Crops and Soils

September 22, 2021 12:30-1:30 pm   Local Update Michael (Mike) Ballweg, Extension Crops and Soils Agent Cropping Systems and Practices that Build Soil Carbon  Randy Jackson, UW-Madison Agronomy Professor Setting Up the Winter Wheat Crop for Success Shawn Conley, UW-Madison Extension Soybean & Small Grain Specialist

Aphanomyces root rot (ARR) is a serious disease of both recently seeded alfalfa and established alfalfa stands.  ARR can cause severe yield reductions in affected alfalfa fields.  Variations of the disease also occur on many other legumes (including soybean, snap bean, faba bean, red kidney bean, pea, red clover, and white clover) and can cause significant losses in these crops as well.

The selection of corn hybrids and soybean and small grain varieties has a major influence on yield and overall profitability of crop production.  The disparity in yield between varieties on both ends of the spectrum is quite large.  At the University of Wisconsin, corn hybrid research has shown an average yield spread of 70 bushels/acre […]

Trying to decide what agriculture enterprise is right for you? An online tool from UW-Madison Extension helps you determine which is the best fit for you.

Limiting the spread of weed seed between fields is a key part of an integrated pest management system. This is especially important, because the weeds present at harvest were allowed to produce seed and have survived other control attempts during the growing season. These weed seeds, if allowed to spread and germinate, have the potential to become difficult to control elsewhere.

The decision to take a late summer or fall cutting of alfalfa should be considered carefully. A farm should evaluate current forage needs, economics, stand health, and timing to make the best decision for their individual situation. Although the need for more forage may override some other factors, the timing of harvest is still critical. […]