Chute N The Bull

Vegetable gardening offers fresh air, sunshine, exercise, enjoyment, mental therapy, nutritious fresh vegetables, and economic savings, as well as many other benefits. Vegetables can be grown year-round in parts of Texas if attention is paid to the appropriate planting dates. While this guide provides recommendations primarily for home gardens, the information may be useful in other situations, such as container, community, and market gardens.


Locate a site. For convenience locate the garden near the house, on a well drained site, close to a source of water, and in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. With proper care, vegetables may also be included in the landscape among ornamental plants. Coastal sites are also suitable. Where possible, rotate the garden from place to place to help control soil diseases and other pests.

Plan the layout. Before planting, draw a garden plan that includes the name, location and planting date(s) of the vegetables you want to grow. Use the Planting Guide and the list of suggested varietiey to develop your plan. Make a list of supplies and order or purchase seeds early if you intend to grow your own transplants. The Planting Guide lists which vegetable seedlings transplant easily and which do not. Vegetables that are difficult to transplant should be seeded directly into the garden or started in containers first.

Prepare the soil. Gardeners often plant on whatever soil type is available, but it is usually worthwhile to improve the garden plot with additions of organic matter (see below). Spade or plow the plot at least three weeks before planting. At planting time, rework the soil into a smooth, firm surface.

Apply organic matter. Most Texas soils benefit from the addition of organic matter, such as animal manure, rotted leaves, compost, commercial soil mixes and cover crops. Thoroughly mix liberal amounts of (un-composted) organics in the soil well in advance of planting, preferably at least a month before seeding. If you do not plan to use inorganic fertilizer, spread 25 - 100 pounds of compost or composted animal manure per 100 square feet. Composted organics may be applied at planting time. However, un-composted manures should be worked into the soil 90-120 days before planting. Due to inconsistent levels of nutrients in compost, accompanying applications of inorganic or organic fertilizer may be beneficial. To avoid plant stunting, organic amendments low in nitrogen (such as composted yard debris) must be accompanied by fertilizer. See EDIS Publications.

Consider cover crops. Green manure is fresh plant material turned into the soil. Planting and plowing in green-manure crops during the off-season is beneficial. The following cover crops are recommended: cowpea, velvet bean, soybean, and sunflower in summer and cereal rye, crimson clover, and Austrian winter pea in winter.

Adjust Soil pH. Soil pH is important because it governs how available nutrients are to plants. The best pH range for vegetable gardens on sandy soil is between pH 5.8 and 6.3. If your soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.0, no adjustment in pH needs to be made.

If your soil pH is below 5.5, apply lime at a rate recommended by a reliable soil testing facility. Two to three pounds of finely ground dolomitic limestone per 100 square feet will usually raise the pH one point. Caution: Application of lime when it is not needed may cause plant nutritional problems. Lime is best applied two to three months before the garden is to be planted. However, lime may be applied as late as one or two weeks before planting. Make sure the lime is thoroughly mixed into the soil to a depth of 6 - 8 inches and then water the soil to promote the chemical reaction.

If your soil pH is naturally above 7.0 (alkaline), where limestone, marl, or shells are present, there is no practical way of permanently lowering soil pH. Additions of acidic organic matter will help, but only temporarily. Use a fertilizer that contains micronutrients. If the high pH is the result of previous over-liming, application of granular sulfur (1 lb/100 sq ft) will lower soil pH. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating









Thank you,

Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax

Chute N The Bull 9-25-09

While fall armyworms feed around the clock, true armyworms feed primarily at night and will not be found farther up on plants during the day.


Hordes of fall armyworms and true armyworms have invaded several Central Texas counties, and the assault will likely continue.

This increase has caused problems for many area producers as there has been an associated increase in the destruction of green grass crops in the area. In areas of Freestone, Leon and Madison counties, pastures and hayfields have been completely stripped. And the affected area is probably more extensive and will continue to expand.

Extension agents in these and nearby counties have been asked to alert producers to be on the lookout for possible armyworm infestations.

We're trying to get producers in the region to scout their pastures, hayfields and early-planted grains for armyworms because any green grass crop may be at risk.

In spite of their names, fall armyworms and true armyworms are not worms but the "immatures" or caterpillars of moths.

Fall armyworms feed around the clock, true armyworms feed primarily at night and will not be found farther up on plants during the day.

