PR-716: 2016 Red and White Clover Grazing Tolerance Report

Joey Clark, Gene Olson, Ray Smith | November 17, 2016 (New)

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a high-quality, short-lived perennial legume that is used in mixed or pure stands for pasture, hay, silage, green chop, soil improvement, and wildlife habitat. White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is a low-growing, perennial pasture legume with white flowers. It differs from red clover in that the stems (stolons) grow along the surface of the soil and can form adventitious roots that may lead to the development of new plants. This report summarizes research on the grazing tolerance of clover varieties when subjected to continuous grazing pressure.

PR-715: 2016 Alfalfa Grazing Tolerance Report

Joey Clark, Gene Olson, Ray Smith | November 17, 2016 (New)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the highest-yielding, highest-quality forage legume grown in Kentucky. It forms the basis of Kentucky's cash hay enterprise and is an important component in dairy, horse, beef, and sheep diets. Recent emphasis on its use as a grazing crop and the release of grazing-tolerant varieties have raised the following question: Do varieties differ in tolerance to grazing? We have chosen to use the standard tolerance test recommended by the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. This test uses continuous heavy grazing to sort out differences in grazing tolerance in a relatively short period of time. This report summarizes research on the grazing tolerance of alfalfa varieties when subjected to continuous heavy grazing pressure during the grazing season.

PR-708: 2016 Kentucky Hybrid Corn Performance Test

Ron Curd, Cam Kenimer, Chad Lee, Brandon Roberts | October 24, 2016 (New)

The objective of the Kentucky Hybrid Corn Performance Test is to provide relative performance estimates of hybrid seed corn sold in Kentucky. The test attempts to treat every hybrid similarly in an unbiased manner. Agronomic practices that meet or exceed university guidelines are implemented at each location.

AGR-223: Identifying Soybean Growth Stages

Carrie Knott, Chad Lee | September 30, 2016 (New)

Accurate identification of soybean growth stages is important to maximize grain yield and profitability, because most management decisions are based upon the growth stage of soybean plants within the fields. Key features of soybean growth stages are highlighted within this guide.

AGR-224: Identifying Wheat Growth Stages

Carrie Knott | September 30, 2016 (New)

Identifying growth stages of any crop is important to enable timely crop management decisions that maximize yields and profitability. There are several wheat growth stages that are important for Kentucky producers to recognize for optimal crop management and to maximize grain yield and profitability.

AGR-222: Estimating Carrying Capacity of Cool Season Pastures in Kentucky Using Web Soil Survey

Krista Lea, Ray Smith | August 10, 2016 (New)

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.

AGR-221: Wildlife Benefits of Switchgrass Production in Kentucky

Tom Keene, Krista Lea, Laura Schwer, Ray Smith | July 26, 2016 (New)

Switchgrass is a versatile grass that can be utilized for forage or biomass production. Establishing and maintaining switchgrass is also beneficial to many types of wildlife by providing suitable habitat and cover.

AGR-55: Turf Care Calendar for Cool-Season Lawns in Kentucky

Gregg Munshaw | July 22, 2016 (Major Revision)

Cool-season lawns include Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, fine fescues, and perennial ryegrass. This calendar identifies lawn management practices and the best times of the year to perform them.

PR-707: 2016 Kentucky Small Grains Variety Performance Test

Bill Bruening, Anthony Clark, John Connelly, Blazan Mijatovic, Gene Olson, Sandy Swanson, Dave Sanford | July 1, 2016 (New)

The objective of the Kentucky small grain variety performance test is to evaluate varieties of wheat, oat, barley, triticale and cereal rye that are commercially available or may soon be available to Kentucky farmers. Annual evaluation of small grain varieties and selections provides farmers, seed producers, and other agricultural workers with current information to help them select the varieties best adapted to their locality and individual requirements.

AGR-220: A No-math Method of Calibrating Backpack Sprayers and Lawn Care Spray Guns

Gregg Munshaw | April 7, 2016 (New)

Calibrating application equipment is something many people avoid because they believe it is too time consuming or that the math involved in the process is confusing. Calibration, however, is critical. Applying too much can be bad for the environment, injure the grass, and also wastes money. Applying too little can result in poor pest control and can lead to pesticide resistance. There are several methods that will calibrate sprayers but the no-math method is likely the most simple and reduces the chance of errors.