Soils & Crops Information

'Tis the Season for Tree Pruning by Dooly Barlow
11 ratings:
November through February are prime pruning months because it is the insect dormant season. Though you can prune at any point during the year, the wound provides a highway into the tree for insects, so the safest season to prune is during the winter months.

17th Annual Horticulture Industries Show by Sean Maher
"Healthy Harvest" is the theme chosen for the 17th Annual show and many outstanding speakers are scheduled for the general sessions as well as the commodity sessions. There is also a trade show with a wide variety of exhibitors with time allotted for swappin' stories and ideas.

1998 Hoop House Cut Flower Trial by Steve Upson
Production of cut flowers is currently experiencing a revival across the country. In Oklahoma interest in this alternative enterprise is increasing as evidenced by the hundreds of individuals attending Extension sponsored workshops.

Eragrostis tef - Is it a Viable Forage Alternative? by Jim Johnson
Eragrostis tef is a warm-season annual grass from Ethiopia related to lovegrass. It has historically been grown in northern Africa for the seed, which is used to make bread. In the United States, teff is being promoted for forage and grain.

A Pint-Sized Hoop House for the Limited Resource Gardener by Steve Upson
I realize there are many gardeners who do not have the space or the funds to construct a full-size hoop house. With this in mind, we set our sights on developing a mini hoop house or mini tunnel, a name more appropriate for its size.

A Raised Bed Designed With Your Back In Mind by Steve Upson
3 ratings:
At the Noble Foundation, we've researched and demonstrated the benefits of using permanent raised beds in both commercial and hobby gardening, and recent efforts have focused on the development of a relatively inexpensive high-profile raised bed.

A Weed Wiper is Good for You, Bad For Weeds by Jim Johnson
Many people are unfamiliar with wiper or wick applicators. The concept is simple. Herbicide solution is supplied to an absorbent surface. The herbicide soaked surface only contacts weeds taller than the crop. Chemical is transferred to the surface of the weeds as the applicator "wipes" over them.

Act Now to Re-establish Turfgrass by Dooly Barlow
If you'd like to see grass instead of bald patches in your yard, it is not too early to plan to re-establish spots in the lawn that are bare or exhibit a light stand of turfgrass.

Agri-tourism: Alternative Income Opportunities for Farm and Ranch Families by Steve Upson
Agri-tourism offers tremendous profit potential for Oklahoma farm and ranch families by providing an opportunity for "old aggies" to reconnect with their past and city dwellers to experience, maybe for the first time, life in the country.

Agricultural Testing Services Has Moved by Jerry Rogers
There have been many recent changes affecting the Agriculture Testing Services (ATS). In July we moved one-half mile west from our cramped quarters on The Noble Foundation's campus to a much larger facility that was formerly a Pepsi Cola bottling plant. We have expanded our office and sample preparation area, and the new arrangement facilitates efficient use of our sample-processing machinery.

All I Want for Christmas is a Soil Sample from You ... by Eddie Funderburg
A recent analysis of our cooperators' soil test data from 1999 to 2003 highlights the necessity of collecting soil samples in order to do a good job of fertilizing and liming.

All I Want For Christmas... by Jim Johnson
Useful items for soils and crops managers and specialists.

Alternative Agriculture by Sean Maher
During the eighties, the buzz word we all heard a lot was alternative agriculture. Horticultural crops, particularly vegetables or "truck crops" gained the most attention. I was a horticulture student at OSU in the mid-eighties and I rode that wave of alternative ag and all that it promised.

Annual Pecan Meetings Provide Educational Opportunities by Charles Rohla
3 ratings:
I recently returned from both the Oklahoma and Texas Pecan Growers annual conventions. Both conventions offer growers educational opportunities, trade shows and a chance to network with some of the top producers in the industry.

Any Miracle Products Out There? by Eddie Funderburg
Do any of the advertised "miracle" soil concoctions actually work?

Apply Variety Test Information to Your Farm by Wade Thomason
Variety tests provide us with valuable information about new genetics as they become available and how they compare to old standards that have been around for years. How does a producer use all this information to make a decision about what to plant?

April Hort Tips - Business Image by Dooly Barlow
Image is vital to any business and we only have one chance to make that first impression a positive one that will stay with the potential client, investor, employee, donor, etc. The appearance of your facility's landscape is the first thing a visitor encounters and therefore is a major component of your image.

Are Grasshoppers and Armyworms in Your Future? by Jim Johnson
This fall, we may see an outbreak of armyworms and/or grasshoppers. If you have lush green winter pasture - or any pasture, for that matter - it may be a prime target.

Are Low Rate Herbicide Applications Worth the Risk? by James Locke
7 ratings:
With the tight profit margins agricultural producers face, the need to control input costs is greater than ever. As input costs rise, we naturally try to reduce these costs whenever we can. One cost-cutting approach producers often ask about is reducing herbicide rates, sometimes to below the minimum listed on the label.

At the Mercy of the Weather by Wadell Altom
A fertilization study was conducted on bermudagrass grown at the Noble Foundation's Pasture Demonstration Farm. Our data shows a definite relationship between rainfall and forage production and suggests that rainfall received during the growing season is critical.

Avoiding Plant Diseases by Dooly Barlow
This time of year we receive calls dealing with plant disease problems, mostly turfgrass, ornamental plants and trees. With high humidity and moderate temperature, plant diseases have an ideal opportunity to set up housekeeping.

Back to Basics: The Roles of N, P, K and Their Sources by Jeff Ball
4 ratings:
I want to use this article to address commonly asked questions regarding the role of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in plants and outline the characteristics of their primary fertilizer sources.

Banding Phosphorus Fertilizer Increases Production by Wade Thomason
Banding phosphorus fertilizer with small grain seed at planting is an efficient and easy way to supply the nutrient.

Bareroot Planting Basics by Charles Rohla
9 ratings:
When planting pecan orchards, producers have two options for orchard establishment: container trees or bareroot trees. A common trend is the use of bareroot trees when developing orchards.

Basic Keys to Effective Weed Management by James Locke
7 ratings:
Four keys to an effective weed management program are knowing the types of weeds present, the problems they cause, estimating their economic thresholds and knowing their available management options.

Be Prepared for Pecan Nut Casebearers by Dooly Barlow
The pecan nut casebearer (PNC) is the next management hurdle for pecan producers.

Be Smart With Your Fertilizer Dollar by Jeff Ball
Nitrogen (N) is directly related to yield. Have you ever heard this statement from your fertilizer dealer? Without any other limiting factors, as you increase the nitrogen rate you increase yields of non-legume crops.

Before Planting Your Grain Sorghum by Jeff Ball
Planning and preparing a crop management plan, covering everything from hybrid selection to weed control, will lower risk while increasing overall production.

Below the Surface: Some Facts About Soil Compaction by Wade Thomason
Soil compaction – which occurs when soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space between particles and pushing out air – can be a serious problem for agricultural producers.

Boom Sprayer Calibration by James Locke
This publication details how to calibrate boom sprayers using the ounce calibration method.

Boomless Sprayer Calibration by James Locke
This publication details how to calibrate boomless sprayers.

Brush Control without Spraying Leaves by Eddie Funderburg
10 ratings:
Some people want to control brush, but don't have a sprayer, have too much brush to use a sprayer or just want to do selective brush control. There are several options, each with advantages and disadvantages.

Changes are Coming to Agriculture Testing Services by Jerry Rogers
The total number of forage, hay and feed samples processed by ATS in 1998 were up 1.82 percent over the average (3,625) of the past three years. Soil sample numbers (3,146) were down 1.17 percent for the same time frame. These numbers seem to indicate that the past year's harsh weather conditions had little affect on the sample counts.

Choosing a Nitrogen Source for Fall - Topdressing Small Grain by Jerry Rogers
If you want fall-early winter small-grain forage production, you can choose the nitrogen source for topdressing fall small-grain pasture by cost, availability and convenience.

