This NebFact has information on returning CRP land to crop production including tillage and no-till recommendations

Bathke, Pat

Brentlinger, Ray

Clark, Richard T.

Echtenkamp, Jerry

Frerichs, Robert

Gompert, Terry

Holshouser, David

Hygnstrom, Scott E.

Jarvi, Keith J.

Kranz, William L.

Lubberstedt, Mari

Lunz, Lisa

Manickam, Swami

Martin, Alex

McCluskey, Melinda McVey

Nelson, Jim

Rasmussen, Steven D.

Shapiro, Charles A.

Shelton, David P.

Witkowski, John F.

English

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska

University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Extension 1997 NF97-343 Returning CRP Land to Crops: Warm-Season Grass Management/Cropping Suggestions Charles A. Shapiro University of Nebraska-Lincoln, cshapiro1@unl.edu Melinda McVey McCluskey Jerry Echtenkamp William L. Kranz University of Nebraska--Lincoln, wkranz1@unl.edu Steven D. Rasmussen University of Nebraska--Lincoln, srasmussen2@unl.edu See next page for additional authors Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist  Part of the Agriculture Commons, and the Curriculum and Instruction Commons Shapiro, Charles A.; McCluskey, Melinda McVey; Echtenkamp, Jerry; Kranz, William L.; Rasmussen, Steven D.; Shelton, David P.; Jarvi, Keith J.; Witkowski, John F.; Lunz, Lisa; Frerichs, Robert; Lubberstedt, Mari; Brentlinger, Ray; Nelson, Jim; Bathke, Pat; Clark, Richard T.; Gompert, Terry; Hygnstrom, Scott E.; Martin, Alex; Holshouser, David; and Manickam, Swami, "NF97-343 Returning CRP Land to Crops: Warm-Season Grass Management/Cropping Suggestions" (1997). Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. 1118. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/1118 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Authors Charles A. Shapiro, Melinda McVey McCluskey, Jerry Echtenkamp, William L. Kranz, Steven D. Rasmussen, David P. Shelton, Keith J. Jarvi, John F. Witkowski, Lisa Lunz, Robert Frerichs, Mari Lubberstedt, Ray Brentlinger, Jim Nelson, Pat Bathke, Richard T. Clark, Terry Gompert, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Alex Martin, David Holshouser, and Swami Manickam This article is available at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/1118 Nebraska Cooperative Extension NF97-343Returning CRP Land to Crops: Warm-Season Grass  Management/Cropping Suggestions CRP to Crops Research Team,* Northeast Research and Extension Center  1. Plan ahead and evaluate the field as soon as possible. z Evaluate feasibility of bringing CRP back into crops. If eligible, consider an early release from the CRP contract or use emergency haying or grazing options. This allows you to manage residue and kill existing vegetation at the appropriate time. z Scout the entire CRP acreage. Assess percent vegetative cover, vegetation composition (percent grass, forbs, weeds), wildlife damage (gopher mounds, badger holes, etc.), topography, erosion (ditches, gullies, etc.), soil type, drainage. z Develop a conservation plan with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff. z Take advantage of established grass vegetation for grass waterways, field border strips, sediment filter strips along intermittent streams, and wildlife strips. z Evaluate rodent population. z Consider using a prescribed burn in the spring to help remove plant residue and stimulate regrowth (EC90-121, Conducting a Prescribed Burn; G88-894, Grassland Management with Prescribed Burning). A burn permit must be obtained from the local fire department prior to a prescribed burn. z Sample and test soils for phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and sulfur (in sandy soils), pH, and Control of Warm-Season Grass Vegetation organic matter (see UNL Cooperative Extension G91-1000, Guidelines for Soil Sampling). 2. Vegetation control. z Old grass residue needs to be removed, shredded, or burned in order to get good chemical kill. z In the spring/summer before the first cropping season, control grass vegetation by one of the following methods: a. Graze heavily with livestock to help remove and trample dead plant material. Stock densities of 60 to 80 head/acre on wet meadow, 5 to 10 head/acre on sands, and 1 to 5 head/acre on sandy dunes would be appropriate. Graze until grass is 3 to 4 inches. After heavy utilization allow regrowth. Continue to graze until mid-July or early August. Discontinue grazing to allow adequate regrowth of 6 to 12 inches for a chemical burndown of grass vegetation. b. Shred with a rotary or flail-type mower. Cutting height depends on timing. Shredding in March and April can be shorter than mid-July. Avoid creating a mat of residue on the soil surface. The goal is to have adequate growth for chemical (6-10") burndown. c. Burn when and where appropriate. To minimize impacts on pheasants and other ground-nesting birds, implement shred or burn before May 1 or after July 1.  z When old residue has been removed and new growth is stimulated, kill grass vegetation and perennial broadleaf weeds with a herbicide application between late August and mid-September. Apply before grass and some perennial broadleaf weeds go dormant. Procedure: a. Allow 8 inches of regrowth on grass vegetation prior to chemical burndown. b. Apply herbicide containing glyphosate (Roundup™1, etc.) for grass control. Add herbicide containing 2,4-D and/or dicamba (Banvel™1) to control perennial broadleaf weeds (see UNL Cooperative Extension Circular EC97-130, Herbicide Use in Nebraska).  z Scout fields for small mammals one month before planting. If more than five vole colonies are found, implement control measures. z Level rough areas of the field in the fall prior to planting with light tillage, being careful to keep vegetation disturbance at a minimum. z Wait at least three weeks after herbicide application before disking fields. If phosphorus, potassium, zinc, or lime is needed, apply before tillage. z Implement rodent control measures as needed (see UNL Cooperative Extension NebGuides G92-1110, The Thirteen Lined Ground Squirrels: Controlling Damage, and G88-887, Controlling Vole Damage).  