Producers should look for armyworms down in the crowns of plants and under debris on the soil surface.

The acceptable quantity "threshold" for fall armyworms is three larvae ? inch long or longer per square foot. For true armyworms, the threshold is three larvae ? inch long or longer per foot of drill or four per square foot.

The easiest way to distinguish between the two species is that the fall armyworm has an inverted, cream-colored "Y" shape which contrasts with its dark brown head capsule.

The true armyworm doesn't have this feature, and the head capsule is a lighter brown.

It's more than likely a fall armyworm if feeding during the daytime. There are different ways to manage these two species. If a producer has armyworms in a hayfield, it may be possible to mow and let it dry down. And if there's livestock, the producer can run those animals in the affected area to eat the grass before the armyworms get to it. But these methods require close monitoring to ensure any surviving larvae don't prevent grass regrowth. Chemical control can be effective and recommended that producers use an insecticide licensed for use on true armyworms and fall armyworms.

While some insect control can be achieved by non-chemical means, pesticides provide a more effective and broader control of these pests. However, it is a good idea for producers to determine the extent of infestation and compare that with the cost of treatment to help determine which way to go. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating









Thank you,

Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax

Chute N the Bull

Antlers. For some folks-they are the stuff that dreams are made of. To
many hunters, harvesting a large antlered buck represents the ultimate
accomplishment. However, many people hunt their entire lives without
getting the opportunity to realize this goal. Why is this so? To answer
this question, let's look at what it takes for a deer to grow a set of
large antlers.

Three things contribute to antler size – nutrition, genetics, and age.
Nutrition is certainly a key ingredient. Adequate year-round nutrition
is necessary for a deer to reach its antler producing potential. Spring
and summer nutrition are especially important because most antler
development actually takes place April-September. Poor forage conditions
during this period can take its toll on antler growth. Sound habitat
management and deer population management can facilitate good
nutritional conditions.

Another piece of the antler size puzzle is "genetics." It has been
demonstrated that antler size is a heritable trait. The degree to which
this information can be used in a deer management program is largely
case specific. It is my opinion that very few deer management programs
are at a point where "culling" inferior antlered deer is beneficial – or
in fact, possible.

To be able to manipulate the gene pool in a deer herd, one would have to
define "inferior deer" (experts are still not in total agreement on this
term), be able to identify an inferior deer in the field (a difficult
task at best), and be able to remove "inferior" animals from the herd in
sufficient numbers so as to impart a change on the gene flow in the
herd. These requirements make true genetic manipulations on free-ranging
deer herds very difficult.

The third piece of the puzzle is "age". In our area, this is probably
the most limiting factor relative to antler size. Most bucks harvested
in Oklahoma are less than 2.5 years of age. The same is true in many
parts of Texas. Research on penned deer has shown that maximum antler
size is attained anywhere from 4.5 to 6.5 years of age. That is a far
cry from 2.5 years of age. An additional 1-2 years of age can make a
tremendous difference in antler size. The obvious way to address the age
factor is to allow younger age class bucks to reach the older age
classes.

In other words, let the young bucks walk and harvest only the more
mature bucks. Take up the venison slack by harvesting some does. If you
are worried about the neighbors getting the bucks you pass up, try to
persuade them to adopt similar guidelines. The bottom line is – even if
you have the best deer food available and good antler related genetics –
a 2.5 year old buck is still going to have suboptimal antlers. You can
find this and past articles on the web at http://www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com/ for your reference. Extension
programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race,
color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M
University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County
Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless
of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or
national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating


Thank you,

Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax

Chute N The Bull 9/11/09

Nitrogen (N) is the most important plant nutrient, and, when deficient, it significantly reduces productivity. Primarily, nitrogen improves plant efficiency, resulting in increased forage nutritive value and reduced fiber content. However, the overall effect is dependent upon environmental conditions like soil moisture and application schedule. Application of N once plants have established sufficient root systems is meant to improve N capture and prevent leaching. In environments experiencing high precipitation, there is a theory that N use efficiency may be improved through a split N application schedule. The hypothesis is that the first N application increases shoot growth and proliferation of roots with minimum N loss, while a second application at the peak of vegetative growth enables the plant to optimize nutrient uptake, growth and harvest index.


