The
University of Tennessee, Milan Experiment Station
22nd Annual Milan No-Till Field Day
... RESEARCH MAKING A DIFFERENCE
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UT
Develops New Soybean Cultivar
Big things are happening in soybean studies at the University of Tennessee
Agricultural Experiment Station. Researchers recently announced the
release of a new soybean cultivar named 5601T, which was developed at
the UT Experiment Station. Also, the UT Soybean Breeding Program is
testing three new Roundup Ready lines. These developments will both
be presented in Tours C and I, respectively, at the 2002 Milan No-Till
Field Day.
The new cultivar, which will be marketed through UniSouth Genetics,
Inc., as USG 5601T, will be introduced to visitors at Milan by UT Plant
Sciences and Landscape Systems professor Fred Allen and UT research
associate Deborah Ellis.
“So far, it has outperformed Hutcheson for yield across the South,”
said Allen. “These tests indicate the potential productivity of
this line over a broad range of geographical regions throughout the
southeastern United States.”
USG 5601 T has also shown resistance to stem canker, soybean mosaic
virus, and moderate resistance to soybean root knot nematode. It ranked
first in the Tennessee State Variety Test for the last two years, and
was number one for yield among all entries evaluated for the 1999 and
2000 USDA Southern Regional Uniform Tests.
Nearly three decades ago, the UT Soybean Breeding Program was established
to respond to the needs of soybean producers by increasing the productivity
of Tennessee agriculture through genetics. At the Milan No-Till Field
Day, UT assistant professors Vince Pantalone and Gaylon Morgan will
highlight the latest in plant breeding for Roundup Ready soybeans.
Three of the new Roundup Ready breeding lines, TNO1-312RR (Maturity
Group 5.1), TNO1-294RR (Maturity Group 5.6), and TNO1-296RR (Maturity
Group 5.8) are being tested this year in the 2002 Tennessee State Variety
Test and will be discussed at the field day.
Producers favor this technology because it provides excellent crop safety,
broad-spectrum weed control, a wide application window, no carryover
to subsequent crops, and has proven cost effective.
###
Contact: Fred Allen, (865) 974-7182; Vince Pantalone, (865) 974-8801;
Keli Woodard, (865) 974-7141
For Immediate Release -- June 11, 2002
Milan Field Day Features
Ag Technology of the Future
MILAN, TENN. — Advances in agricultural technology seem to happen
every day. At present, precision agriculture and new technologies for
row crop production are hot topics. The 2002 Milan No-Till Field Day
will feature experts in these fields on two separate tours.
Tour A, entitled “Precision Farming,” will focus on the latest
advances in equipment and precision farming methods. University of Tennessee
professors Paul Denton and Don Tyler will share results from research
on designating and using management zones for yield protection and variable
management. UT’s Tim Prather, along with Bobby Mimms of NRCS, will
speak on GIS and GPS options for producers, highlighting equipment and
software available for farm management applications.
Robert Freeland, UT associate professor of biosystems engineering, will
present various methods of collecting soil and landscape information
to show how survey methods are an integral tool of precision farming.
In her presentation “Sources of Information for Precision Farming,”
UT climatologist Joanne Logan will offer free sources of information
for GIS data.
“Advanced Technologies for Row Crop Production” is the title
for Tour K, which features UT biosystems engineers. John Wilkerson,
an associate professor, will present “GPS-based Guidance Systems,”
an informative talk on row guidance systems that can minimize production
costs.
UT’s John Hancock will discuss seed-specific chemical placement,
while Henry Moody will discuss new research in automated weed detection
for precision herbicide application.
Both featured tours will be presented continuously throughout the day.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early if they plan to take in both
tours as well as other offerings at the Milan No-Till Field Day.
###
Contact: Patricia Clark McDaniels or Keli Woodard, (865) 974-7141
For Immediate Release -- June 10, 2002
Mineral
Deficiencies and Imbalances Found in Forages
MILAN, TENN. — Feedlot reports and surveys have shown that Tennessee
calves often have immunodeficiency related diseases, a possible result
of inadequate mineral content in forages across the state. In a presentation
designed to appeal to beef cattle producers, visitors to the 2002 Milan
No-Till Field Day will learn how to improve the mineral nutrition of
cattle by characterizing the mineral status of the beef herd.