Cleaner Summer Pastures Begin in Fall by James Locke
Every summer, we are asked about controlling big weeds in pastures. But, by the time we get the question, most of the damage is done and options are limited.

Cleanup of Pecan Trees Broken by Ice Storms by Scott Landgraf
Now that the storm is over, the ice is gone, and the soil is beginning to dry, it's time for the cleanup, but how, what, and where?

Coming Soon: Removable Top Hoop Houses by Steve Upson
Removable top hoop house technology may increase the profitability of early and late season crop production.

Common Mistakes in Growing Alfalfa by Eddie Funderburg
13 ratings:
With high protein prices, many people are thinking about growing alfalfa, some for the first time ever. While alfalfa can be very profitable, there are some common mistakes that can take you from profitability to loss quickly.

Communication Can Help Reduce the Incidence of Herbicide Drift Damage to Alternative Crops by Steve Upson
Drift damage to alternative crops is a common occurrence in southern Oklahoma and north Texas, where herbicides are routinely applied to pastures and rangeland. With increased crop diversity, there is an accompanying increased risk of crop injury due to herbicide drift.

Compost: There's More to It than Meets the Eye by Steve Upson
9 ratings:
I've fielded many questions pertaining to composts and composting over the years. The demand for information on these topics has never been greater than today.

Consider Pecan Management Decisions Over Coming Months by Charles Rohla
This has the potential to be a heavy pecan crop year, if the drought has not hurt things too badly. To ensure a good crop, many management decisions need to be considered over the next few months, including proper fertilization and insect and disease control.

Consider Pecan Trees' Water Needs During Drought by Charles Rohla
After returning from the Oklahoma and Texas pecan growers association meetings where water management was a topic of discussion, I felt the need to write about pecan water management.

Consider These Items Before Spraying by Eddie Funderburg
Spring has arrived, and many ranchers' thoughts turn to killing weeds. Before you hook up the trusty (or in some cases, rusty) sprayer and give 'er a go, think about the these things.

Consider These Things Before Sprigging Bermudagrass This Spring by Jeff Ball
Sprigging bermudagrass is an expensive investment, but, if done correctly, it will quickly pay for itself.

Consider Transplant Size when Looking for Extra-Early Hoop House Tomato Yields by Steve Upson
Many hoop house tomato growers believe that larger transplants translate into earlier yields. The Noble Foundation conducted a study to determine if that's really the case.

Control Pecan Depredation by Hunting Crows by Scott Landgraf
Crows are a huge threat to pecan production, especially improved pecans. Here are some guidelines that should be followed before you can successfully control pecan depredation by hunting crows.

Crop Rotation and Alternatives to Wheat by Jim Johnson
4 ratings:
In the Noble Foundation service area within 100 miles of Ardmore, Okla., a lot of wheat is grown. Is this simply because wheat is what we grew last year, and the year before and the year before that?

Cropping Alternatives by Scott Landgraf
No doubt forage crops are gaining popularity along with beef production. It seems a sizable portion of the land of this area is well adapted to forage production rather than high input crop production. I would like to address crop selection for the deeper, more highly productive soils.

December Horticulture Tips by Dooly Barlow
There are many questions we need to ask ourselves as we plan for the coming year. At the top of the list is why our landscape plants didn't survive as well as we wanted them too. Did we apply enough moisture? Did we enable the soil to absorb water into the root area of the plants? Did we mulch around the plants to conserve the moisture we did apply?

Demonstration Turf Grass Plot Area Under Development by Dooly Barlow
We have started to develop a demonstration turf grass plot area on the Headquarters Farm south of our offices. It will complement the raised bed gardens and demonstration fruit orchard that are already established. The turf plots will be ready for viewing in the spring of 1998.

Determining Nutrient Supplying Ability of Soils by Scott Landgraf
Determining the nutrient supplying ability of soils can guide decisions that may make the difference between profit and loss. Technology offers sophisticated electronic tools to manage farming in a site specific manner. Large data files contain soil test results and production records providing information for making accurate electronic decisions.

Did You Calibrate Your Sprayer This Year? by James Locke
There are many good methods for calibration, but they all have the same purpose - to determine the volume or gallons per acre a sprayer is applying. Without knowing the volume applied, we cannot know how much chemical to add to the tank to control the target weed or insect and stay within legal rate limits.

Do Nitrogen Fertilizer Source and Application Timing Make A Difference? by Jeff Ball
In 1985, Wadell Altom, Jerry Rogers (both previous soil and crops specialists) and Bret Flatt (senior research assistant) initiated a research project northwest of Ardmore, Okla., on the Pasture Demonstration Farm to evaluate nitrogen fertilizer source and timing of application. This is an analysis of the results.

Do You Need to Topdress Winter Pasture? by Jeff Ball
Two things that will affect the need for topdressing winter pasture with nitrogen (N) fertilizer in the spring are drought this fall and the amount of N fertilizer applied at or since planting.

Don't Overlook Role of Potassium by Jeff Ball
Several new research and demonstration projects are slated to start on 2004.

Don't Use Calendar Dates to Terminate Wheat Grazing by Jeff Ball
Using a calendar date to pull cattle off wheat pasture is risky because a number of variables affect jointing, including weather conditions, variety and planting date. To avoid grain yield loss, all grazing should stop at first hollow stem or "jointing."

Drilling Mud - Application to Pasture and Farmland by David Annis
13 ratings:
Lately it seems that those of us in the soils and crops discipline have received more questions about land application of drilling mud or "mud farming."

Early Results from Hoop House Tomato Study by Steve Upson
Recently, we concluded harvesting the first tomato crop in our new hoop house. This was our first experience with this growing system. Not everything went as planned, but generally speaking I'm pleased with the results.

Eastern Red Cedar is Public Enemy Number One by Jim Johnson
Eastern red cedar, which is native to Oklahoma, historically was controlled by fires. Since that isn't the case anymore, land that was once open prairie is covered with cedar and no longer provides grazing for livestock.

Economic Feasibility of Hoop House Tomato Production by Steve Upson
Cost and returns using hoop houses for tomato production.

Even With High Nitrogen Prices, Proper Fertilization Pays by Eddie Funderburg
Fertilizer prices are high, but proper fertilization of forages can still provide less expensive feed than the alternatives.

Evergreen Plant Choices Other than Eastern Red Cedars by Dooly Barlow
The hollies are a diverse group of plants that fit in many landscapes and in hot and dry locations.

Farming-out Pecans by Sean Maher
Usually pecans are either harvested "on the halves," splitting the crop equally between grower and harvester, or a price is paid per pound harvested. Another alternative is leasing the trees to another producer who will manage the trees totally, including fertilizing, spraying, pruning, harvest floor cleanup, harvesting and cleaning.

Feel the Burn: 2004 Hoop House Hot Pepper Trial by Steve Upson
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, hot peppers make great additions to a healthy diet. They are cholesterol free, low in sodium and calories, rich in vitamins A and C and a good source of folic acid, potassium and vitamin E. In response to this craving for all things hot, market gardeners are expanding their offering of hot pepper varieties.

Fertilization Helps Increase the Efficiency of Rainfall by Wade Thomason
Proper fertilization affects the efficiency with which bermudagrass uses rainfall during the growing season.

Fertilization of Tall Fescue by Scott Landgraf
Fertilization of established fescue offers an opportunity for cattle producers to generate inexpensive cool season forage.

Fertilization, Mowing Critical to Turfgrass Health by Dooly Barlow
Fertilization and attention to mowing technique are keys to a healthy lawn.

Fertilizer - Buy the numbers... by David Annis
4 ratings:
Lately, forage producers have seen the cost of fertilizer increase sharply. Let's look at how to determine the "true" cost of nitrogen by fertilizer source.

