Fertilizers and Soils
2016 Dryland Field Day Abstracts
This publication is a compilation of the 2016 abstracts from dryland field days for Washington State University Extension, University of Idaho Extension and Oregon State University Extension.
Companies are increasingly substituting biodegradable plastics for regular plastics, given their environmental and socioeconomic benefits. The agricultural industry is no exception. Learn more...
Acidifying Soil for Crop Production: Inland Pacific Northwest
Explains the relationship between high soil pH and nutrient deficiencies in crop plants. Color photos illustrate symptoms of pH-induced nutrient deficiency. Authors: Donald Horneck, Donald Wysocki,...
Advances in Dryland Farming in the Inland Pacific Northwest (REACCH Handbook)
Farmers make tough decisions all the time — it comes with the territory. When that territory includes the dryland region of the inland Pacific Northwest, decisions can be even more challenging.
Agronomics of Leasing Fields for Potato Production
Leasing or renting fields for potato production may make it easier for growers to either start an agricultural career or expand one but be forewarned: gather as much background information as you...
Answers to Common Questions about Greenhouse Gases
Because climate change is one of the most urgent issues of our time, meaningful public discourse about it requires a basic understanding of the types of greenhouse gases (GHGs) involved, where they...
Nitrogen fertilizer applications in areas of intensive agricultural production of Idaho can result in loss of nitrogen by ammonia volatilization. However, effective use of best management practices...
Biosolids in Dryland Cropping Systems
This publication reviews the long term benefits of municipal biosolids applications on soil health in dryland cereal and pasture cropping systems east of the Cascades. Biosolids were an especially...
Buckwheat Production West of the Cascades
Naturally gluten-free, buckwheat has a variety of culinary uses regionally and internationally. Learn about market opportunities, how to establish a strong stand, and the best management and...
Compost: Production, Quality, and Use in Commercial Agriculture
The livestock industry produces large quantities of manure that must be disposed of in a way that prevents contamination of water resources. Composting is an efficient way to deal with manure,...
Controlling Iron Deficiency in Plants in Idaho
One of the most common problems for Idaho growers, landscapers and home gardeners is plant iron deficiency or chlorosis. Leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. This publication describes...
Cover Crops for High-Desert Farming Systems in Idaho
This guide presents optimal cover crops for high-desert farming systems in the intermountain West under irrigated or low-moisture conditions. Species included were selected for cold hardiness,...
Cull and Waste Potato Management
Cull potatoes are low-market-value tubers, unusable or disposable, often due to overproduction. Because they are grown at many different times and locations throughout Idaho, discarding them...
Cultural Management of Clearwater Russet Potatoes
The Clearwater Russet is a russet-skinned potato variety developed by the Pacific Northwest Variety Development Program that was released in 2008. Its excellent processing quality helped to...
Dairy Compost Production and Use in Idaho: On-Farm Composting Management
This publication describes composting management practices starting from compost material preparation and ending with the evaluation of the finished product. Authors: Lide Chen and Mario deHaro...
Dairy Compost Production and Use in Idaho: The Composting Process
This publication explains what composting is, how it occurs, and how various factors affect it. First in a series on composting dairy wastes in Idaho and using dairy compost on the farm. Authors:...
Dairy Manure Applications in Irrigated Wheat Production Systems
Discover best management practices for irrigated wheat production systems receiving dairy manure applications. Recommendations are based on field research conducted in southern Idaho. Grain protein...
Dairy Manure Field Applications: How Much is Too Much?
Dairy manure can increase crop yields and improve soil. However, manure can also cause an excess of certain nutrients, which can damage waterways and crops. This publication presents background...
Date, Rate, and Place: The Field Book for Dairy Manure Applicators
This publication provides recording keeping sheets and examples for manure applications on dairy farms. Examples are provided for a number of different manure handling systems. Authors: Andy Bary,...
Diagnosing and Managing Rhizoctonia in Idaho Bean Crops
Rhizoctonia root rot is an important bean disease in southern Idaho crops that has caused from 30% to 100% yield loss, depending on the degree of severity. The culprit is a soilborne fungus,...
Estimating Plant-Available Nitrogen Release from Cover Crops
A key benefit of cover crops is their ability to supply plant-available nitrogen (PAN) for the following crop. This publication is based on cover crop research done in the Willamette Valley of...
Estimating the Efficiency and Cost of an On-Farm Centrifuge Separator
Cows generate huge amounts of manure annually on Idaho farms, organic waste that demands effective management. Centrifuges offer a more efficient system, though many state producers rely on others,...
Estimating Water Requirements of Hard Red Spring Wheat for Final Irrigations
This publication teaches how to use the soil "feel and appearance method" and information on crop stage and soil type to determine whether and how much to irrigate. Authors: Roger Ashley, Larry...