In recent years, many cattle herds have been observed that do not easily
shed winter hair coats, says Warren Gill, a beef cattle specialist with
the UT Extension Service. This “rough hair coat” is a symptom
of copper deficiency, as is slow rebreeding and depressed immune function.
Coupled with reports that these calves are uniformly low in blood serum
levels of both copper and selenium, Gill says the situation is cause
for alarm.
In an effort to combat these effects, herds across Tennessee were located
that have exhibited signs of copper deficiency and blood samples are
currently being taken. Blood serum samples will be analyzed for copper
and selenium.
Studies have also shown that imbalances might also be related to minerals
in water, as significant levels of iron in the cattle’s drinking
water might contribute to copper deficiency. A good record keeping system
can reveal existing problems. However, because many producers do not
keep records of their calving season, they may not understand how quickly
their cows are breeding. Identifying and correcting mineral problems
may start with putting together a simple record of the calving season.
“As this research continues, it is important that cattle producers
question whether their current
mineral supplementation is adequate to maintain production,” said
Gill.
During the presentation, producers will receive information on how to
evaluate their current
production levels to assess mineral status as well as tips on genetic
improvements in mineral supplements.
Other topics to be covered on the beef tour at the Milan No-Till Field
Day include evaluating the mineral status of Tennessee forages, and
evaluating reproductive efficiency, body condition, parasite status
and other factors affecting the beef herd.
###
Contact: Warren Gill, (615) 832-8341; Keli Woodard, (865) 974-7141
For Immediate Release -- June 7, 2002
Farmers
Can Use Flooding for Recreation and Income
MILAN, TENN. – The fruits of the harvest do not have to end once
all of the crop has been gleaned. Rather, with a little foresight and
preparation, winter months can bring added income and viewing pleasure
through flooding of harvested crop fields for waterfowl.
Billy Minser, instructor and research associate in the University of
Tennessee Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, will give
those who attend the 2002 Milan No-Till Field Day advice on how to attract
waterfowl to harvested fields for financial and recreational benefits.
Minser will speak, along with TVA Wildlife Biologist Tim Pruitt, about
a research study conducted from 1994 to 1999 in which flooding crop
fields for the purpose of attracting waterfowl was examined as a management
tool for farmers.
The research was conducted at the West Tennessee Agricultural Experiment
Station in Jackson, where low-level terraces and water control structures
were built on the station’s river-bottom study units and monitored
for waterfowl use, soil fertility, weed growth, soil retention and crop
production.
“A typical harvest can leave as much as 15 percent waste grain
and seeds behind,” said Minser. “While farmers usually get
no return on these grains, they are an excellent means to attract ducks,
geese, and other birds.”
Results from the study showed flooding to be a good way to provide habitat
for songbirds, small mammals, ducks and geese, as well as other water
birds. This type of habitat can be used either aesthetically or for
waterfowl hunting.
“Most people don’t realize that they can create their own
water fowl refuge,” said Minser, “but many landowners who
have tried it say that it benefits their farming.”
Those who are interested in experimenting with flooding harvested fields
will get expert advice from Minser on critical issues such as the impact
flooding has on future crop production, pest weeds and soil erosion.
Flood waters may be obtained naturally through rainwater runoff or may
be pumped from a nearby stream or well.
###
Contact: Billy Minser, (865) 974-7126; Keli Woodard, (865) 974-7141
For Immediate Release -- June 7, 2002
Farmers
Can Learn to “Slam” Stored Grain
MILAN, TENN. -- Farmers facing problems with insects and mold in stored
grain should benefit from a presentation at the 2002 Milan No-Till Field
Day. University of Tennessee Biosystems Engineering and Environmental
Science professor Michael J. Buschermohle will discuss how S.L.A.M.,
an integrated strategy for managing stored grain, can decrease the rate
of mold growth and insect reproduction.