Fertilizer Forecast 2008 - Prices Still Climbing! by David Annis
6 ratings:
Some expert observers of the fertilizer market have estimated that there may be another 20 percent increase in price by spring 2008.

Fertilizing Bermudagrass by Eddie Funderburg and Jeff Ball
This brochure discusses the proper way to fertilize bermudagrass depending on the producer's goals.

Fertilizing Winter Pastures - Does it Pay? by Eddie Funderburg
14 ratings:
Since fertilizer prices remain at all-time highs, many producers ponder the question, "Is it worth it to fertilize winter pasture?" I'll try to answer that in the space below.

Fire Ants: The Invasion Continues by Eddie Funderburg
The number of fire ants seems to have increased noticeably in south central Oklahoma in the last couple of years, and the number calls and complaints the Noble Foundation receives have skyrocketed.

Follow This Checklist for Growing Winter Pasture by Eddie Funderburg
Most winter pasture fields are planted in late August or early September to optimize the potential for getting grazing in the fall; having a plan made beforehand can eliminate possible mistakes at planting time.

For a Green Winter Lawn (and Maybe Some Peace of Mind), Plant Cool-Season Grass by Dooly Barlow
This article will give you a method for doing something to give you a little peace of mind - plus a green lawn - during the winter when everyone has a dormant warm-season lawn.

For Best Results, Thin Fruit When It Is Small by Dooly Barlow
It stands to reason that removing excess fruit before it has a chance to mature will increase the size and flavor of fruit remaining on the tree to mature.

Forage Fertilization Considerations by Wadell Altom
Fertilizer application decisions are just one part of the total management required to operate the farm or ranch utilizing good business principles. As you estimate total forage needs and how to provide them at the least cost, all options should be considered.

Foundation Changes Soil Testing Methods by Wade Thomason
The Noble Foundation is changing the method used to measure phosphorus content in its soil tests.

Fruits of Our Labor by Jim Johnson
The Noble Foundation demonstration orchard was planted in 1995 with trees added in 1996 and 1997. In 2000, the first time the trees had significant yields, we have been enjoying the fruits of our labor.

Generic vs. Name-brand Herbicides: Which Is Best for Your Operation? by Wade Thomason
Choosing the correct chemical for the job is essential, but keeping up with changing chemical brand names, especially with all the generics on the market today is a difficult chore.

Get Your Sprayer Ready Now by Jim Johnson
It will be spraying season before we know it, so now is a good time to get your sprayer ready to go.

Give Your Lawn a SIP by Steve Upson
3 ratings:
Recently, Al Sutherland, OSU Mesonet agriculture coordinator, introduced me to another tool the folks at Mesonet have developed to assist homeowners and professional groundskeepers. This new tool, known as SIP, "Simple Irrigation Plan," was created to answer the most commonly asked questions when it comes to irrigating turfgrass. When should I water? How long should I run it?

Glance 'N Go: A Simple Scouting Method for Greenbugs by James Locke
3 ratings:
Greenbugs are a species of aphid that can reproduce rapidly when the temperature is above 55°F. The insects reduce yields by sucking plant juices from the leaves and killing them or potentially transmitting diseases.

Goats and Weed Control by Jim Johnson and Robert Wells
10 ratings:
With costs on the rise, many landowners are seeking less expensive alternatives to mechanical or chemical weed control in pastures. One natural method to achieve this goal is to stock goats to consume unwanted brush and weeds.

Good Pruning Tools Make Job Easier by Dooly Barlow
Pruning chores are much more bearable when you're using high-quality loppers, hand pruners and saws.

Got Lime? by Jim Johnson
There are some things to consider when purchasing lime. The two most important are the calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) and the fineness efficiency.

Grass Won't Grow? How to Go From Lawn to Outdoor Specialty Area by Dooly Barlow
Over the years, I have observed that we try to force nature to do unnatural things when it comes to landscaping homes and businesses.

Grasshoppers: Will This Be a Big Year? by James Locke
Grasshoppers are considered an intermittent problem in Oklahoma and North Texas pastures. However, when they are present in large numbers, the damage can be severe.

Hit and Miss: The Cumulative Experiences of an Ex-Vegetable Grower by Steve Upson
Things to know about growing and marketing vegetables commercially.

Hoop House Cut Flower Trial, 1998 by Steve Upson
Results of yields and wholesale value obtained using hoop houses to grow cut flowers.

Hoop House Heat: A Double Edged Sword by Steve Upson
Properly-managed hoop house heat can generate additional dollars for growers &nash; but too much heat can create unfavorable hoop house conditions for both plants and people.

Hoop House Pepper Study by Steve Upson
Hoop House Pepper Study. Encouraged by the results of several hoop house tomato yield trials during 1996, we decided to take a close look at another promising hoop house crop — bell pepper.

Hoop House Production: Color It Pepper by Steve Upson
The next time you are grocery shopping, check the prices for specialty (colored) bell peppers. They are anywhere from two to three times as much as green bell peppers. Retail prices as high as $3.00 per pound are not uncommon and are associated primarily with the additional cost (risk) involved in growing specialty peppers.

Hoop House Strawberries: Taking Berry Production to the Next Level by Steve Upson
Beginning October 2002 and lasting through May 2003, a study was conducted at the Noble Foundation Horticulture Center in our 23-foot by 68-foot triple side-vent hoop house to evaluate the performance of five commercial strawberry varieties: Chandler, "Camarosa," "Sweet Charlie," "Treasure," "Gaviota" and one experimental line, "JP4," grown in a hoop house environment.

Hoop House Strawberry Trial: Same Song, Second Verse by Steve Upson
In May 2004, we concluded the second year of the Noble Foundation's hoop house strawberry trial, the objective of which is to evaluate the performance of commercial strawberry varieties grown in the growth-enhancing environment of a hoop house.

Hoop House Strawberry Trial: Year Three by Steve Upson
A report on the third year of the Noble Foundation's hoop house strawberry variety trial which concluded in May 2005.

Hoop House Survey Provides Glimpse of Fledgling Industry by Steve Upson
9 ratings:
In the summer of 2007, Mark Swapp, a horticulture major at New Mexico State University, was commissioned with the task of administering and summarizing results of a survey of hoop house growers in Oklahoma and the 18 Texas counties located in our service area. By the end of his internship, Mark had interviewed growers from 12 Oklahoma counties and one Texas county.

Hooping It Up: Observations from Three Years of Hoop House High Value Crop Trials by Steve Upson
Advantages of hoop house use and results obtained for various crops in the 1997 crop trials.

Hooping It Up: Observations from Two Years of Hoop House Vegetable Trials by Steve Upson
As we initiate our third year of hoop house vegetable trials, now is an appropriate time to share some observations from the previous two years.

Hooping It Up: Observations from Two Years of Hoophouse Vegetable Trials by Steve Upson
Advantages of hoop house use and results obtained for various crops in crop trials.

Hort Hints: November 1996 by Glenn Taylor
Oklahoma is estimated to produce 10 million pounds in 1996, down from last year's crop of 19 million pounds. Texas is estimated to produce 40 million pounds compared to 75 million pounds last year.

Hort Hints: October 1997 by Glenn Taylor
Pecan leaves are the key to consistent annual production of pecan nut crops. This was originally proven by research at Oklahoma State University on mature trees and in more recent years by work in Georgia on younger bearing trees.

Horticulture Tips for Spring - Turfgrass Establishment by Dooly Barlow
Tips for more successful establishment of turfgrass.

Horticulture Tours Showcase Regional Producers by Dooly Barlow
I have wanted to write this article since June 2005 when Noble's staff horticulturists took cooperators on a horticulture tour of central Oklahoma. The reason for these tours is to allow growers of horticultural crops to share their opinions with cooperators.