In bermudagrass grown for hay and expected to yield multiple cuts, a single N application results in improved growth, increased biomass and better first harvest forage quality. With the single application strategy, both the yield and quality of subsequent harvests may be compromised if soil N is depleted prior to regrowth. In high precipitation areas, because the potential exists for significant N loss, split application strategies may be a viable alternative for increasing forage quality. However, research conducted by the Noble Foundation in south-central Oklahoma revealed that this assumption may not always be correct.

Nitrogen fertilizer applied in a single dose in spring gave better quality forage in spring and summer compared to split applications that included a summer treatment. In semi-arid environments like south-central Oklahoma, the relatively wet spring allows the plant to take up sufficient N and increase vegetative growth, crude protein and total digestible nutrients. After spring harvest, underground plant tissues seem to contain substantial amounts of N and N -containing compounds that are utilized for summer regrowth. However, under split N application, the spring-applied N seems to be used for spring vegetative growth, leaving very little available for underground tissue storage. The second N application expected to increase summer forage quality may not be readily accessible to the plant because of stress related to summer environmental conditions. The low response to the second application of N is most likely related to plant stress caused by the region's hot and dry summers. This lack of sufficient moisture exacerbates stress in the plants resulting in low N absorption and decreased forage yield and quality.

Therefore, if south-central Oklahoma maintains its historical moisture accumulation levels, it is preferable to apply all necessary N in the spring. This will allow the plant to capture and absorb N under the relatively good spring conditions. The absorbed N incorporated into the underground tissue in spring becomes available to the plant to sustain growth throughout the summer. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating





Thank you,

Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax

Chute N The Bull 9-4-09

Grasslands are complex environments comprised of many different kinds of living organisms affected by abiotic factors such as weather. There are few things that are black and white in such complex ecosystems, but there may be some self-evident "truths." If you haven't considered them in your grazing operation, perhaps you should.


Rotational grazing

Grazing systems developed over the past 100 years attempt to optimize the productivity of pastures while at the same time produce a useable or saleable product. What most rotational grazing systems try to do is mimic the defoliation patterns under which grasslands were thought to have evolved; severe defoliation of native flora by massive herds of native ungulates (hoofed animals such as bison) for a relatively short period of time. Did short-term overgrazing occur by bison? Of course it did.

The integrity of these grasslands was maintained because bison would not return to these heavily grazed areas for many months or years, giving the land adequate opportunity to recuperate. Short duration grazing, high intensity-low frequency grazing, management-intensive grazing and, recently, mob-grazing have all been introduced as the grazing system that best mimics the movements of the great bison herds of the past. Fences were not in place back then, but rotational grazing occurred by herd movements over time. Isn't it interesting that these massive herds were able to maintain their numbers despite no one being around to feed them hay all winter long?

Diversity of grazing species

Historically, the Southern Great Plains was a very diverse ecosystem with a mixture of grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees on the landscape. Bison preferred herbaceous vegetation; woody plants were not their forage of choice. Fortunately, there were other ungulates that did utilize woody plants as well as forbs. Pronghorn antelope, elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer were common on the Southern Great Plains prior to European settlement. Today, domestic cattle have taken the place of the bison, and many cattle producers spend huge amounts of money trying to kill plants that some animals (e.g., deer, domestic sheep and goats) use. Fencing is a challenge for sheep and goats, but money spent on weed and brush control would buy a lot of woven wire fence. Cattle didn't pay for five-strand barbed wire fences the first year they were up, either.

Fire

The impact of fire on the Great Plains cannot be overstated. In addition to grazing, plant communities evolved with fire during all months of the year. The resulting regrowth was preferred by grazing animals, and Native Americans would use this technique to attract the great bison herds. Fire on the Great Plains has been reduced significantly since European settlement, resulting in increasing woody vegetation such as Eastern Red-cedar. Not using prescribed fire can lead to loss of grassland, landscape heterogeneity and plant diversity, not to mention the cost of trying to control woody plants with chemicals. Fire is not a stand-alone tool. In conjunction with a targeted grazing system and a diversity of grazing animals, you may be able to use forbs and woody plants instead of fighting them. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating


Thank you,

Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax

Chute N The Bull 8-27-09

With an increase in the number of small acreage landowners, I am often contacted about potential profitable enterprises for small operations. 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. To get a better understanding, let's look at the questions that must be addressed prior to crop selection.