Consider conservation measures such as planting trees for windbreaks and other conservation techniques within the field (see UNL Cooperative Extension Circulars EC91-1767, Windbreaks for Rural Living; EC91-1772, Windbreaks in Sustainable Agricultural Systems; EC91-1771, Windbreaks and Wildlife).  1. No-till: Follow suggestions on killing warm-season grass vegetation. A. Soybeans are recommended. Given the patchy nature of most warm-season grasses, drilled soybeans might perform better than those planted in wide rows. Reasons for growing soybeans include: z Yields for no-till, plow and disk are equal. z Late planting allows for warmer soil under grass residue. z Soybeans, when inoculated properly with Rhizobium sp., need no additional nitrogen. A small amount of early nitrogen (under 30 lbs) may prevent early yellowing. z Soybeans have more herbicide options to control grass escapes including effective post emergent herbicides. Roundup Ready1 soybeans are suited for this situation. z Percent plant emergence was reduced under no-till. Overplant by 35 percent to insure adequate soybean populations. z Soybeans do not require any planting time insecticides or insecticide-based seed treatments, unless there is high organic matter (manure, decaying vegetation, etc.) present. Then, a seed treatment is advised to protect against seed corn maggots. Scout for bean leaf beetles and other pests throughout the growing season. z Narrow rows have been successful at the Northeast Research and Extension Center and may provide additional weed control through early canopy closure. Cultivation is difficult in newly cropped no-till CRP land so the early canopy closure is especially useful. z Soybeans are expected to enhance corn yields the following year.  B. Corn. Research at the Northeast Research and Extension Center has shown that corn yields are reduced about 20 percent per acre under first year no-till production compared to plow. No-till corn was slot planted producing conditions that were cooler and wetter than tilled conditions. Row cleaning equipment might reduce these effects and improve yields: z Increase nitrogen rate by 50 pounds over normal University of Nebraska recommendations. Follow University recommendations for other nutrients based on soil tests. A planter-applied starter is recommended for improved early season growth. z Make sure grass vegetation is killed before planting. Delay planting to apply a second herbicide if needed. There are few herbicide options to control grass escapes in corn. Soil conditions often make it difficult to cultivate in no-till CRP conditions. Cropping Systems Suggestions z Percent plant emergence was reduced under no-till. Overplant by 30 percent to insure adequate corn population. Proper adjustment of planter weights is necessary to obtain the proper seed depth in the soil and improve plant stand. z Voles are more likely to cause damage in corn than in other row crops. z Seed treatments with insecticide should be used to protect against seed-attacking insects such as wireworms and seed corn maggots. A more expensive insurance treatment would be soil insecticides.  2. Tillage. Research showed that plowed ground produced higher yields than disked ground for corn. Plowing may be the best alternative for switchgrass. In subsequent years, switchgrass may continue to be a problem even after plowing. Dormant seed will germinate for a number of years after returning CRP to crop production. Scout for warm-season grass escapes in the fall of subsequent years and be prepared to treat as needed. z Disking before plowing made plowing easier and produced smaller clods that could be more easily handled with secondary tillage. z If disking without plowing, vegetation needs to be killed with chemicals. Overplant crops at the same rate recommended for no-till to obtain desired plant population. z Plan to disk three times after plowing to achieve a satisfactory seedbed. A. Sorghum. At the Northeast Research and Extension Center sorghum yields followed the same pattern as corn: plowing increased yields above disking and disking increased yields compared to no-till. Similar considerations for cultural practices will hold true for sorghum as for corn. B. Wheat. Wheat was not planted at the Northeast Research and Extension Center. Others report disease and stand problems when planting wheat into CRP ground. The suggestions provided here are based on our experience at the Northeast Research and Extension Center research site and discussion with various experts and farmers. With care and planning and a little luck with the weather, CRP can be brought into profitable crop production.  1 Use of trade names does not imply endorsement of products named nor criticism of similar products not mentioned.  *Team members are: Charles Shapiro, Extension Soils Scientist-Crop Nutrition, and CRP Project Leader; Melinda McVey McCluskey, Former CRP Project Coordinator; Jerry Echtenkamp, Research Technologist; Bill Kranz, Extension Irrigation Specialist; Steve Rasmussen, District and Extension Forester; David P. Shelton, Extension Agricultural Engineer; Keith Jarvi, Extension Assistant-Integrated Pest Management; John Witkowski, Extension Entomologist; Lisa Lunz, Research Technologist; Robert Frerichs, Operations Manager; Mari Lubberstedt, CRP Coordinator; Ray Brentlinger, Agricultural Research Technician II; Jim Nelson, Agricultural Technician II; and Pat Bathke, Word Processing Specialist; all at the Northeast Research and Extension Center, Concord; and Dick Clark, Extension Farm Management Specialist, West Central Research and Extension Center; Terry Gompert, Extension Educator-Eastern Niobrara EPU; Scott Hygnstrom, Extension Wildlife Damage File NF343 under: SOIL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT C-3, Conservation Issued September 1997  Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Elbert C. Dickey, Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.  University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.Specialist, and Alex Martin, Extension Weeds Specialist, Lincoln; David Holshouser, former Extension Integrated Weed Specialist; and Swami Manickam, former Research Technician, at the Northeast Research and Extension Center. 