Along with University of Kentucky Extension Agricultural Engineer Samuel
G. McNeill, Buschermohle developed S.L.A.M., which stands for Sanitation,
Loading, Aeration, and Monitoring.
Grain storage is an important consideration for farmers in terms of
economics. When grain is sold, costly discounts are levied for insect
damage. Also, infested grain results in dissatisfied customers and a
poor reputation in marketing channels.
Most damage that occurs during storage is caused by molds and insects.
The process begins as
microorganisms feed on nutrients in the grain. As they grow and develop,
they produce heat, which increases the temperature of surrounding grain.
This heat can result in hot spots, which, under favorable environmental
conditions, can produce major mold species such as Apergillus, Fusarium,
and Pencillum and carry mycotoxins such as aflatox, fumonisin, DON,
and zearalenone.
Mycotoxins are of primary concern to farmers, as they can cause serious
illness and even death when consumed by humans or livestock. To further
complicate matters, detecting mycotoxins can be difficult. Presence
of mold does not mean mycotoxins will be present, just that the potential
exists for their development given the right combination of temperature,
moisture content, and storage time. Also, the absence of mold does not
guarantee that mycotoxins are not present, because although mold growth
may not be extensive enough to cause visible damage, it can still produce
toxins.
Left untreated, insect infestations and mold growth create a cycle of
difficulties for farmers. Insects give off moisture, which can cause
grain moisture contents to increase enough to create a mold problem.
Mold activity raises temperatures, which results in an increased rate
of insect reproduction. Greater numbers of insects create more moisture,
and the cycle continues.
For this reason, effective and expedient treatment of stored grain trouble
is essential for preventing grain deterioration and possible economic
losses.
Buschermohle suggests that an integrated approach will have the greatest
success in combating these problems. “It is important to incorporate
a number of tools and practices rather than relying on a single ‘big
gun’ approach to treat the problem,” he said.
A full explanation of the S.L.A.M. approach will be given at the field
day, so that farmers may learn how to better control their grain problems
before they get out of hand.
“Management of field insect pests generally receives more attention
than storage pests,” said Buschermohle. “However, storage
losses are often equal to or greater than field losses.”
###
Contact: Dr. Michael J. Buschermohle, (865) 974-7237; Keli Woodard,
(865) 974-7141
For Immediate Release -- June 6, 2002
No-Till
Research: One Perspective
Dr. C.
Roland Mote, Assistant Dean
Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station
The ditches alongside the highway were running full of water on October
11, 2001, as I made my way from Bolivar, Tennessee, toward Grand Junction.
A 16-hour rainstorm that ultimately deposited 5 inches of rain was in
its 13th hour. West Tennessee ditches full of water was something that
I had not seen in a long time, for I had not happened to be around during
a storm of this magnitude for quite some time. After observing the full
ditches for a while, it occurred to me something unusual was going on
that I had probably never seen. The ditches were full of clear - not
muddy - water.
The loess soils in West Tennessee erode extremely easily. On sloping
land, a furious summer storm can strip as many as 10 tons of soil per
acre per hour, and annual erosion rates can measure 30 to 40 tons of
soil per acre. This erosion of soil and essential plant nutrients threatens
the long-term viability of the land as well as the quality of the water
that carries the soil away. So, why was there clear water in the road
ditches on October 11? I expect the high rate of adoption of no-till
production practices by farmers should receive much of the credit for
the clear water. Soil erosion can be virtually eliminated by maintaining
a vegetative cover on agricultural fields, and according to the Tennessee
Agricultural Statistics Service, 83% of the cropland in Tennessee was
under no-till or some other sort of conservation tillage in 2001.
No-till did not happen overnight. Entirely new farming systems had to
be developed to permit a crop to be made without plowing. Agricultural
scientists and engineers had to develop planting machines that could
plant a seed and cover it in unplowed soil. Weed control products and
practices had to be developed since no-till means cultivators cannot
be used to plow out weeds. Plant breeders had to develop cultivars that
perform well in no-till systems. In fact, agricultural scientists continue
to develop and perfect the system.