Estimation of Sugar Beet Yield and Quality with UAV-Based Sensors
Efficient nitrogen (N) and water management are key for maximizing sugar yield in sugar beets. UAV-based remote sensing is increasingly being using as a tool for in-season N and water management...
Estimation of Wheat Yield and Grain Protein with Handlheld and UAV-Mounted Sensors
Wheat grain protein levels depend on efficient uptake of nitrogen (N) — without it, optimized wheat yields are not possible. Monitoring your field’s N uptake is thus crucial. Using crop sensors to...
Exploring Organic Grain and Forage Production as a Profitable Enterprise for Palouse Farmers
Demand for organic grain has outpaced actual U.S. grain production in recent years. Yet little is known about organic grain production in the Palouse, likely because it comprises a small portion of...
Focuses on how biosolids can be used to supply nutrients to crops. Describes the nutrient content and fertilizer replacement value of biosolids and the relationship between biosolids nutrient...
Fertilizing with Manure and Other Organic Amendments
Are you thinking about using manure to fertilize your farm but want more information? Properly managed manure applications recycle nutrients to crops, improve soil quality and protect water quality.
Idaho Environmental/Nutrient Management Program (E/NMP) Basics
Nutrient management is not a game. It verifies the health of your livestock operation and thus requires a documented plan (called an Environmental/Nutrient Management Program), assembled by a...
Idaho Forage Handbook (third edition)
This comprehensive information source for anyone who grows forage in Idaho or neighboring states covers topics from species and variety selection to pest control to harvest management, hay storage...
Improving Nitrogen-Use Efficiency in Idaho Crop Production
This publication summarizes the most current applied scientific information on practices and methodologies available to growers for improving nitrogen-use efficiency. Topics include leaching and...
Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilization Affect End-Use Quality of Spring Wheat of Three Market Classes
Water and nitrogen are key ingredients in successful cropping systems, particularly in the challenging climates of the semiarid and arid regions of the western United States. This publication...
Between 2015 and 2017, a grower survey was conducted to gather data on the demographic trends underlying the use and nonuse of high-tech devices and procedures on farms. Targeted were a small but...
Landscaping and Utilities: Problems, Prevention, and Plant Selection
Without careful planning and plant selection prior to planting, trees and shrubs can become a nuisance and a dangerous and costly problem for homeowners and businesses. This publication has...
Managing Salt-affected Soils for Crop Production
Salt accumulation in soil can reduce crop yields and destroy a soil’s structure if not managed effectively. In this 21-page publication, learn how to test for and evaluate the salts present in...
Manure and Wastewater Sampling
A review of samples from 42 dairies in Idaho showed that nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) in wastewater lagoons vary greatly between farms and from year to year. So manure should be tested as close...
Mitigating High-Phosphorus Soils
According to Idaho law, livestock operators must make sure their operations are not dumping excess phosphorus into the soil, which could then contaminate surface water or groundwater. This...
Monitoring Soil Nutrients Using a Management Unit Approach
This publication focuses on how to design a soil nutrient monitoring strategy using management units or zones for soil testing and nutrient application. The management unit approach is designed to...
Nitrogen Management for Hard Wheat Protein Enhancement
With a focus on irrigated wheat in the Pacific Northwest, this bulletin discusses the many factors that govern wheat protein. It draws from regional research that addresses the nitrogen management...
Nitrogen Management in Field Crops with Reference Strips and Crop Sensors
Learn how crop sensors and reference strips work and how to use them to fine-tune nitrogen (N) fertilizer applications to cut costs and increase revenues and yields. The techniques can be used in...
Nitrogen Management in Field Crops with Reference Strips and Crop Sensors
Learn how crop sensors and reference strips work and how to use them to fine-tune nitrogen (N) fertilizer applications to cut costs and increase revenues and yields. The techniques can be used in...
Nitrogen Uptake and Utilization by Pacific Northwest Field Crops
This publication is geared to promoting an understanding of the timing and pattern of biomass accumulation and nitrogen (N) uptake for crops in the Pacific Northwest. Proper use of N-based...
North Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Alfalfa
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this three-page publication offers fertilizer guidelines for lime and nitrogen,...
Northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Blueberries, Raspberries, and Strawberries
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this four-page publication offers fertilizer guidelines for lime and nitrogen, phosphorus,...
Northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Bluegrass Seed
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this four-page publication offers fertilizer guidelines for nitrogen, phosphorus,...
Northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Grass Pastures
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this three-page publication offers fertilizer guidelines for established grass pastures...
Northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Grass Seedings for Conservation Programs
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this three-page publication offers fertilizer guidelines for lime and nitrogen,...
Northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Legume and Legume-Grass Pastures
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this three-page publication offers fertilizer guidelines for established nonirrigated...
Northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Lentils
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this four-page publication offers fertilizer guidelines for nitrogen, phosphorus,...
Northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Oats
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this four-page publication offers fertilizer guidelines for nitrogen, phosphorus,...
Northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Soft White Spring Wheat
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this four-page publication offers fertilizer guidelines for nitrogen, phosphorus,...
Northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Spring Barley
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this four-page publication offers fertilizer guidelines for nitrogen, phosphorus,...
Northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Spring Canola
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this four-page publication offers fertilizer guidelines for nitrogen, phosphorus,...
Northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Spring Peas
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this four-page publication offers fertilizer guidelines for nitrogen, phosphorus,...
Northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Winter Barley
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this four-page publication offers fertilizer guidelines for nitrogen, phosphorus,...
Northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Winter Rapeseed
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this four-page publication offers research-based fertilizer guidelines for nitrogen,...
Northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Winter Wheat
Fertilizer improves plant growth and productivity. An entry in the northern Idaho Fertilizer Guide series, this four-page publication offers fertilizer guidelines for nitrogen, phosphorus,...
Nutrient Management for Field Corn Silage and Grain
Adequate nutrition is essential if productive new corn hybrids are to realize their full yield potential. This publication provides fertilizer guidelines based on university research and a special...
Nutrient Management Guidelines for Russet Burbank Potatoes
Efficient potato nutrient management systems are designed to ensure that all essential plant nutrients are available in appropriate amounts and at the most beneficial time to provide for optimal...
Nutrient Management in Idaho Grape Production
This publication answers common questions posed by Idaho vine grape growers regarding soils and nutrients. Authors: Mir-M. Seyedbagheri, Tony McCammon, Esmaeil Fallahi 5 pages
Optimum Nitrogen Rates for Wheat Depend on the Environment and Field-Specific Conditions
Nitrogen is vital for crops — it is an essential nutrient whose efficient absorption makes high crop yields possible. Despite significant developments in wheat breeding and nutrient management,...
Pasture Principles for Smaller Acreages
Ranchettes and small farms are cropping up in rural landscapes across Idaho, spurring demand for information on pasture management. This updated publication addresses the most common concerns...
This publication summarizes research on the chemistry and movement of agricultural phosphorus in southern Idaho, where calcareous soils and a large supply of dairy manure create a unique situation...
Potential of Silicon Amendment for Improved Wheat Production
Balanced mineral nutrition is essential to grow wheat successfully. Silicon (which helps to form silicate minerals) is the second most plentiful element on Earth, but its effect on plant growth and...
This two-page fact sheet offers recommendations for growing dry beans in southern Idaho, with pointers on soil sampling and testing, fertilization, irrigation and insect, weed and disease control.
Sampling Dairy Manure and Compost for Nutrient Analysis
Testing the nutrient content of dairy manure or compost reveals nutrient value and determines the application rate, but it must be done correctly. This six-page guide shows you how to conduct a...
Saving Energy and Fertilizer Costs: Best Management Practices for Southern Idaho Grain Producers
Rising energy costs mean harder choices for grain growers with each passing season. This publication describes the ways southern Idaho grain producers can streamline production practices to gain...
Should Producers Test Solid Dairy Manure and Dairy Manure Compost Before Land Application?
Idaho's dairy industry generates substantial amounts of manure each year. Consequently, the state is a prolific producer of natural and nutrient-rich fertilizer. University of Idaho researchers...
Soil and the Environment: A Land and Homesite Evaluation Handbook and Training Guide
$4 Land and homesite evaluation allows individuals to make wise soil and land management decisions as well as conserve Idaho's most valuable natural resource: soil. The official guide for...
Soil Testing to Guide Fertilizer Management
Regularly testing your soil will allow you to accurately spot problem areas and thus provide sustainable soil nutrient management. This updated version of a 1997 bulletin provides the basic...
Soil-Testing Procedures for Southern Idaho Soils
Crops require seventeen nutrients to thrive. To make sure your soil is providing them, soil sampling and testing are critical. This bulletin provides a brief overview of both by discussing how...
Southern Idaho Dryland Winter Wheat Production Guide
Wheat is an important crop throughout Idaho, especially in the dryland cropping areas of southern Idaho. However, the region's rolling landscape with high-wind and water-erosion potential plus low...
Spring Barley Quick Facts (2015 Southern Idaho)
This two-page fact sheet offers recommendations for growing spring barley in southern Idaho, with pointers or information on growth stages and development, rotation and seeding, irrigation,...
Straw Removal Calculator Guide
Straw removal has become a widespread practice in dryland wheat production in the inland Pacific Northwest. Although straw harvest may provide short-run economic benefits, it also can incur hidden...
Understanding Factors Controlling Ammonia Volatilization from Fertilizer Nitrogen Applications
Nitrogen is the soil nutrient needed in the largest quantity by plants. Because most plants cannot make or "fix" nitrogen on their own, it must be applied as fertilizer, most often in the forms of...
Worksheet for Calculating Biosolids Application Rates in Agriculture
Biosolids are a byproduct of municipal wastewater treatment. Raw sewage solids must be processed to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards before they can be called biosolids. This...