NF97-343 Returning CRP Land to Crops: Warm-Season Grass  Management/Cropping Suggestions

UNL | Libraries

University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
Historical Materials from University of 
Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Extension 
1997 
NF97-343 Returning CRP Land to Crops: Warm-Season Grass 
Management/Cropping Suggestions 
Charles A. Shapiro 
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, cshapiro1@unl.edu 
Melinda McVey McCluskey 
Jerry Echtenkamp 
William L. Kranz 
University of Nebraska--Lincoln, wkranz1@unl.edu 
Steven D. Rasmussen 
University of Nebraska--Lincoln, srasmussen2@unl.edu 
See next page for additional authors 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist 
 Part of the Agriculture Commons, and the Curriculum and Instruction Commons 
Shapiro, Charles A.; McCluskey, Melinda McVey; Echtenkamp, Jerry; Kranz, William L.; Rasmussen, Steven 
D.; Shelton, David P.; Jarvi, Keith J.; Witkowski, John F.; Lunz, Lisa; Frerichs, Robert; Lubberstedt, Mari; 
Brentlinger, Ray; Nelson, Jim; Bathke, Pat; Clark, Richard T.; Gompert, Terry; Hygnstrom, Scott E.; Martin, 
Alex; Holshouser, David; and Manickam, Swami, "NF97-343 Returning CRP Land to Crops: Warm-Season 
Grass Management/Cropping Suggestions" (1997). Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-
Lincoln Extension. 1118. 
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/1118 
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - 
Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension by an 
authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. 
Authors 
Charles A. Shapiro, Melinda McVey McCluskey, Jerry Echtenkamp, William L. Kranz, Steven D. Rasmussen, 
David P. Shelton, Keith J. Jarvi, John F. Witkowski, Lisa Lunz, Robert Frerichs, Mari Lubberstedt, Ray 
Brentlinger, Jim Nelson, Pat Bathke, Richard T. Clark, Terry Gompert, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Alex Martin, 
David Holshouser, and Swami Manickam 
This article is available at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/
extensionhist/1118 
Nebraska Cooperative Extension NF97-343
Returning CRP Land to Crops: 
Warm-Season Grass  
Management/Cropping Suggestions 
CRP to Crops Research Team,* 
Northeast Research and Extension Center  
1. Plan ahead and evaluate the field as soon as possible. 
? Evaluate feasibility of bringing CRP back into crops. If eligible, consider an early release 
from the CRP contract or use emergency haying or grazing options. This allows you to 
manage residue and kill existing vegetation at the appropriate time. 
? Scout the entire CRP acreage. Assess percent vegetative cover, vegetation composition 
(percent grass, forbs, weeds), wildlife damage (gopher mounds, badger holes, etc.), 
topography, erosion (ditches, gullies, etc.), soil type, drainage. 
? Develop a conservation plan with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff. 
? Take advantage of established grass vegetation for grass waterways, field border strips, 
sediment filter strips along intermittent streams, and wildlife strips. 
? Evaluate rodent population. 
? Consider using a prescribed burn in the spring to help remove plant residue and stimulate 
regrowth (EC90-121, Conducting a Prescribed Burn; G88-894, Grassland Management 
with Prescribed Burning). A burn permit must be obtained from the local fire department 
prior to a prescribed burn. 
? Sample and test soils for phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and sulfur (in sandy soils), pH, and 
Control of Warm-Season Grass Vegetation 
organic matter (see UNL Cooperative Extension G91-1000, Guidelines for Soil Sampling). 
2. Vegetation control. 
? Old grass residue needs to be removed, shredded, or burned in order to get good chemical 
kill. 
? In the spring/summer before the first cropping season, control grass vegetation by one of the 
following methods: 
a. Graze heavily with livestock to help remove and trample dead plant material. Stock 
densities of 60 to 80 head/acre on wet meadow, 5 to 10 head/acre on sands, and 1 to 5 
head/acre on sandy dunes would be appropriate. Graze until grass is 3 to 4 inches. 
After heavy utilization allow regrowth. Continue to graze until mid-July or early 
August. Discontinue grazing to allow adequate regrowth of 6 to 12 inches for a 
chemical burndown of grass vegetation. 
b. Shred with a rotary or flail-type mower. Cutting height depends on timing. Shredding 
in March and April can be shorter than mid-July. Avoid creating a mat of residue on 
the soil surface. The goal is to have adequate growth for chemical (6-10") burndown. 
c. Burn when and where appropriate. To minimize impacts on pheasants and other 
ground-nesting birds, implement shred or burn before May 1 or after July 1.  
? When old residue has been removed and new growth is stimulated, kill grass vegetation and 
perennial broadleaf weeds with a herbicide application between late August and mid-
September. Apply before grass and some perennial broadleaf weeds go dormant. Procedure: 
a. Allow 8 inches of regrowth on grass vegetation prior to chemical burndown. 
b. Apply herbicide containing glyphosate (Roundup™1, etc.) for grass control. Add 
herbicide containing 2,4-D and/or dicamba (Banvel™1) to control perennial broadleaf 
weeds (see UNL Cooperative Extension Circular EC97-130, Herbicide Use in 
Nebraska).  
? Scout fields for small mammals one month before planting. If more than five vole colonies 
are found, implement control measures. 
? Level rough areas of the field in the fall prior to planting with light tillage, being careful to 
keep vegetation disturbance at a minimum. 
? Wait at least three weeks after herbicide application before disking fields. If phosphorus, 
potassium, zinc, or lime is needed, apply before tillage. 
? Implement rodent control measures as needed (see UNL Cooperative Extension NebGuides 
G92-1110, The Thirteen Lined Ground Squirrels: Controlling Damage, and G88-887, 
Controlling Vole Damage).  
Consider conservation measures such as planting trees for windbreaks and other conservation 
techniques within the field (see UNL Cooperative Extension Circulars EC91-1767, Windbreaks 
for Rural Living; EC91-1772, Windbreaks in Sustainable Agricultural Systems; EC91-1771, 
Windbreaks and Wildlife).  
1. No-till: Follow suggestions on killing warm-season grass vegetation. 
A. Soybeans are recommended. Given the patchy nature of most warm-season grasses, drilled 
soybeans might perform better than those planted in wide rows. Reasons for growing 
soybeans include: 
? Yields for no-till, plow and disk are equal. 
? Late planting allows for warmer soil under grass residue. 
? Soybeans, when inoculated properly with Rhizobium sp., need no additional nitrogen. 
A small amount of early nitrogen (under 30 lbs) may prevent early yellowing. 
? Soybeans have more herbicide options to control grass escapes including effective 
post emergent herbicides. Roundup Ready1 soybeans are suited for this situation. 
? Percent plant emergence was reduced under no-till. Overplant by 35 percent to insure 
adequate soybean populations. 
? Soybeans do not require any planting time insecticides or insecticide-based seed 
treatments, unless there is high organic matter (manure, decaying vegetation, etc.) 
present. Then, a seed treatment is advised to protect against seed corn maggots. Scout 
for bean leaf beetles and other pests throughout the growing season. 
? Narrow rows have been successful at the Northeast Research and Extension Center 
and may provide additional weed control through early canopy closure. Cultivation is 
difficult in newly cropped no-till CRP land so the early canopy closure is especially 
useful. 
? Soybeans are expected to enhance corn yields the following year.  
B. Corn. Research at the Northeast Research and Extension Center has shown that corn yields 
are reduced about 20 percent per acre under first year no-till production compared to plow. 
No-till corn was slot planted producing conditions that were cooler and wetter than tilled 
conditions. Row cleaning equipment might reduce these effects and improve yields: 
? Increase nitrogen rate by 50 pounds over normal University of Nebraska 
recommendations. Follow University recommendations for other nutrients based on 
soil tests. A planter-applied starter is recommended for improved early season 
growth. 
? Make sure grass vegetation is killed before planting. Delay planting to apply a second 
herbicide if needed. There are few herbicide options to control grass escapes in corn. 
Soil conditions often make it difficult to cultivate in no-till CRP conditions. 
Cropping Systems Suggestions 
? Percent plant emergence was reduced under no-till. Overplant by 30 percent to insure 
adequate corn population. Proper adjustment of planter weights is necessary to obtain 
the proper seed depth in the soil and improve plant stand. 
? Voles are more likely to cause damage in corn than in other row crops. 
? Seed treatments with insecticide should be used to protect against seed-attacking 
insects such as wireworms and seed corn maggots. A more expensive insurance 
treatment would be soil insecticides.  
2. Tillage. Research showed that plowed ground produced higher yields than disked ground for corn. 
Plowing may be the best alternative for switchgrass. In subsequent years, switchgrass may 
continue to be a problem even after plowing. Dormant seed will germinate for a number of years 
after returning CRP to crop production. Scout for warm-season grass escapes in the fall of 
subsequent years and be prepared to treat as needed. 
? Disking before plowing made plowing easier and produced smaller clods that could 
be more easily handled with secondary tillage. 
? If disking without plowing, vegetation needs to be killed with chemicals. Overplant 
crops at the same rate recommended for no-till to obtain desired plant population. 
? Plan to disk three times after plowing to achieve a satisfactory seedbed. 
A. Sorghum. At the Northeast Research and Extension Center sorghum yields followed the 
same pattern as corn: plowing increased yields above disking and disking increased yields 
compared to no-till. Similar considerations for cultural practices will hold true for sorghum 
as for corn. 
B. Wheat. Wheat was not planted at the Northeast Research and Extension Center. Others 
report disease and stand problems when planting wheat into CRP ground. 
The suggestions provided here are based on our experience at the Northeast Research and Extension 
Center research site and discussion with various experts and farmers. With care and planning and a little 
luck with the weather, CRP can be brought into profitable crop production.  
1 Use of trade names does not imply endorsement of products named nor criticism of similar products not mentioned. 
 
