-State s Ecology and Agriculture Spatial Analysis Laboratory shows that the high temperatures have reduced photosynthetic activity. When coupled with the much-below-normal precipitation in the Central and Southern Plains, the decreased productivity is particularly dramatic. 19

20 Map 9. The U.S. comparison to the 22-year average for the period July 19 August 1 from K-State s Ecology and Agriculture Spatial Analysis Laboratory shows that the impacts of the drought continue to push eastward, as the western parts of Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana show decreased photosynthetic activity. The heat along the Atlantic Seaboard has also reduced photosynthetic activity below the average. Note to readers: The maps above represent a subset of the maps available from the EASAL group. If you d like digital copies of the entire map series please contact us at kpprice@ksu.edu and we can place you on our list to receive the entire dataset each week as they are produced. The maps are normally first available on Wednesday of each week, unless there is a delay in the posting of the data by EROS Data Center where we obtain the raw data used to make the maps. These maps are provided for free as a service of the Department of Agronomy and K-State Research and Extension. -- Mary Knapp, State Climatologist mknapp@ksu.edu -- Kevin Price, Agronomy and Geography, Remote Sensing, Natural Resources, GIS kpprice@ksu.edu -- Nan An, Graduate Research Assistant, Ecology & Agriculture Spatial Analysis Laboratory (EASAL) nanan@ksu.edu These e-updates are a regular weekly item from K-State Extension Agronomy and Steve Watson, Agronomy e-update Editor. All of the Research and Extension faculty in Agronomy will be involved as sources from time to time. If you have any questions or suggestions for topics you'd like to have us address in this weekly update, contact Steve Watson, swatson@ksu.edu, or Jim Shroyer, Research and Extension Crop Production Specialist and State Extension Agronomy Leader jshroyer@ksu.edu 20