August 17, 2022 Issue, Page 4 of 8

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4- The Elk City News ° Agriculture 1 August 17 2022 Test nitrate levels before feeding failed crops “Look at the chemical label stressed and receive rain, wait to make sure there isn’t a graz-five to seven days before graz~ ing or haying restriction for ing or cutting for hay,” he said. what you had applied,” Rocate- lisaid. “Then sample (the crop) “After rain, the nitrate concen- and send it to analysis for ni- tration will spike before the trate concentrations. County plant metabolizes it.” educators can help sample the Other methods of feeding crop properly, analyze it and interpret the results.” failed crops to animals include Rocateli said farmers can green chop, silage and bal- graze corn but should not turn ing the field for hay. Rocateli hungry cattle onto drought- discusses these options on stressed corn stalks that may contain nitrates. Feed cattle SUNUPTY, OSU Agriculture's good quality hay before intro- weekly television show. ducing them to the crop but do OSU Extension uses re- not overgraze the field. search-based information to When the corn is grazed help all Oklahomans solve lo- down to a height of 15 inch- es, remove the cattle from the cal issues and concerns, pro- field. Rocateli said most of the mote leadership and manage plant's toxicity is present in resources wisely throughout the lower stalk, and the last the state's 77 counties. Most 12 to 15 inches should not be consumed by livestock. information is available at lit- “If the plants are drought tle to no cost. Landscaping tips to conserve water In drought-stricken areas of the state, late summer crops, such as corn, will not be harvested but can instead be re- purposed if nitrate levels are not toxic, (Photo by Todd Johnson, OSU Agricultural Communications Services) By Trisha Gedon By Gail Ellis due to extreme summer heat to livestock, producers should said crops intended for grain STILLWATER. - While it does help to have a green thumb, and drought. For crops like first test for nitrate toxicity in production may have been fer- keeping a landscape irrigated is key in successful gardening. STILLWATER - The har- corn that are not harvested for crops, such as corn, sorghum tilized more, stimulating the ‘The amount and frequency that gardeners water can make a vest of fall crops will not go grain, repurposing the plants or sudan. Alex Rocateli, Okla- plant to absorb more nitrates. big difference in plant health. These factors also have an im- according to plan this season as forage might be an option. homa State University Exten- Herbicides and _ pesticides pact on the pocketbook. for some Oklahoma producers When feeding a failed field sion forage systems specialist, might also have been applied. Oklahoma is experiencing extreme summer temperatures this year, which can lead gardeners to turn on those outside spigots more often, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State Uni- Keep an eye out for algae overgrowth versity Extension consumer horticulturist. “Some parts of Oklahoma received a fair amount of rain early in the season, but we're still facing serious drought con- ditions across much of the state as we head into the second in ponds this summer half of the summer. Couple that with record-high tempera- tures, gardeners need to be aware of water usage and con- servation this gardening season,” Hillock said. “Some cities implement water conservation measures to conserve water during the hot summer months, so proper, efficient watering is important.” When the temperature is high and the humidity is low, plants need plenty of water. It’s healthier for plants to be wa- tered deeply, but infrequently. Generally, 1 inch of water per week is recommended, preferably in one application, but that isn’t always achievable because the soil does not absorb the water as fast as it is being distributed. Hillock said to avoid runoff, watering may need to be done in stages. Irrigate to the point of puddling, then turn the wa- ter off and let it soak in for several hours. Then try to put the rest of the water on later that day or the next day. In this heat, and depending on the soil type, gardeners may have to apply 2 to 3 inches per week. oun ae sbi attaiat iba ST = “allowing the water to soak into the ground and letting the Algae is a normal part of ponds, but too much algae can be a bad thing. Marley Beem, Oklahoma State University Ex- soil dry out a little between watering forces plants to produce tension aquaculture specialist, has tips on how to prevent algae overgrowth. (Photo by Todd Johnson, OSU Agricultural strong, deep roots. Just because the top of the soil feels dry Communications Services) doesn’t mean the plants are ready for a drink, but it will de- pend on your soil type so be sure to occasionally check deeper By Alisa Boswell-Gore provides good long-term results. The most effective method for in the soil,” he said. “Slight wilting of plants can be an indica- reducing the growth of algae is to starve it of nutrients and tor that they need more water, but it can also be an indicator STILLWATER, - Most Oklahoma ponds are green thanks to light. Algae rapidly repopulates when nutrient and light levels of too much water, so occasionally check the soil several inch- algae that forms on the water, but just like anything else, too are high. es deep before applying more water, especially if the plant much algae can be a bad thing. To reduce nutrient runoff to a pond, homeowners and com- does not perk up after watering” Algae is a normal occurrence in ponds unless it becomes too mercial lawn care professionals should stop using fertilizers that Mornings are the best time to irrigate because the tem- thick. That's when pond owners are in danger of the most com- contain phosphorous or apply only the amount of phosphorous peratures are cooler and the winds are lighter so there is less mon fish kill scenario — algal die off. As millions of dead algal and nitrogen needed. Soil tests available at county Extension of- loss through evaporation or being blown away. Watering in cells decompose, dissolved oxygen is rapidly used up, causing fices tell homeowners the amount of fertilizer required to meet the mornings prepares plants to get through the hot day. fish to suffocate. the needs of a lawn. To prevent this situation, Marley Beem, Oklahoma State Uni- Beem said pond owners shouldn't worry too much about al- Mulch is a great addition to a garden, It also can be used versity Extension aquaculture specialist, advises pond owners to gae because a healthy population of it is essential in a pond to in containers. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture, whether watch for algal abundance. produce oxygen for fish. People should keep an eye out for their gardeners are hand watering or the plants are getting natu- “The simplest way to do this is to use a submerged object, pond algae growing thicker. ral moisture through rain. Mulch also helps prevent erosion something that you can put down into the water that is light “If you see this happening, don’t delay,” he said. “Work with and controls weeds, It’s available in several forms and colors, colored,” he said. your county Extension office immediately to come up with steps which will add visual interest to the landscape. On a sunny day, Beem said a submerged object will disappear to take to correct the problem.” “Gardeners who have an irrigation system will benefit from from view whenit has sunk less than 18 inches down in water. For more information on pond management, visit OSU Fact installing a rain sensor. A rain sensor turns off the irrigation “If the object disappears from view in less than 12 inches, that Sheets. system during and immediately following a rain event,” Hill- is a big warning that fish kill is possible because the algal bloom OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklaho- ock said. “This helps cut down on water usage, which affects is getting too thick,” he said. mans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage your wallet. Also, make sure the sprinkler heads only water ‘The first reaction of most pond owners with an algae problem resources wisely throughout the state's 77 counties. Most information vegetation. There’s no need to water the sidewalk or drive- is to use an herbicide to kill the algae, Beem said, but this seldom is available at little to no cost. way.” Avoid heavy pruning in the summertime as it stimulates growth, and the plants will require more water. Keep in mind Have photos to share from a event? mature plants and trees require less water because they al- ready have a deep root system. “Gardening can be challenging under the best circumstanc- es, but especially during drought conditions,” Hillock said. “Proper watering will help keep your landscape healthy and Send them to [email protected] for a conserve water at the same time.” OSU Extension offers more gardening and lawn care infor- mation online. chance to be featured in an upcoming edition! OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote lead- ership and manage resources wisely throughout the state’s ‘77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.