If the producer wants to maximize the potential profitability of his land, he may decide to plant horticultural crops. To determine the type of crops that can be planted, the soil type will be assessed. Fertility and internal drainage are the most important factors of soil type. To determine internal drainage, a simple perk test must be performed. To do a perk test, simply dig a hole 30 inches deep, fill it full of water and allow it to drain out. Refill and monitor length of drainage the second time. These results will tell you the available soil for crop growth. Available soil is the water level in inches that has been drained in a given time.

Next, take a soil sample to determine nutrient values and pH of the soil. This can become extremely important especially with the increase in the cost of fertilizer. For example, if a soil is low in phosphorus, it will require fertilization and this may not be economically justifiable.

Water quality and availability should then be addressed. A sample should be taken from the source to determine if the water quality is sufficient for irrigation. For a successful enterprise, irrigation is crucial. Without water, quality of crops and survivability of plants can become an issue. When analyzing water, sodium concentration is the most important factor in determining irrigation water quality.

Once water quality and quantity are established, the amount of time available for management of the enterprise and the maximum investment that can be put into the operation must be established. Crops require a great amount of intensive labor. If a producer does not have the time to spend working on his enterprise, labor must be contracted. Each crop will require a different amount of labor, so needs will be based upon final selection of crop type. The amount of investment will be great on most horticulture crops. Due to the number of plants that will be planted in an area and the upkeep required per plant, investment can quickly become substantial.

Now that our initial questions have been answered, it is time to determine the crop to be grown. The producer will now know which crops can be grown and their preference will be the deciding factor. If you are looking at a new site to potentially grow crops, I strongly encourage you to address all of these questions before purchasing the property. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating


Thank you,


Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax

Chute N The Bull 8/14/09

Succession is a relatively predictable process of change that occurs in plant communities and soils. It is an important concept when managing native plant communities for wildlife, livestock grazing, timber production or other goals. Plant communities are not static. They change in response to disturbances such as tillage, burning, mowing, grazing and herbicide treatments. Just as importantly, they change with the absence of disturbances (rest). Understanding these changes lets managers direct or allow change to facilitate their goals.
An example of succession is the progressive change that occurs in a fallow field when it is rested for a long period of time (see figure). Initially, bare tilled soil becomes dominated by annual forbs and grasses. With time, perennial grasses and forbs begin to dominate the site. With more time, especially in areas with more than 30 inches of rainfall, shrubs and small trees become common or abundant on the site. With additional time, many sites continue to evolve until they become forests. With even more time, especially in riparian* sites and higher rainfall areas, species composition of the forest continues to change until a climax plant community develops.
Disturbances generally move succession backward toward simpler, earlier stages. Rest generally moves succession forward toward more complex, later stages. More advanced stages of prairie succession usually provide more forage and support more cattle, but appropriate rest is necessary to maintain this productivity when prairie is grazed.
Plant species composition of the various stages depends upon previous plant communities on a site, soil type, rainfall, climate and disturbances that occur. People who pay attention to and study plant ecology in a particular region can learn to understand and predict the changes.
Following are some examples of managing succession to accomplish goals:
Rest can be used to develop additional woody cover for wildlife, livestock or a windbreak. It is usually easier, more successful, faster and less costly to allow natural succession to develop woody cover than by planting woody seedlings when a site has a tendency to grow woody plants. Sites with this tendency are ones that previously grew timber or brush at some point in their history or those where current managers have to control brush or woody sprouts to prevent woody plants from growing in open areas.
Periodic prescribed fire is commonly used to set back succession to prevent woody plants, especially eastern red cedar, from dominating open areas. Fire also tends to encourage the growth of herbaceous legumes during the growing season immediately following a fire. Several of these legumes are very desirable for wildlife and cattle.
Properly timed tillage or heavy grazing can be used to increase mourning dove food and attract mourning dove when plant species such as woolly croton or common sunflower are present or have grown on a site in the past.
There are many examples of understanding and allowing nature to accomplish desired goals. A range or wildlife consultant should be able to help you learn how to work with nature to accomplish your goals. Riparian sites are areas adjacent to streams or impoundments with distinct soils and plant communities that are influenced or created by occasional flooding or shallow ground water. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating


Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax