Agrotips for January 2009

New Year’s Resolution: Please elect NOT to receive agronomic reports in the mail!
Resolve to be green this year! Be sure to check the box located in the center of the sample information form to indicate that you do not need to receive a paper copy of your report in the mail. If your particular form does not have a check box, write a note in the margin.
Most everyone has a computer these days and can easily visit www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/ to retrieve their soil-test and other agronomic reports as well as helpful explanatory materials. Please help the Agronomic Division reduce its printing and mailing costs!

Scout wheat early and plan to tissue test
Wheat producers need to count tillers in January and follow up with tissue sampling in late February or March. This approach is the best way to optimize fertilizer purchases and application at a time when prices are critically high. At the beginning of green-up in January, 50 to 70 tillers per square foot is optimum. If the count is lower, apply half the spring topdress nitrogen right away. This application will help the crop continue to produce tillers on warm days without excessive growth.
Tissue test in February or March (at Feekes growth stage 5 or Zadoks GS 30) to find out if more nitrogen is needed. Contact your regional agronomist if you need additional guidance on how to count tillers or identify the appropriate growth stage.

For more, contact or visit the NCDA&CS Agronomic Division:
Physical Address—4300 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh NC 27607-6465; Mailing Address—1040 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1040; Phone—(919) 733-2655
Web site—www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/