Over the course of the last 22 years, the internationally known Milan
No-Till Field Day has attracted thousands of people to Milan to learn
about new developments in agricultural technology. Many of the attendees
have come more than once or twice. Some few tell us they have come every
year. It is the continued efforts of these producers and others like
them that will ensure that the soils in West Tennessee and the entire
Mid South will continue to sustain production.
The University of Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station is proud
to be among the world leaders in the development of no-till and other
farming practices that preserve environmental quality, and we are pleased
that no-till and other conservation tillage practices have now become
the convention. Because the technology has matured, this year’s
Milan No-Till Field Day will be the last annual event. (Following this
July 25, 2002, field day, the next Milan No-Till Field Day is planned
for July 22, 2004.) Regardless of the next field day date, UT intends
to continue research that will sustain soil and improve environmental
quality as well as maintain profitable production.
###
For Immediate Release -- June 7, 2002
Farmers
to Meet Reniform Nematode at Milan
MILAN, TENN. — Cotton producers attending the 2002 Milan No-Till
Field Day will have the opportunity to meet a parasitic enemy that many
producers may not even know exists.
Dr. Melvin A. Newman, University of Tennessee professor in the Department
of Entomology and Plant Pathology, will acquaint producers with the
reniform nematode, a worm-like invertebrate whose appetite for cotton
roots has devastated crops in neighboring southern states like Mississippi
and Alabama.
While the pest is not yet widespread in Tennessee, extensive soil sampling
surveys indicated enough growth in the population to place West Tennessee
under a reniform nematode alert. These surveys, which began in 1997,
found evidence of the nematodes in Crockett, Madison, and Gibson counties.
In 1992, the reniform nematode was present in only one field in Tennessee.
Today, more than 100 fields have shown damage.
The focus of Newman’s presentation is to educate farmers on early
detection and management to prevent the pest from further spreading.
Though once considered to be minor pests, nematodes can cost producers
millions of dollars in lost revenue. In Alabama, where reniform nematodes
were first discovered in 1959, the pests have now stretched across tens
of thousands of acres. The cotton crop in Mississippi is nearly 60 percent
infested.
“Ten years ago, Mississippi was in the same situation that we’re
in now, with just a few infested fields,” said Newman. “We’re
hoping to attack this problem early through this educational effort.”
Newman plans to provide an on-site microscope to help producers identify
the pests, which are not visible to the naked eye. The reniform nematode,
given its name because the adult female is kidney or “reniform”
shaped, is more severe than the three other species (spiral, lance,
and stunt) of nematodes currently present in Tennessee cotton.
The presentation will also address reniform nematode damage, which can
be difficult to identify in the field. Infected plants often show signs
of stunting, potassium deficiency, reduced cotton production, and early
maturity. However, these symptoms are often attributed to acidic soils,
plant diseases, hardpans, and nutritional deficiencies. Newman will
educate farmers who have not yet sampled their fields for nematodes
on the best time and method for conducting the tests.
Methods of controlling the pests such as crop rotation, fallowing, and
cultural practices will be discussed. Newman, along with co-speaker
and Extension assistant Tom Stebbins, will also give advice on the pros
and cons of products that have shown to be effective in reducing reniform
nematode populations.
###
Contacts: Dr. Melvin Newman, (731) 425-4718; Keli Woodard, (865) 974-7141
For Immediate Release -- June 6, 2002
Automated
Weed Detection Tested at Milan
MILAN, TENN. — Automated weed detection, the newest technological
advance in precision herbicide application, will be the focus of a presentation
by Henry Moody, an engineering researcher with the UT Agricultural Experiment
Station. Moody’s presentation is part of one of the featured tours
of this year’s Milan No-Till Field Day.
“UT researchers are committed to developing and evaluating new
technologies for row-crop production,” said Moody. “As these
technologies mature, they promise to increase production efficiency.”
Automated weed detection systems use optical measurement techniques
to differentiate between actively growing weeds and bare soil or stubble.
They have proven effective in acreage across the U.S., and the cotton
fields of the University of Tennessee Milan Experiment Station are no
exception.