*Team members are: Charles Shapiro, Extension Soils Scientist-Crop Nutrition, and CRP 
Project Leader; Melinda McVey McCluskey, Former CRP Project Coordinator; Jerry 
Echtenkamp, Research Technologist; Bill Kranz, Extension Irrigation Specialist; Steve 
Rasmussen, District and Extension Forester; David P. Shelton, Extension Agricultural Engineer; 
Keith Jarvi, Extension Assistant-Integrated Pest Management; John Witkowski, Extension 
Entomologist; Lisa Lunz, Research Technologist; Robert Frerichs, Operations Manager; Mari 
Lubberstedt, CRP Coordinator; Ray Brentlinger, Agricultural Research Technician II; Jim 
Nelson, Agricultural Technician II; and Pat Bathke, Word Processing Specialist; all at the 
Northeast Research and Extension Center, Concord; and Dick Clark, Extension Farm 
Management Specialist, West Central Research and Extension Center; Terry Gompert, 
Extension Educator-Eastern Niobrara EPU; Scott Hygnstrom, Extension Wildlife Damage 
File NF343 under: SOIL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 
C-3, Conservation 
Issued September 1997  
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation 
with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Elbert C. Dickey, Director of Cooperative Extension, 
University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.  
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the non-discrimination 
policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Specialist, and Alex Martin, Extension Weeds Specialist, Lincoln; David Holshouser, former 
Extension Integrated Weed Specialist; and Swami Manickam, former Research Technician, at 
the Northeast Research and Extension Center. 


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NF97-343 Returning CRP Land to Crops: Warm-Season Grass Management/Cropping Suggestions

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