Got Manure for Fertilizer? Have it Tested!

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Manure Happens.

Make the Best of It.

Properly using manure as a fertilizer can be both economically and environmentally beneficial.  However, nutrients in manure vary widely, and therefore it is important to have your manure tested before application.

Testing allows for accuracy in nutrient management specific to your crop needs and it minimizes water contamination caused by nutrient run-off or leaching.

To have manure tested, gather samples and bring them to the Carroll County Cooperative Extension Office.  Before samples are sent off, you will need to fill out some paperwork, similar to that of a soil sample.  The cost is $25 per sample.

Once the completed paperwork and samples are in hand at the Extension Office, we ship the samples to the University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture's Division of Regulatory Service Soil Test Laboratory.

Renovating with Annual and Perennial Ryegrass

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Ryegrass (University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture)

Many areas in pastures are susceptible to severe damage between late fall and early spring.  High traffic areas such as feeding areas, sacrifice lots, alleyways, gateways and waterers are often bare and muddy this time of year.

To slow and reduce soil erosion, compaction, forage damage, and wee problems, these areas need to be renovated promptly.  It is also beneficial for animal health to reduce muddy areas.

Both annual (Italian) and perennial reygrass are good options when renovating these areas.

Get Prepared to Prune

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

As spring approaches, many homeowners begin to think about their yard's landscape.  To ensure healthy spring plants, now is the time to start thinking about pruning the trees and shrubs around the home.  However, do not just prune for the sake of pruning, make sure you have a valid reason for pruning before you begin.

The winter months can be damaging to trees and shrubs.  Pruning during the late winter months allows for the removal of damage caused by winter winds and precipitation.  The wounds caused by pruning heal most quickly this time of year just as new growth is emerging on the plant.

Pruning also allows removal of diseased, crowded, or hazardous branches.  When pruning trees, the size of the tree does not need to be reduced too much in one season.  Limit the pruning amount to one-fourth of the tree's volume.  Start by thinning out branches by cutting them off close to the tree's trunk or a large limb.

Conservation District Announces 2013 State Cost Share Program

  
The Carroll County Conservation District is now accepting Kentucky Soil Erosion and Water Quality Cost Share Applications on a continuous basis.  This continual sign-up is designed to make the program more "landowner friendly" and help address the needs of a landowner at any time during the year.  As landowners plan conservation projects with the assistance of their local conservation district, they will be able to apply for financial assistance for those projects without having to wait for a designated sign-up period.

Thousands of Kentucky landowners have received state assistance through the Kentucky Soil Erosion and Water Quality Cost Share program.  Known informally as state cost share, the program was created in 1994 and helps landowners implement best management practices to protect soil and water resources on their property.  Since the program's inception, more than $129 million has been approved for use in implementing best management practices through more than 15,000 submitted applications.  This money has assisted landowners in all of Kentucky's 120 counties.