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Crop removal in higher yield environmentsBy David G. Hallauer Meadowlark District Extension agent, crops and soils/horticulture Kansas By most accounts, fall crop yields have been pretty solid. Corn has been somewhat variable in some respects, but soybean yields seem consistently above farm or county averages. And while it's nice to have a good year, it can also mean you need to give some consideration to management 'above and beyond' the norm for the coming growing season, particularly in the area of soil fertility. Phosphorous and potassium soil test levels are an important consideration, particularly if you cut back a little when prices were higher. Soybeans remove 0.8 pounds of P per bushel of yield and 1.4 pounds of K. That means an extra 16 pounds of P and 28 pounds of K was removed if yields were 20 bushels/acre above normal. Corn removal is 0.33 pounds of P per bushel and .26 pounds of K per bushel. If soil test levels were high in P and K a few years ago, allowing you to reduce levels a little, they need to be checked again to make sure deficiencies haven't cropped up. A soil test is strongly encouraged if you haven't done so in the past three to five years, to make sure deficiencies don't exist. All the nitrogen in the world won't do you a whole lot of good if P and K levels can't support it. Consideration also needs to be given to fertilizing EACH crop, not doubling up fertility levels on one to compensate the other. Recent research is finding this practice less efficient than previously thought. Wanted: Vertical tillage information If you have used or are currently using one of the vertical tillage tools currently on the market (and are located in Jackson/Jefferson/Nemaha counties), I'd like to hear from you. Please contact me at the Oskaloosa office of the Meadowlark Extension District at 785-863-2212 or dhallaue@ksu.edu. Fall care of peonies Pretty pink and white flowers don't happen without some tender loving care and, for peonies, that care should start now. If you haven't done it already, peony foliage can be cut back to the ground, and foliage cut may be composted or discarded. Fall is also a good time to fertilize peonies. Use 1.5 to 2 ounces of a 1-1-1 fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 or 13-13-13 per plant. If a soil test shows no need for phosphorous and potassium, a low P-K fertilizer can replace the aforementioned. When fertilizing, avoid application directly on the center to avoid bud (eyes) damage. Instead, fertilize in a band 8 to 18 inches from the center of the plant then water in. Winter protection can be a concern, but is only necessary the first winter after planting to prevent freeze/thaw heaving. If you have a new planting, use a couple of inches of mulch that will not mat down prior to ground freeze. Remove before spring growth begins.
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