How Efficient are Your Bermudagrass Fertilizer Applications? by Wadell Altom
We could go into a discussion about soil testing, yield goals and productive potential of the soil, but this article is limited to efficient nitrogen rates. Research and observations have indicated that a certain amount of nitrogen must be applied to satisfy requirements of other plant parts before additional forage is produced.

How Much Detail Do You Know About Your Soil? by Wadell Altom
Those of you that have attended an NF Grazing School or New Cooperator Seminar have heard a discussion about doing a soil inventory. A soil inventory is simply an organized method of collecting and listing selected properties and potentials of the different soils contained within the boundaries of your farm or ranch.

How Much Does It Cost to Mow Weeds? by Jeff Ball
Have you ever stopped to think about what it costs to mow a pasture? Mowing is costly, and pastures that have weed problems this late in the growing season have no chance for optimum weed control.

How Much Nitrogen for Ryegrass and Small Grain? by Wadell Altom
By the time you read this many of you will have realized the ryegrass or small grain you planted in August, September or October did not produce much forage. There were many reasons such as: it came up and was killed by excessive heat, the grasshoppers ate it or the army worms killed it. Some of you replanted in late October or waited until late October to plant the first time.

How to Share Your Favorite Plants by Dooly Barlow
A photographic guide to using cuttings for plant propagation.

How-to Hoop House Construction Tips by Steve Upson
A step by step guide for hoop house construction.

Improve Your Bottom Line with Integrated Crop Management by James Locke
Integrated Crop Management (ICM) is an approach to farming or ranching that aims to balance production factors with economic and environmental considerations.

Improving Native Pecan Groves by Charles Rohla
6 ratings:
Mother Nature has blessed several landowners in Oklahoma and Texas with a potential income enterprise. Native pecans are found along the rivers, streams and creeks in both states. On average, 35 million pounds of native pecans are harvested from both states.

In Search of the Elusive Hoop House Tomato by Steve Upson
Results of hoop house tomato variety trials.

Information Available About Grapes by Dooly Barlow
Grapes have been grown commercially in Oklahoma for years and offer diversity as well as a possibility for profit.

Inventory Weeds Now for Control Next Year by Eddie Funderburg
Summer is a good time to identify problem weeds and work out a weed-control plan for the following year.

Is Fertilizer Worth the Cost? by James Locke
6 ratings:
With continued high costs, producers are asking if it is worth applying fertilizer. To borrow a line from our economist friends, "it depends."

Is it Really a Good Deal??? by Wadell Altom
We have received calls about herbicides for sale on the phone. In one instance the product name used was not listed in any references we have available and our university contacts had no information. Claims about the potential results from the product seemed too good to be true.

Is My Fertilizer Still There? by Eddie Funderburg
One of the most common inquiries I get around this time of year in very dry years goes like this: "I put out fertilizer on my pasture this spring, and it hasn't rained much. I've had very little grass growth. Is the fertilizer still there? If so, how long will it stay there?" The quick answer is it's probably still there. The more informative answer is a bit more involved, but I'll try to explain it as simply as possible.

Is There a Future for Ammonium Nitrate? by Eddie Funderburg
All these new regulations and laws are likely to have the effect of making ammonium nitrate both less available and more expensive relative to other nitrogen fertilizer products. What does this mean to you?

Is Winter Small Grain Production for You? by James Locke
4 ratings:
With winter small grain (wheat, rye, triticale) prices near or above all-time highs, producers need to consider adding these crops to their enterprise. Before they try to enter this market, they must be sure they can produce the crop and get it to a profitable market.

It's Time to Consider Fertilizing Pecans by James Locke
Native pecan production in Oklahoma and north Texas is often considered a "Christmas bonus." If folks are fortunate enough to make a crop, it's great, but not something they have much control over.

It's Time to Top-dress Winter Pasture by Jim Johnson
February is typically the time when top-dress applications of N are made to small grains for graze out or for grain harvest.

Keys to Tall Fescue Establishment by James Locke
8 ratings:
There has been a great deal of interest over the last several years in the novel or "friendly" endophyte-infected tall fescue varieties. These varieties have the potential to provide quality cool-season perennial forage without the negative attributes of the older toxic endophyte-infected tall fescues.

Ladybug Invasion by Sean Maher
There is a new bug in town. You probably know that already, it is hard not to notice a few thousand of them in your home. What you may not know is that this is a different Lady Beetle than you have seen before.

Leasing Pecans by Sean Maher
Leasing of pecan trees may be an option that would well serve both parties. Of course, this is not a new idea, but it is one that may be difficult to implement. There are so many variables that it is difficult to make a good, blanket recommendation. Nevertheless, I will attempt to set out some considerations for crafting an individualized lease.

Low-Maintenance Fig Trees Produce Delicious Fruit by Dooly Barlow
3 ratings:
Allow me to introduce to you an old favorite of mine – a fruit that grows well here, is somewhat winter tender and a tasty delight – the fig. This fruit grows on a small tree which can be kept growing at a low height with light pruning.

Maintaining Sprinkler Systems Help Conserve Water by Dooly Barlow
Sprinkler systems are a time-saving tool for property owners, but they can be water-wasters if they're not working correctly – and at this hot, dry time of year, it's especially important to use water properly.

Maintaining Your Operation by David Annis
5 ratings:
Preventive and corrective maintenance for tractors and other equipment is a routine on the farm. From a soil and crops perspective, let's look at some maintenance that needs to be performed on your operation.

Mechanical Tools for Eastern Red Cedar Control Evaluated by Jim Johnson
The other day, I thought to myself, "What if all the land area covered by Eastern red cedar was covered with thistles?" Since most thistles are listed as noxious weeds in Oklahoma and most other states as well, I believe there would be a great amount of action taken to control them. In my opinion, cedars are every bit as noxious as thistles, if not worse, and they are invading our land.

Mind Your P's and K's by Jeff Ball
Most fertilization articles you read discuss nitrogen management. But what about the importance of phosphorus and potassium fertilization?

Modifying Spot Sprayers for Broadcast Pasture/Lawn Use by Eddie Funderburg and Jeff Ball
This publication will guide you through the necessary steps to create a boom attachment for a spot sprayer.

More About Yield Goals by Wadell Altom
We have written about the importance of yield goals but believe a review is needed. Those of you who have soils tested and want a fertilizer recommendation know that the expected yield (yield goal) has almost the same influence on the fertilizer recommendation as the soil test values. In many instances, the testing facility personnel assume a yield goal or send only the test results to the sample owner if they receive no yield goal with the soil sample.

Mother Nature Shelled It Out During the 2007 Pecan Season by Charles Rohla
5 ratings:
Mother Nature blessed us with above normal rainfalls during the spring and early summer, which aided in a very heavy crop set for most of southern Oklahoma and northern Texas.

Necessity Leads to Hoop House Invention by Steve Upson
8 ratings:
During my tenure with the Noble Foundation, I've had the opportunity to meet many innovative growers. I met one such person this past September on the farm of Tod and Jamie Hanley at a hoop house conference sponsored by the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

New Endwall Design Supports Hoop House Structures by Steve Upson
6 ratings:
One choice facing any grower using a portable hoop house structure is deciding on the type of endwall to install.

New Program Links Oklahoma Farms and Schools by Steve Upson
In case you haven't heard, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry signed legislation this past summer creating the Oklahoma Farm to School Program within the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF). The overarching goal of the program is to link Oklahoma farms and schools, creating new marketing opportunities for farmers and alternative sources of nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables for inclusion in school meals and snacks.

Nitrogen Carry-over for Spring Production by Jerry Rogers
Early February is the time to determine whether to apply additional nitrogen for spring production of small grain forage or grain. In early winter, producers frequently ask our soil fertility specialists how much of the nitrogen applied the previous fall to small grain pastures is available for spring forage or grain production.

