Comparison of Organic and Conventional Crops at the Neely-Kinyon Long-term Agroecological Research (LTAR) Site

The Neely-Kinyon LTAR site was established in 1998 to study the long-term effects of organic production in Iowa. Treatments at the LTAR site, replicated four times in a completely randomized design, include the following rotations: conventional CornSoybean (C-S), organic Corn-SoybeanOats/Alfalfa (C-S-O/A), organic CornSoybean-Oats/Alfalfa-Alfalfa (C-S-O/A-A), and Soybean-Wheat with a red clover frostseeding (S-W/RC). Arapahoe winter wheat was planted on November 19, 2008, at 85 lb/acre and Cardinal red clover was frostseeded into the wheat plots on March 12, 2009, at a rate of 15.5 lb/acre. On April 16, 2009, Spur oats were underseeded with BR Blue Jay alfalfa at a rate of 90 lb/acre and 16 lb/acre, respectively. Following harvest of the organic corn plots in 2008, winter rye was no-till drilled at a rate of 75 lb/acre on November 10, 2008

Soybean Plant Density Effect on Oil Composition in Low-linolenic Soybean Cultivars

Increased demand for soybean with modified oil composition has led to the development of new soybean cultivars with reduced levels of linolenic fatty acids. Plant density effects on soybean oil and protein content have been documented. However, little information is available for producers regarding management for growing low-linolenic soybean. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of plant density on linolenic acid of soybean bred to have reduced linolenic acid content (≤ 3%, low-linolenic) and of traditional soybean cultivars (≈ 7%, high-linolenic)

Twin Row Corn Study

Interest in narrow row corn and, more recently, twin row corn has increased over the last several years. Research done in the 1990s in various locations throughout the Corn Belt has demonstrated significant yield advantages of narrowing corn rows from 38 in. to 30 in. This is now the third year of this study, and yield results from row spacings narrower than 30 inches have indicated a greater likelihood of a yield response in the northern part of the Corn Belt. Yield increases for narrow row spacing in corn from the central to southern areas of the Corn Belt have been inconsistent. Interest in this new concept, twin row corn, has prompted many new questions about row spacing in corn. One of the advantages of twin row corn is that no major modifications of harvest or spray equipment are necessary when converting from single row 30-inch spacing. Another potential set of advantages is better seed placement, more accurate plant spacing, and greater sunlight utilization

Hairy Tongue

Hairy tongue (lingua villosa) is a commonly observed condition of defective desquamation of the filiform papillae that results from a variety of precipitating factors. [1] The condition is most frequently referred to as black hairy tongue (lingua villosa nigra); however, hairy tongue may also appear brown, white, green, pink, or any of a variety of hues depending on the specific etiology and secondary factors (eg, use of colored mouthwashes, breath mints, candies). [2, 3] See the images below

Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizer Placement for Corn and Soybeans Managed with No-Till and Chisel-Disk Tillage

A long-term study was initiated in 1994 to evaluate phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer rates and placement methods for corn and soybeans managed with no-till and chisel-plow tillage. No-till management resulted in little or no incorporation of residue and fertilizer into the soil. Broadcast fertilization has generally been inefficient with no-till because both nutrients accumulate near the soil surface. Subsurface banding of P and K fertilizers, however, can be more effective

S5E2: How can we address mental health needs in rural Maine?

Many people nationwide are experiencing a decline in their mental health. Rates of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are rising, more so in rural areas. Ten out of 16 Maine counties have a shortage of mental health professionals. Only about half of the state population receives the services they need. At UMaine, a major effort is underway to recruit more mental health care providers to serve in rural areas. Using federal funding, researchers from the Psychology Department and School of Social Work are working with other experts to increase the number of psychologists, social workers and substance abuse professionals in areas with the greatest need. We speak with those researchers about their plans on this episode of “The Maine Question.

Effectiveness of Foliar Fungicides by Timing on Hybrid Corn in Iowa

Fungicide use on hybrid corn has increased considerably in the past three growing seasons primarily due to reports of higher yields, even in the absence of disease and higher corn prices. A number of fungicides are registered for use on corn. The objectives of this project were to 1) compare the efficacy of various products for management of foliar corn diseases, 2) assess the effect of timing of application of fungicides on foliar disease development, and 3) evaluate the yield response of hybrid corn to foliar fungicide application