In a no-till cotton weed control study conducted by UT researchers at
the Milan Station, a weed detection system was used with a hooded sprayer
to apply herbicide between the rows. Control valves opened when weeds
were detected and closed when no weeds were present. Results from the
study showed significant herbicide savings and weed control equal to
that of conventional post-directed spray methods.
However, these results only led to more questions.
Fueled by additional research objectives, a project was initiated to
record the spatial information needed to fully document herbicide applications
made with weed detection systems. A data-logger was developed to periodically
record sprayer on/off information. Position coordinates were also provided
through a GPS receiver. Together, this automation of data collection
has opened new doors for large-scale weed distribution and density studies.
Another research objective that is currently being pursued deals with
expanding the use of weed detection system information. Preliminary
research conducted at North Carolina State University documented relationships
among weed populations in the inter-row areas and weeds growing in adjacent
rows. These studies led UT researchers to create a modified hooded sprayer
equipped with a weed detection system. The modifications allow control
of drop nozzles positioned above each row. Any time a weed is sensed
under a hood, a valve fires, and an over-the-top herbicide is applied
to the adjacent row.
Tests on this system are still being conducted as part of a collaborative
weed control research effort mounted by the University of Tennessee
and North Carolina State University, with support from Cotton, Inc.
###
Contacts: Henry Moody, (865) 974-7266; Keli Woodard, (865) 974-7141
For Immediate Release -- June 6, 2002
Prairie Grasses Make Beneficial Buffers
MILAN, TENN. — Although most farmers are aware of the benefits
of conservation buffers, establishing vegetative strips that work for
varying landscapes can be a daunting task. At this year’s Milan
No-Till Field Day, UT Extension Turfgrass Specialist Tom Samples will
educate producers with the tips and tools needed to plant and maintain
beneficial buffers.
The presentation will center on native prairie grasses, a buffer that
is growing in popularity due to its low maintenance requirements and
because of the wildlife it attracts. These grasses are grouped according
to growing season (warm- or cool-season) and growth habit (bunch or
sod-forming).
“An advantage of prairie grasses is that they vary in height and
density,” said Samples. “By choosing different species, you
can come up with a mixture of grasses that meets your planting goals.”
Warm-season prairie grasses grow best at air temperatures of 80 to 95
degrees. These grasses include bluestem, indiangrass, switchgrass, and
sideoats grama.
Like many other conservation buffers, warm-season prairie grasses help
control erosion, improve soil quality, reduce flooding, and improve
water quality by removing sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, pathogens,
and other potential contaminants from runoff. They also enhance fish
and wildlife habitat, providing nesting and brood areas for birds and
forage for grazing and browsing animals.
However, for first-time planters, some prairie grasses may also produce
interesting challenges. While switchgrass and sideoats grama can be
established from seed using a conventional drill, bluestem and indiangrass
seeds are very chaffy, and may require different planting tools.
To educate farmers on new seeding technologies and equipment for prairie
grasses, Samples, along with Mike Hansbrough, an upland biologist with
the Natural Resource and Conservation Service, will have a no-till drill
equipped with a chaffy seed box on-site for demonstrations.
###
Contacts: Tom Samples, (865) 974-7324; Keli Woodard, (865)
974-7141
For Immediate Release -- June 7, 2002
Milan Field Day Promises A Variety of Information
MILAN, TENN. —If you produce row crops, the 22nd Annual Milan No-Till
Field Day promises a day packed with information you need to keep your
operation viable.The field day also has much to offer those who manage
beef herds or who are looking for alternate ways to supplement their
farm income through operations related to forestry, wildlife or fisheries.
Scheduled for Thursday, July 25, from 7:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. on
the University of Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station in Milan,
Tennessee, the field day will present 12 tours hosted by subject matter
experts from institutions including the University of Tennessee; the
USDA-NRCS and ARS; the Universities of Arkansas, Kentucky, and Missouri;
the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency; and others.
The featured tours are Tour A, Precision Farming, and Tour K, Advanced
Technologies for Row Crop Production. These tours cover such topics
as management zones for precision agriculture, collecting soil and landscape
information, source of information for precision farming, GIS and GPS
system options, seed-specific chemical placement, and automated weed
detection for precision herbicide application.