Nitrogen Fertilization of Small Grains for Pasture by Randy Boman
Forage yield data from a replicated nitrogen (N) experiment on a rye/wheat/ryegrass mixture established by Jerry Rogers and Wadell Altom on the Red River Farm in the 1970's show that the response to applied N is linear up to the highest rate used (200 lbs of actual N per acre).

Nitrogen Fertilizer Cost Per Cow by Jeff Ball
13 ratings:
Fertilizer prices are at a historic high, and, with the amount of corn acres predicted in 2008, the outlook is that prices will climb even higher next spring. So, at what nitrogen fertilizer price is it no longer economical to fertilize bermudagrass in a cow/calf enterprise?

Nitrogen Fertilizer Giveaway, Part II by Jim Johnson
7 ratings:
Between 2003 and 2006, a project was conducted on the Noble Foundation Headquarters Farm to demonstrate the possibility and practicality of pasturing stockers on bermudagrass while using legumes instead of nitrogen fertilizer.

Nitrogen For Spring Small Grain Forage by Jerry Rogers
This is the time of year to apply nitrogen (N) for spring small grain forage production. Many of the phone calls we receive this time of year concern the amount of N that is needed for spring forage production.

Nitrogen Losses From Urea by Eddie Funderburg
16 ratings:
There are many thoughts regarding how much nitrogen is lost from applying urea on pastures and hay fields. If applied incorrectly, up to 40 percent of the nitrogen applied as urea can be vaporized and lost as a gas.

Nitrogen Status of Winter Pasture by Scott Landgraf
By taking soil samples during the fallow period, soil nitrate nitrogen levels can be appraised with a great degree of confidence. Due to the instability of soil nitrogen, even the residual levels identified by soil test often change before plants utilize the applied or mineralized nitrogen.

Nitrogen Timing for Winter Pasture - Does it Matter? by Eddie Funderburg
Timing of nitrogen application will obviously be different if you run only spring stockers versus in both the fall and the spring. How much difference does it make? To answer that, I'd like to share some data from our Red River Research Farm at Burneyville, Okla.

Nitrogen-Rich Strip Optimizes Fertilizer Application by Jim Johnson
3 ratings:
Our typical nitrogen recommendation for wheat is 2 pounds per expected bushel of grain. Long-term data indicates that, on average, this is the correct rate. However, this average is too high a third of the time, too low a third of the time and about right the remaining third of the time.

Nitrogen-Rich Strips - A New Way to Determine N Fertilizer Requirements by Jeff Ball and Jagadeesh Mosali
One method to determine nitrogen fertilizer requirements uses nitrogen-rich strips to supplement the use of yield goals as a basis for making fertilizer recommendations.

No-Till, Conventional Till Small Grain Forage Yields Equal by Jim Johnson
During the 2003 to 2006 growing seasons, the Noble Foundation conducted research at the Pasture Demonstration Farm northwest of Ardmore, Okla., to determine the effects of no-till and conventional management on small grain forage yields.

Noble Foundation Agriculture Testing Services by Jerry Rogers
A representative soil sample is of great economic benefit in crop and forage production. Applying a fertilizer or soil amendment that is not needed, excessive, or not enough to reach the intended yield goal is costly.

Noble Foundation Evaluates... by Jim Johnson
The Noble Foundation conducted summer annual forage small plot variety trials during the summers of 2001 through 2004 in Ardmore, Okla. Here is a discussion of those evaluations, plus an update on the evaluation of tools for cutting cedar trees.

Nutrients Important for Good Pecan Crop by Dooly Barlow
Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for pecan trees, and ensuring it's properly supplied to them could be the key to a good crop in 2004.

Oklahoma AgWeather: Online Ag Tools by Steve Upson
Thanks to the folks at AgWeather, decision making has become much easier in the last few years. AgWeather is a cooperative project between Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Climatological Survey.

Pear Harvest by Dooly Barlow
3 ratings:
Autumn always reminds me of a particular childhood experience. It was a cold, crisp evening with a full moon - just enough light to see where you're going without a flashlight. The temperature was typical for nights during the fall and an indication that winter would soon follow.

Pecan Crop Predators by Charles Rohla
7 ratings:
With the heavy crop load that most of us are seeing during 2007, there are major factors that producers need to consider this time of year. In the majority of orchards that I've been in during this summer, scab, a fungal disease, is a major problem. With all the rain this year, scab has appeared on trees that haven't been previously affected.

Pecan Tree Crowding by Glenn Taylor
Research and experience has repeatedly shown that as crowding occurs and competition among trees increases, the production of nuts decline. The only solution in most cases is to remove excess trees.

Pecan Weevil Alert by Scott Landgraf
Oklahoma - grown pecans have a reputation for good - quality nut meats, but also are known for containing larvae of the pecan weevil. Now is the time to protect your pecan crop from possible destruction by the pecan weevil.

Permanent Raised Bed Gardening by Steve Upson
4 ratings:
Raised bed gardening designs for the home and market gardener.

Phosphorus Levels Can Affect Nitrogen's Impact on Forage Production by James Rogers
A lack of phosphorus in the soil directly affects forage production.

Plan Ahead When Planting Pecan by Charles Rohla
We just had our inaugural pecan-planting workshop, where attendees were able to gain knowledge about planting pecan trees. Presenters gave tips on how to plant, planting locations, tree varieties, weed management and irrigation.

Plan for Drought's Effects in 2007 by Eddie Funderburg
Severe drought made 2006 one of the worst years on record for pastures and crops in our area, and some of the effects of the drought will still be felt in 2007.

Plant Variety Protection Law Enforcement Stepped Up: What Can You Do? by Jim Johnson
What does the plant variety protection (PVP) and seed law mean to you? It means it is not legal to buy, sell or trade a PVP-protected variety or plant it without the proper paperwork.

Plant Your Shrubs and Trees Now by Dooly Barlow
The best time to plant shrubs and trees is in the fall and winter. These plants can withstand the cold and wet weather better than the dry and hot weather during unpredictable summers.

Portable Building Coolers for Market Gardeners by Steve Upson
More often than not, new market gardeners are so focused on growing and marketing that they fail to plan adequately for what happens between the two - postharvest handling and storage.

Poultry Litter for Fertilizer by Eddie Funderburg
4 ratings:
There has been increased interest in using poultry litter as fertilizer since fertilizer prices have skyrocketed. Poultry litter has long been used near the point of production, but high transportation costs for its low analysis has limited its use to within about 50 miles of poultry houses.

Probability of Obtaining Expected Results by Wadell Altom
5 ratings:
When purchasing an agricultural production input or implementing some other management practice, how often do you ask about the probability of obtaining the expected response?

Proceedings of the First Weeping Lovegrass Symposium by R.L. Dalrymple
Conference proceedings from the April 1970 conference.

Producing Quality Bermudagrass for the Horse Industry by Jeff Ball
3 ratings:
Southern Oklahoma and north Texas have become popular locations for the horse industry, which is primarily due to the major shows hosted annually in Ft. Worth, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. As a result, there is an ever-increasing demand for high-quality bermudagrass hay.

Promotional Programs Present Proven Plants by Dooly Barlow
Texas A&M University and Oklahoma State University both have programs to test and promote plants that are superior performers in the Texas and Oklahoma climates, and the programs' recommendations can help gardeners choose plants that will thrive in their area.

Proper Management of Bermudagrass for Hay Helps Assure a Positive Return by Jeff Ball
Fertilizer, swathing, raking, baling and labor expenses can push the cost of haying bermudagrass up to $30/ton or more. With that kind of investment, it's important to implement proper management to assure a positive return.

Protect Yourself from High N Fertilizer Costs by Jeff Ball
This fall, the price of natural gas will not change much, and therefore N fertilizer prices will not be impacted. However, next spring it may.

