Ohio State University Extension will be conducting on-farm fertilizer trials to determine the best rates of fertilization on the state’s major crops. The goal is not only to maximize farm profitability but also to contribute to improved nutrient management and water quality in the state. We’re most interested in being able to provide solid information so farmers can make informed decisions based on what their crops need. The current Tri-State Fertility Recommendations are 20 years old; some things have changed in that time.
This project plans to gather data from hundreds of farms statewide over the next two to three years. Similar projects are being conducted in Indiana and Michigan. In Ohio, farmers will be paid up to $500 for participating, and crop consultants who join the effort will be paid $1,000-$1,500 for each trial they manage.
Organizers will gather data from corn, soybean, and wheat farms at planting, during the summer, and at harvest. There are eight combinations of fertilizer applications in the test. You can decide which type of nutrients will be tested on your crops — nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, or a combination.
While phosphorus has been linked with harmful algal blooms, too much nitrogen entering lakes and streams also causes serious environmental and human health issues. Sulfur, which is not used on a widespread basis as a fertilizer, is being included in the study because sulfur deposition into soils from the atmosphere has decreased substantially in recent years due to a shift from coal-based power. You can find details of this study at go.osu.edu/fert-trials. If you are interested in participating, please let me know.
Once again the Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association is offering a Scholarship for college students during Fall 2016. Interested students must complete an application, an essay, and participate in a personal interview. The application deadline is April 15; the interviews will be held the evening of April 21. One recipient will be designated.
A primary requirement of this scholarship is that the parents must be members of the Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association. This $250 scholarship will be presented after the first quarter/semester grades have been submitted; a 2.0 GPA is required. We have application forms here at the office and they are also available at http://www.shelbycountycattlemen.com/.
And, while you’re at the Shelby County Cattlemen’s site, check out the information on the Born in Shelby County Steer and Heifer Show to be held during the Shelby County Fair. Yes, that’s a ways off, but the way time flies, the entry deadline will be here before you know it!
There is a Gardeners’ Swap & Share on Monday, May 2, at the St. Marys Community Public Library in St. Marys. This 7 to 8:30 p.m. event is co-sponsored by the Heritage Trails Park District. This is your opportunity to swap or share potted seedlings and plant divisions with other gardeners and share your gardening stories. There will be a presentation on “Composting” by local gardener Ron Kremer and a craft for the kids offered by ArtsPlace. You don’t even have to take any items to swap/share; just go pick up some “freebies”!
Well, March was crazy-busy! I’d like to think April will be a bit slower. Yeah, Right! I just looked at my calendar … There are five-to-seven meetings/programs going on each week! Oh, well: Par for the course!
