Kansas

The amount of rainfall that some areas of Kansas received this month has been creating problems for recently tilled fields that have just been planted or are not yet planted, Dan Devlin, environmental quality specialist at Kansas State University said.

"Torrential rains may have had damaging effects on crop fields," he said. "Fields are vulnerable right now because many have just been tilled, either for planting or as preparation for planting--gullies may form and terraces can be damaged."

"When soil erodes, it carries nutrients and pollutants with it. For example, eroded soil (sediments) is also the major source of phosphorus in water, which is also a major contaminant of surface water in Kansas," Devlin said.

Devlin encouraged producers to check terraces and waterways to see if damage has occurred. If so, plans should be made to repair the damage to prevent further damage and minimize future soil erosion losses.

To reduce the potential for soil erosion next year, move towards reduced or no tillage, Devlin said.

Devlin also recommends that producers use management practices to protect fields and water sources when using fertilizers and pesticides.

For more information, contact your K-State County Extension office.

Date: 6/21/05

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