Pumpkin Time! by Sean Maher
The days are getting shorter and Fall is in the air. It's Pumpkin Time. I've been growing about 10 acres of pumpkins for several years now and many people are quite curious about growing the crop; so, in this issue I will include a few pumpkin pointers.

Rainwater: Use It or Lose It by Steve Upson
9 ratings:
The 2008 drought forced several area municipalities and rural water districts to place restrictions on the use of water for irrigating landscape plantings and home gardens. This should concern every gardener as demand for water is only projected to increase while ground water reserves are projected to decrease.

Replacing Damaged Pecan Trees by Scott Landgraf
Catastrophic weather has destroyed many pecan trees the last few years. A discussion of different techniques for replacement tree establishment.

Residual Nitrogen Could Lower Fertilizer Bills by Jeff Ball
Soil testing pays, and I am certain you've heard this statement from one of Noble's soil and crops specialists before. We already have begun seeing soil test results with high residual nitrogen. These levels have been high enough at times to cause us to not recommend nitrogen fertilization for fall/winter pasture forage production.

Revised Raised Bed Gardening Manual Now Online by Steve Upson
The Noble Foundation's popular Permanent Raised Bed Gardening publication, first published in 1997, has undergone an extensive revision and is now accessible on the Noble Foundation Web site.

Rye-Wheat-Ryegrass Nitrogen Rate Study by Jerry Rogers
This is the first year of results after applying 2.5 tons lime to the long term Rye-Wheat-Ryegrass nitrogen rate study at the Red River Research Farm.

Ryegrass: It's Not a Weed Anymore by Jim Johnson
In light of the recent increased enforcement of the Plant Variety Protection Act, farmers and ranchers need options for affordably producing winter pasture for stocker cattle. One option is ryegrass.

Saving for a Rainy Day by Rob Self
We can't control the amount or timing of rain. But, by managing the land, we can capture as much as possible to grow grass and recharge ground water when it does rain.

Seeing Is Believing by Steve Upson
The difference between California's central valley and the Red River valley are weather extremes. From late spring and early fall, freezes to torrential rain and hail storms, Oklahoma's weather is good at throwing knockout punches.

Selection, Planting Methods are Key for Healthy Trees by Dooly Barlow
Choosing the right tree and planting in an appropriate site using proper methods goes a long way toward growing healthy trees.

September '98 Horticulture Tips by Dooly Barlow
In our area it is usually dry during June, July and August. So how do we supply needed moisture to plants during the dry months? By supplementing the rainfall and keeping the moisture in the root zone.

Should Nitrogen be applied on Bermudagrass and Old World Bluestem this month? by Wadell Altom
In early August you should evaluate your existing forage supply and the amount of forage needed from then until next spring. If additional forage is needed, consider applying nitrogen to increase the standing forage or purchase hay.

Small Acreage, Major Planning by Charles Rohla
6 ratings:
Several questions must be addressed before a landowner can make the decision of what enterprise will be most profitable and best suited for their land. Both feasibility and owner preference must be determined before a plan can start to take shape.

Small Farms: Perceptions vs. Realities by Steve Upson
Many commonly-held perceptions about small-scale agriculture are examined against reality.

Sod Seeding Small Grain Pasture into Dry Bermudagrass by Jeff Ball
Small grain pasture will provide a source of high quality forage, which will supplement or even substitute for hay to carry your herd to next spring. In addition, the bermudagrass sod furnishes solid footing for cattle through wet periods of the season. Sod-seeding permits small grains to be grown in areas where seedbed preparation would not be feasible.

Soil Acidity Solution by Jeff Ball
One of the most common and overlooked limitations in crop production is soil acidity. With the cultivation of the land and the harvest of high yielding crops, soil acidity has gradually increased and is becoming a problem throughout the region.

Soil Aeration by Scott Landgraf
Soil aeration is a common topic in most pasture management discussions. Quickly, testimonials will surface for both sides of the aeration issue. Since there is very little data to support either side, it creates an interesting topic for discussion. Actually, as with most agricultural practices, "It Depends".

Soil and Water Relationships by Jeff Ball
3 ratings:
By understanding a little about soil's physical properties and its relationship to moisture, you can make better soil-management decisions.

Soil Fertility Specialists Need Information to make Recommendations by Jim Johnson
A doctor needs certain information to make a correct diagnosis. When "diagnosing" soil samples, soil fertility specialists also need certain information in order to make recommendations.

Soil Fertility: Put It All Together by Jim Johnson
I've assembled six steps - from start to finish - that I think are essential for any soil fertility program.

Soil Management Notes by Wadell Altom
Our Soil Fertility and Crop Specialists recently attended a meeting where folks from university extension and research departments and industry discussed current issues related to agricultural production. I decided to use this space to relay some of the major discussion points.

Soil Sampling is the Key to a Good Test by Eddie Funderburg
Soil test results are only as good as the soil sample that is sent to the lab – so here are some tips for taking a good sample and an explanation of why each component of taking the sample is important.

Soil Sampling Pan Instructions and Diagram by Jeff Ball
Diagram of and instruction to construct a soil sampling pan.

Soil Test Before Land Purchase by Jim Johnson
Many things besides productivity may drive a buyer's decision for purchasing a particular parcel of land – however, if more than one parcel is an option, a soil test can be worth its weight in gold in determining the better buy.

Soil Test Results: What Do They Mean? by Jim Johnson
An explanation of what the numbers in a soil test mean.

Soil Testing Makes Money by Eddie Funderburg
Tips for the successful use of liquid supplements.

Soil-Pecan Relationships by Scott Landgraf
Continued stewardship of the soil is necessary for pecans to stay productive, and annual management decisions could affect the future of your trees greatly.

Soils and Crops Dictionary by Jim Johnson and David Annis
This dictionary lists words and terms commonly used in the agriculture sector in the southern Great Plains.

Some Cold Facts by Glenn Taylor
The late freeze in April of this year inflicted severe damage to crops of some tree fruits and pecans in several areas of Oklahoma and north Texas. If it seems to you that cold weather damage to certain crops has become increasingly common in recent years - here are some statistics that agree with you.

Some Thoughts on Soil Aeration of Pastureland by Jeff Ball
Soil fertility specialists at the Noble Foundation are frequently asked about the soil aeration of pastureland. I felt that Dr. Carl S. Hoveland summarized how we feel about this subject. This article is reprinted with his permission.

Space... the Final Frontier by Sean Maher
Space is a valuable commodity. Ranchers today have to make the most of their acreage by using tools like rotational grazing with high stock densities, retained ownership, hunting leases, or maybe taking advantage of the existing pecan trees.

Spray or Fertilize? by Eddie Funderburg
7 ratings:
With higher fertilizer and herbicide prices, a common question we get involves whether you get a "bigger bang for the buck" from fertilizer or herbicides on introduced pastures. Ideally you would use both on introduced pastures that have weed problems, but input prices have made this a less than ideal world in pasture management.

Stand Establishment, Soil Fertility, Pest Management Key to Productive Alfalfa by Jeff Ball
Proper management of alfalfa is essential not only for sustaining high-level forage production, but for stand longevity.

Start Planning Now for Effective Bermudagrass Pasture Weed Control by James Locke
Weeds reduce yields by competing with grass for available sunlight, nutrients and water; drive up costs by reducing fertilizer use efficiency and requiring additional inputs; reduce forage quality and palatability; lower nutrient content and could even be toxic. The question is, what are you going to do about it?

Stockpiling Bermudagrass for Late Fall/Winter Grazing by Jeff Ball
Now is the time to start thinking about forage management for next fall and winter. Whenever winter forage management is discussed, most people think of feeding hay or utilizing small grain pasture. Have you ever considered using bermudagrass as dry-standing forage from late November though January? In most years, when conditions are right it can easily be done.