Other topics of interest to row crop producers include:
- No-till cotton production
- No-till soybean production
- No-till weed control
- Managing irrigation for maximum crop productivity
- Conservation buffer strips
- Genetically enhanced crops for pest management
- Maintaining quality in on-farm stored grain
New no-till equipment will be demonstrated, weather permitting.
A special tour will be presented for beef producers. Tour E will focus
on evaluating the nutritional status of the beef herd.
The forestry, wildlife and fisheries tour will feature presentations
on freshwater prawn production,
intercropping with walnut and pecan, crop tree release in pre-commercial
hardwood stands, timber taxes, and artificial flooding of harvested
crop fields for waterfowl.
Visitors to the Milan No-Till Field Day are also invited to participate
in the station overview tour for a brief introduction to the University
of Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station system.
Cotton fashions will be modeled during a luncheon program presented
by the National Cotton Women's Committee at 11:30 a.m. There is no admission
fee, however reservations are required. Reservations should be made
in advance by calling (731) 686-7494 or (731) 686-7362 prior to the
field day.
The Milan Experiment Station will host an antique tractor and engine
show on the field day grounds during the field day. All makes of tractors
and engines will be welcome. Those planning to show tractors or engines
must contact Charles Grooms, 3902 Salem-Church Road, Union City, TN,
38261, (731) 885-1953.
Other community events associated with the field day occur throughout
the week in Milan. These include a golf tournament, a tractor pull,
pageants, a horse show, and stock car races. For more information or
a copy of the entire program and related community events visit the
Milan Experiment Station web site: http://web.utk.edu/~mlnnotil or call
the Milan Experiment Station at (731) 686-7362.
The field day site is located on US Highway 70A near Milan. Visitors
are encouraged to arrive early if they plan to attend several presentations.
###
Patricia McDaniels, (865) 974-7141, pclark@utk.edu
For Immediate Release -- June 7, 2002
Weed
Control Tough for No-Till Wheat
MILAN, TENN. — To reap the benefits of no-till farming, no-till
wheat producers must often face greater challenges in terms of weed
control than those who use conventional production methods. At the 2002
Milan No-Till Field Day, Gregory Breeden, an Agricultural Extension
assistant with the University of Tennessee, will present solutions for
controlling wheat weed problems in Tennessee.
Wheat weeds such as ryegrass, wild garlic, henbit, and chickweed can
grow rapidly during autumn months. Left unchecked, this growth can result
in yield loss as well as dockage. In no-till wheat, a burndown application
of herbicides prior to planting is necessary for controlling winter
annual and perennial weeds.
“This problem impacts all people involved in wheat production,”
said Breeden. “When weeds damage wheat yield and quality, everyone
from the producer to the mill is affected.”
Ryegrass, a highly competitive grass, is one of the more prevalent weed
control problems for Tennessee wheat. Left uncontrolled, it can reduce
yields of wheat by more than 50 percent.
While annual ryegrass has been treated with commercial herbicides for
many years, extended use of a particular product can lead to the development
of resistance in a given area. Alternative actions such as crop rotation
and the use of non-selective herbicides on infested fallow ground can
be effective against resistance. Breeden will discuss this control method
on Tour D, entitled “No-Till Weed Control.”
Along with Andy Kendig of the University of Missouri Delta Center, Breeden
will also update producers on the latest developments in new herbicides
and tolerant wheat hybrids.
###
Contact: Gregory Breeden, (865) 974-7208; Keli Woodard, (865) 974-7141
More Field Day Details
 Program for the 22nd Annual Milan No-Till Field Day --
in downloadable Acrobat format
News releases highlighting
events for the 2002 Milan No-Till Field Day
Slide Show on
What is No-Till -- Benefits, Research, Applications
Map to the Field Day Site
List of Lodging
Available in the Milan Area
Milan Experiment Station, 6205 Ellington Drive, Milan, TN 38358
Phone: 731/ 686-7362 | Fax: 731/588-2839 | e-mail: utmilan@usit.net
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