Information For Farmers
Helpful Links and Publications:
- Manure Management
https://extension.psu.edu/programs/nutrient-management/manure/overview-of-deps-manure-management-manual/the-basics-of-manure-management-requirements
- A Nutrient Management Approach for PA: Introduction to the Concepts click here
- USGS page click here
- TCCD Project Application click here
Conservation District Programs:
Want to Optimize Your Corn Yields, Save $$, and Protect Water Quality?
A Chlorophyll Meter can Help!
What is a Chlorophyll Meter?
A chlorophyll meter is a portable, hand-held device that instantaneously measures the chlorophyll content or greenness of a plant. Nitrogen is closely related with leaf chlorophyll; therefore, the readings of corn leaves reveal the nitrogen status of the plant. Early season chlorophyll meter testing consists of taking meter readings of corn leaves when plants are 30-45 days after emergence (6th-8th leaf stage). Meter readings are then compared to readings taken from a high nitrogen reference plot that has been adequately fertilized with nitrogen. The results are the recommended nitrogen levels for the corn.
Soil and Manure Tests
If you grow crops for profit, then soil testing is a great way to increase your yields and save on input costs. Soil testing can identify acidic fields where low pH is limiting the availability of essential nutrients- causing many crops not to grow to their full potential. Testing your soil can also identify fields that have deficient nutrient levels, as well as fields where fertilizer is being over-applied and wasted. Applying the right amount of fertilizer, based on field needs, can save money, optimize growth, and prevent runoff and leaching of pollutants to streams and groundwater.
Soil and manure testing are also required as part of the development of a nutrient management plan. Soil tests must be taken on each field every 3 years, and manure analysis tests must be done every year until and average nutrient content for the animal group has been collected. The cost of a soil test sent to Penn State Agricultural Analytical Services Lab (AASL) is $9. The cost of a basic manure analysis is $32.
For more information, contact Andrea Boyce at 724-1801 x 1301, email (aboyce@tiogacountypa.us), or stop by the Conservation District office.