Strawberry Fields Forever by Steve Upson
In Oklahoma, strawberries have traditionally been a popular fruit for fresh use and freezing. Unfortunately, local production of this crop meets only a small percentage of this consumption.

Stretch Your Input Dollars by Eddie Funderburg
December can be a fairly slow month regarding soil and crops issues, and it may be a good time to plan your strategy for the use of fertilizer and herbicides in 2006.

Study Reveals "Berry, Berry" Good News by Steve Upson
A joint Noble Foundation/Oklahoma State University study evaluated several commercial strawberry varieties using the annual plasticulture system, and though additional trials need to be conducted before any variety can be recommended with a high degree of certainty, the future of annual strawberry plasticulture in Oklahoma appears to be good.

Submit Your Extraordinary Plants by Dooly Barlow
Look for extraordinary plants in the landscape that have some of the following attributes: flowering length, color of bloom, trunk or bark coloration, drought tolerance, ease of propagation, annual growth per year, fall color, evergreen, plants that do not normally grow here, freeze tolerance, heat tolerance, salt tolerance or poor soil tolerance.

Sulfur Fertilizer - It Depends by Jim Johnson
In a time of record high fertilizer and commodity prices, should you apply sulfur (S) fertilizer? Well, an economist would say, "It depends." As an agronomist, I would have to agree with them. Some critical factors for applying S fertilizer are S soil test level, soil type, yield goal for the crop, amount of nitrogen fertilizer being applied and the amount of S obtained from rain, irrigation and other sources.

Summer Annual Variety Trials by Jim Johnson
8 ratings:
In the summer of 2008, the Noble Foundation conducted replicated small plot (5'x 20') variety trials of forage sorghums, sorghum sudans, sudan grasses and pearl millets.

Summer of 1980 Revisited by Steve Upson
If you lived in these parts during 1980, no doubt the summer left quite an impression on your mind. Every living thing suffered through one of the hottest summers on record. Could such an extreme summer happen in 1998?

Summer Weed Control by David Annis
10 ratings:
Most of the weeds that are present in your pastures as we approach summer will probably be perennials plus some annuals that you missed with your initial chemical application (if there was one). The transition from spring to summer is the right time of year for brush control, as long as the weather is good.

Swap Your Thighmaster by Steve Upson
I am often guilty of considering only the commercial side of horticulture. In reality, most of the residents within the Noble Foundation's service area garden with another goal in mind: quality of life.

Take Advantage of Available Soil Moisture by Jeff Ball
9 ratings:
Excess rainfall this summer may have caused a few problems with hay harvest, but there has not been too much complaining. The wet summer has provided excellent soil moisture conditions for both warm-season and cool-season forage production this fall.

Take Advantage of Your Pecan Crop by Dooly Barlow
The 2004 pecan crop in Oklahoma and North Texas was historic, It was estimated in the fall that Oklahoma would harvest 28 million pounds of pecans for 2004. That was 22 million pounds more than the previous year. At any rate, if you have pecan trees, you need to be ready to take advantage of the situation.

Take the Mystery Out of Forage Production by David Annis
How many of us have been scared by the fertilizer recommendation on our soil test results? To grow introduced forages to meet livestock demand or yield goal, it is important to fertilize according to a soil test recommendation.

Texas, Oklahoma Pecan Production Down in 2006 by Charles Rohla
Just a few months ago, the United States Department of Agriculture predicted Oklahoma pecan production would be around 20 million pounds, and Texas production would be around 36 million pounds. However, by the time the final counts are in, it appears we may fall below these predictions.

The Ability of Legumes by Scott Landgraf
The ability of legumes to fix nitrogen has long been a fascination to forage producers. The nitrogen released from nodules benefits plants and increases forage production. Due to the hot and dry summers we have, annual legumes perform best in the Ardmore area.

The Best Pecan Variety for the Site by Scott Landgraf
When selecting the perfect pecan variety, you need to look farther than just the characteristics that are appealing when you eat pecans: large, plump, well-filled meats that are easy to shell. But you should look past these characteristics to the management structure: it may require a compromise.

The Debate Continues...Native Versus Improved Pecan Varieties by Scott Landgraf
The differences between growing native and improved pecan varieties are still causing confusion among growers.

The Future of Fresh Market Fruit, Vegetable Production in Oklahoma by Steve Upson
The potential for production and marketing of fruit and vegetable crops in Oklahoma has never been greater.

The Importance of Sunlight in Pecan Production by Scott Landgraf
Certainly it is important to have adequate water to translocate nutrients and cool the plant. However, without adequate sunlight intensity, the pecan tree cannot capture the energy necessary to fill its pecans.

The Pros and Cons of Backyard Pecan Production by Steve Upson
The concept of growing a tree big enough to provide shade and produce delicious nuts is very appealing to homeowners. However, there are several challenges associated with growing pecan trees in an urban setting.

The Right Tree for the Job by Dooly Barlow
Tree selection is similar to tool selection for a specific job. Selecting the proper tree for the proper site is sometimes a problem.

The Secret to Success by Jim Johnson
There is no magic formula for success in crop and forage production. The key is to pay attention to the basics.

The Stuart Pecan by Glenn Taylor
Though the Stuart is not among the more popular varieties being planted or grafted in Oklahoma today, we continue to list it among the varieties suitable for our state. It continues to grow relatively disease free in our part of the pecan belt.

Think Before Applying Fertilizer by Eddie Funderburg
Some producers apply the same amount of fertilizer on all their land. Some fertilize their poorer quality soils more heavily. Others spend the majority of their fertilizer money on their best soils. What is the best strategy?

Time Nitrogen Applications for Best Results by Steve Upson
Under most situations, all the required nutrients, as recommended by a soil test, should be applied and incorporated into the soil prior to planting – the only exception is nitrogen.

Tips for Coping With The High Cost Of Fertilizer by James Locke
As everyone has no doubt noticed, fertilizer prices have shot through the roof over the last year. Producers must first have an idea of base fertility reserves and soil pH. Without this basic information, every other fertility decision is only a guess. With careful planning and attention to all the details, fertilization can still produce the lowest-cost forage available.

To Combat Effects of Drought on Bermudagrass, Fertility and Weed Control are Key by Jeff Ball
Weed control is going to be critical this spring following the drought. Bermudagrass has suffered greatly since last fall, and, with its lack of vigor, weeds will be competitive this spring.

To Fertilize or Not to Fertilize??? by Wadell Altom
The real answer to this question depends on many factors such as your goals for the enterprise, soil type, fertility status of the soil, weather and so on. Another question could be how many cows or other livestock are needed for an economical enterprise? Perhaps you have the wrong enterprise if profit is the primary goal.

To Water, or Not to Water? by Steve Upson
Home & market gardeners can schedule irrigation several ways. Two methods we use at the Noble Foundation include the soil ball squeeze test & tensiometers.

Top 10 Liming Questions by Jeff Ball
Answers to commonly asked questions about liming.

Top 7 Reasons Pasture Weed Control Programs Don't Work by Eddie Funderburg
This month, I want to identify and briefly discuss the top seven reasons I see that pasture weed control programs don't work as well as they should.

Transplanting Trees by Dooly Barlow
Many trees are poorly selected and improperly planted. Proper care of the transplanted tree is very important, especially during the first year.

Tree Seedlings Available by Dooly Barlow
Several of our cooperators request sources of tree stock for planting on their places. The Oklahoma Forestry Division has a tree regeneration center where trees are grown for sale to landowners for nonlandscape use.

Trellised Cucumbers - Another Promising Crop for Hoop House Production by Steve Upson
The climatic requirement and growth characteristics of the cucumber plant combine to make it an ideal candidate for hoop house production.

Turf Management for Professional Results by Dooly Barlow
5 ratings:
I'm confident that any yard can look as good as a golf course if careful consideration is given to a few key turf management factors. With fall approaching, the following tips can help finish this growing season strongly and prepare you for next year.

Turf Management Tips by Dooly Barlow
I want to give you an idea of what needs to be done to bermudagrass turf before the growing season starts. The tools are fairly simple: fertilizer, water, aeration (maybe), and mowing. It's the timing and precision of these management practices that are critical to any grounds.

Two Story Agriculture - Pecans and Livestock by Glenn Taylor
For decades, combined income from this 'double' use of the land has been known to make crucial land payments, buy school clothes, and shoo the bad wolf from the back door. As with any successful marriage, concessions and compromises between the two enterprises are occasionally necessary.

Understanding and Correcting Soil Acidity by Jeff Ball
This fact sheet talks about acidity's causes and corrections, the amount of lime needed to raise the pH, and the length of time liming takes to work.

Understanding and Preventing Aflatoxin Poisoning by Jeff Ball
Aflatoxins are poisonous by-products produced from the fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. These fungi are found in the soil and are responsible for decomposition of plant materials.

Understanding and Preventing Aflatoxin Poisoning by Jeff Ball
Heat and drought encourage growth of the fungi that produce aflatoxins. Learn what this poison does to livestock and what levels are acceptable in feed.

Understanding Phosphorus Behavior in Soils by Wade Thomason
Phosphorus is an essential element for plant growth. If soil test phosphorus levels are low, we must supply additional fertilizer phosphorus to successfully achieve high crop yields.

Urban Sprawl: Opportunity or Threat? by Steve Upson
Growing high value crops is not for everyone. However, if you view urban sprawl as an opportunity to generate additional on-farm income as opposed to a threat to your way of life, give me a call.

Urea: A Risky Alternative by Jerry Rogers
Granular or prilled urea is used extensively as a nitrogen source. When urea is put on a moist soil, it dissolves and in the presence of urease, a naturally occurring enzyme, is transformed to ammonium carbonate.

Use These Late-Season Weed, Brush Control Strategies by Jeff Ball
A management strategy to consider in the fall is the control of several hard-to-handle perennial weeds – field bindweed, Johnsongrass, bermudagrass, Sericea lespedeza and brush.

Use These Moisture Management Tips for Landscapes, Gardens by Steve Upson
Whether you live in the city or the country, the cost of keeping your garden and landscape watered continues to escalate. To get the most out of your irrigation dollar, consider adopting some of the following moisture management strategies.

Use These Tips to Manage Hoop House Soil Salinity by Steve Upson
Though there are many benefits to growing crops in hoop houses, it is not completely without problems. At the Noble Foundation, the most persistent problem in the hoop houses is accumulation of salt in the raised beds.

Using In-Season Response for Effective Management of Nitrogen Fertilizer in Bermudagrass Hay Pastures by Jagadeesh Mosali
Bermudagrass is responsive to nitrogen fertilization. New technologies allow for more efficient fertilizer application and decreased production costs.

Variable Fertilizer Rate Research Project by Jerry Rogers
The Noble Foundation is helping fund Oklahoma State University's variable fertilizer rate research project. In addition to supplying grant funds, the Noble Foundation Agricultural Division also furnishes land for variable rate research at both the Headquarters Farm and the Red River Demonstration and Research Farm.

Water Permit Basics by Charles Rohla
10 ratings:
Who owns the water? In both Oklahoma and Texas, surface water (streams, creeks and rivers) is the property of the state. The use of this water requires a water permit. With a permit, water can be used for irrigation on a use-it or lose-it rule.

Weather-related Horticulture Tips for August by Dooly Barlow
3 ratings:
There is no doubt that enough precipitation has fallen to ensure the establishment of newly sodded lawns. Many seeded lawns haven't fared so well as torrential rains have washed seed from the soil.

Weed Control in Wheat for Grain by Jim Johnson
With current commodity prices, there is much more interest in growing wheat for grain. This means that the cool-season annual grasses that were used as forage when fields were grazed and/or hayed are now weeds that need to be controlled.

Weigh Pros, Cons When Choosing Summer Nitrogen Source by James Locke
Deciding what source to use for summer nitrogen can be difficult, because each has its pros and cons. The deciding factor for most producers is their tolerance for risk versus the cost for each type of nitrogen fertilizer.

What Can Soil Testing Do Well? by Eddie Funderburg
Soil testing is a good tool, but it's not perfect. Knowing the limitations of soil testing can help producers make the best use of the test results.

What Does Organic Matter Do In Soil? by Eddie Funderburg
3 ratings:
Organic matter serves as a reservoir of nutrients and water in the soil, aids in reducing compaction, and increases water infiltration. Yet, it's often ignored and neglected.

What Does the Future Hold for the World of Agriculture? by Sean Maher
Anyone who knew the answer to that could make a lot of money, even in agriculture. We don't know what the future holds for us, but there are people at work trying to shape a few changes and I have the privilege to try and help some of these come about.

What Does This Number Mean? by Jim Johnson
What do the numbers on this soil test report mean? It is a question I hear often, so don't feel alone if you have asked it.

What Is a Soil Test Worth to You? by Jim Johnson
There are two ways to measure the value of a soil test – one way is to look at the cost of lost production from inefficient fertilizer use, and another is to look at potential cost savings if over-fertilization is stopped.

What to Expect from Spring Small-Grain Pasture by Jeff Ball
Forage yields should be high this spring. Excess rainfall has provided enough moisture to support spring forage production through graze-out.

What You Need to Know About Plant Variety Protection by Jeff Ball
Farmers who buy illegally sold seed are subject to litigation, so be certain that any seed sold is not protected.

What's the Effect of Nitrogen Rate and Timing of Application on Stockpiled Bermudagrass? by Jeff Ball
Feeding hay through the winter accounts for a large portion of the costs associated with cow-calf production, so forage management strategies to lengthen the grazing season and reduce hay consumption could be beneficial in increasing profitability.

Which Plants Spark Your Interest? by Dooly Barlow
When you were young, did you have a plant you wanted to know more about? For me, it was Punica granatum — pomegranate.

Who Needs Water Rights? by Scott Landgraf
The use of fresh water on farms is threatened from several angles. For any significant water use, water rights must be secured.

Why Are Nitrogen Prices So High? by Eddie Funderburg
Nitrogen fertilizer prices have been high for several months now. In some cases, the price has gone up 50 percent or more. Why is it increasing?

Will Nitrogen Applications Affect the Distribution of Bermudagrass Forage Production? by Wadell Altom
We often discuss bermudagrass as being a very "short season" forage plant but I did not realize how short it can be until I reviewed some yield data.

You Can't Afford Not to Lime by Jim Johnson
To get the most out of your nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients, pH must be at the proper levels.

You May be Surprised by the Health Aspects of Pecans by Scott Landgraf
Recent research has show pecans to be a good source of energy, protein and "good" – unsaturated – fat.

You Say Tomato by Sean Maher
I was recently asked the question "What is the difference between a fruit and a vegetable?" It is a common question, usually pertaining to tomato classification, so I thought I would answer it here to satisfy everyone's burning need to know.

You'd Better Watch Out ... Fertilizer Thieves are Coming to Town by Eddie Funderburg
Certain people use fertilizer for reasons other than increasing crop yield – namely for explosives and for drug manufacturing. Fertilizer theft is an increasing problem, but agricultural producers can take steps to protect their fertilizer stores from thieves.

Your Soil Report - Where Does It Come From? by Randy Boman
Although the soil testing analytical procedures are completed by the private laboratory, all recommendations are made by Noble Foundation soil fertility specialists.

Youth Garden Projects 'Growing' in Popularity by Steve Upson
Public and private organizations alike are discovering the power of gardening to grow positive and productive people.

Other Pasture, Forage & Soil topics are covered in our Ag News and Views Newsletter.

Soils & Crops Specialists at the Noble Foundation | Agricultural Testing Services