Mercer County OSU Extension Encourages Field Scouting, Harvest Safety and Fall Lawn Care

CELINA — Mercer County OSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Ryan McMichael is encouraging farmers, drivers and homeowners to prepare for the changing season.

McMichael discussed crop conditions, harvest safety, lawn care, garden cover crops and soil testing during an appearance Thursday on WCSM’s Spectrum.

Some area cornfields are showing tip dieback, where kernels near the end of an ear fail to develop. McMichael said the condition can be caused by several factors, including pollination problems, fertilizer issues or heat stress shortly after pollination.

He said there is little producers can do about the problem this late in the growing season, but scouting can help them better understand what to expect when harvest begins.

Soybean fields are also showing the effects of heavy rain and flooding. McMichael said producers should watch for crop diseases and contact the extension office if they find suspicious symptoms.

Waterhemp is another concern. Female waterhemp plants can produce as many as one million seeds and are resistant to several herbicides. McMichael said plants found now should not be allowed to produce seed because that can create a larger problem next year.

With silage chopping underway and harvest approaching, more farm machinery will be traveling area roads. McMichael encouraged drivers to allow extra time, watch for slow moving vehicle signs and wait until it is safe before passing equipment.

He also reminded farmers to use safety guards, remain alert around moving equipment and avoid rushing when weather or other conditions create pressure to finish a job.

September is also a good time to establish or repair lawns. McMichael said the ideal window for planting turf grass in the region generally runs from August 15 through September 15 because temperatures are beginning to decline and rainfall is normally more favorable.

Homeowners preparing an area for new grass should loosen the soil approximately four to six inches, consider adding quality topsoil or compost and use a quality turf grass seed. Fall is also a good time to control certain perennial weeds.

Mercer County residents may obtain free cover crop seed for vegetable gardens through the OSU Extension office. Seed is available for gardens measuring up to 4,000 square feet through October 15 or while supplies last.

The mixture includes cereal rye, oats and radishes. Cover crops can retain nutrients, suppress weeds, reduce soil compaction and add organic matter. Residents should know the size of their garden when picking up seed and will receive information about planting and terminating the cover crop next spring.

Discounted soil testing is also available for Mercer County lawns and gardens through a partnership involving OSU Extension, the Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Lake Improvement Association.

The tests cost $5 and can help residents determine soil pH and nutrient levels. McMichael recommends testing garden soil approximately every three to four years.

Additional information and assistance are available through the Mercer County OSU Extension office.